JP2006069216A - Image forming apparatus management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent useless automatic report at the time of jamming trouble. <P>SOLUTION: At first, occurrence of jamming is checked (S201), and a "continuous jam counter" is cleared if jam does not occur (S207). If jam occurs, the "continuous jam counter" is up counted (S202) and a decision is made whether the count of the "continuous jam counter" matches a predetermined value or not (S203). Alarm report processing is carried out based on the above-mentioned procedure (S204) if they match each other, otherwise a decision is made whether the count of the "continuous jam counter" exceeds the predetermined value or not (S205). If the predetermined value is exceeded, the counter is reset to the predetermined value and returned and the alarm report processing is not carried out (S206). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  In the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer are connected to a management apparatus (central control apparatus) via communication means, and the image forming apparatus can be managed remotely by the management apparatus. About the system.

  Conventionally, as this type of image forming apparatus management system, those disclosed in JP-A-8-116399, JP-A-5-141526, or JP-A-8-331355 are known. Among them, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-11116399 discloses an invention in which an image forming apparatus on the user side and a communication control device are connected via a signal line, and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-141526 discloses a jam on the copier side. When a trouble occurs, a method has been proposed in which it is determined whether or not maintenance is required according to the occurrence state of a jam, and when this is necessary, the information is automatically reported to the management apparatus side. According to such a method, it is possible for the service person to visit as soon as possible in response to the notification and perform appropriate jam recovery. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-331355 proposes a method for reporting a work start report and a work end report from the image forming apparatus side to the management apparatus side when a serviceman performs work such as maintenance of the image forming apparatus. Has been.

  On the other hand, as a digital image forming apparatus having a copying function, a printer function, a FAX function, and the like becomes widespread, this digital image forming apparatus is used as an output device of a host computer, or a scanner used for a copying function is used as an input device. More and more systems are being used. As an advanced form of such a system, a digital image forming apparatus installed at an unspecified number of customers and a host computer (central control apparatus) installed at a sales or service base include a data communication apparatus and a communication line. Systems connected via the Internet have also been seen.

  In addition, the facsimile machine and the computer (central control unit) on the service station by the manufacturer's jurisdiction that provided the facsimile machine are connected by a communication line such as a dedicated line. There is also known an image forming apparatus management system such as a remote maintenance capable name facsimile apparatus management system in which setting contents and the like can be changed. The same applies to a copying machine or the like, not limited to a facsimile machine. According to such a management system, it is possible to cope with failure diagnosis, change in use, etc. in each image forming apparatus under manufacturer management.

  For example, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-276260, a communication terminal device (central control device or management device) installed in a remote place such as a diagnostic center is connected to a facsimile device, and a request from the communication terminal device side In this example, data such as operation parameters is transferred to the facsimile apparatus in response to the above, and data is written to or read from the internal memory of the facsimile apparatus. In this case, data writing or data reading is accompanied by designation of an absolute address of the internal memory for performing the processing.

  Further, as such an image forming apparatus management system, an image forming apparatus installed in an office of an unspecified number of users (customers) or the like (in this case, a copying apparatus assuming remote diagnosis is typical). That can be connected to a central control device (host machine-management device) installed at a sales or service base (company) using a communication line such as a data communication device and a public line. Generally known.

Such an image forming apparatus management system is
(1) Communication control from the central control device to the image forming device (2) Communication control from the image forming device to the central control device or the data communication device (3) Three types of control such as control unique to the data communication device are performed. By doing so, it is intended to handle services efficiently and quickly.

  However, as disclosed in JP-A-8-116399, in a system in which an image forming apparatus on the user side and a communication control apparatus are connected via a signal line, the user side if the signal line is not connected Naturally, communication between the image forming apparatus and the management apparatus becomes impossible, but there is a problem that the management service cannot be provided to the user when the unconnected connection cannot be found.

  In addition, in the conventional method disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-141526, when maintenance is required in the event of a jam trouble, the information is automatically notified to the management device side. However, there is a problem that automatic notification is performed and useless notification is performed.

  In addition, when a work start report and a work end report are reported from the image forming apparatus side to the management apparatus side as disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-331355, the image forming apparatus side automatically notifies the management apparatus side. There are several types of notifications to be made, such as automatic notification when a failure such as a jam occurs, or automatic notification when a supply of toner or the like is consumed. In this case, if a serious failure occurs during the work of the service person, the automatic report will not be made. However, for other automatic reports during the work of the service person, it is better to make an automatic report depending on the type. There is a report that should not be done.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus management system capable of preventing unnecessary automatic notification at the time of jam trouble.

  In order to achieve the object, the first means is an image forming apparatus management system in which one or more image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus are connected via a communication control apparatus and the management apparatus manages the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus detects that a jam has occurred, a means for detecting that image formation has been completed normally, and a preset number of sheets jammed in succession without completing one image formation. It is characterized by comprising means for notifying and means for prohibiting subsequent notification from the notification by the notifying means until normal image formation becomes possible.

  The second means is an image forming apparatus management system in which one or more image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus are connected via a communication control apparatus, and the management apparatus manages the image forming apparatus. Detecting means, means for detecting that image formation has been completed normally, means for notifying that a preset number of sheets have jammed in succession without completing image formation, and jam condition And a means for prohibiting notification by the notification means when the value counted by the counting means reaches a predetermined value.

  In this case, in the first and second means, a means for setting whether or not to operate the means for prohibiting the notification, and a state in which the means for prohibiting the notification by the setting means is operated from a state where it is not operated. In the case of setting to the above, it is preferable to further provide means for clearing the count-up of the means for counting.

  According to the present invention, since the automatic notification is prohibited when the number of jam occurrences is counted and reaches a predetermined value, it is possible to prevent useless automatic notification at the time of jam trouble.

  In addition, according to the present invention, the automatic notification is prohibited when the jam state time is counted and reaches a predetermined value, so that it is possible to prevent useless automatic notification at the time of jam trouble.

  Further, according to the present invention, the counter is cleared when it is set from the state in which the notification prohibition is not operated to the state in which the notification prohibition is operated. be able to.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

1. 1. First Embodiment 1.1 System Configuration In FIG. 1, one or a plurality of copiers (PPC) 100, printers (not shown), and the like are installed as image forming apparatuses at user sites US1 and US2. 100 etc. are connected to the communication control unit 200 installed for each user site US1, US2. Each communication control unit 200 is connected to the center management apparatus 300 via a public network 250. Here, the telephone 206a is connected to the communication control unit 200 at the user site U1 and the FAX 206b at the user site U2.

  For example, a maximum of five copying machines 100 can be connected to one communication control unit 200, and the communication control unit 200 and each copying machine 100 are multi-drop connected according to the RS-485 standard. In addition, communication control between the communication control unit 200 and each copying machine 100 is performed by a basic data transmission control procedure, and further, a centralized control polling / selecting method using the communication control unit 200 as a control station. By establishing a data link, communication with any copying machine 100 is possible. Each copying machine 100 can set a unique address by an address setting switch 1031 (see FIG. 4), and thereby a polling address / selecting address is set.

1.2 Outline of Copying Machine (Image Forming Apparatus) 1.2.1 Mechanical Configuration As an example, the copying machine 100 is an analog system that directly forms an electrostatic latent image of an original image read by a scanner on a photosensitive drum. It is configured. Around the photosensitive drum, various devices such as charging, developing, transferring, cleaning, and fixing necessary for the electrophotographic process are arranged, and a paper feeding mechanism is arranged. Since such a configuration is known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The operation panel of the copying machine 100 includes a timer key (not shown), a timer display, a program key, a program display, an enter key, a ten key, a guidance key, a guidance key display, a display panel and a guidance display as shown in detail in FIG. , Dimension scaling key, dimension scaling indicator, centering key, centering indicator, binding margin adjustment key, binding margin indicator, double-sided display, remote notification display and remote notification key according to the present invention are provided. . This operation panel also has a double-sided key, continuous page indicator, continuous page key, erase indicator, erase key, paper-specific scaling indicator, paper-specific scaling key, zoom scaling key, reduction key, and enlargement key. A key, an equal magnification key, a paper selection key, an automatic paper selection key, a density adjustment key, an automatic density key, a clear / stop key, a start key, an interrupt key, a preheat indicator, and a mode clear / preheat key are provided. In addition, since the function of these each part can be easily grasped | ascertained from each part name, detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

1.2.2 Electrical configuration (control configuration)
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the control unit of the copying machine. The copying machine 100 is controlled mainly by a CPU (central processing unit) 1001. A control program and data for the CPU 1001 are stored in advance in a ROM (Read Only Memory) 1002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 1003 is used for storing intermediate results and the like. The communication interface unit 1004 is used to transmit data of the copying machine 100 to the communication control apparatus 200 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and to receive control codes and control data from the communication control apparatus 200.

  The A / D converter 1005 is used for the lamp voltage of the scanner 101, the light emission voltage and light reception voltage of the P sensor for toner density control, the output of the sensor for detecting the potential on the photosensitive drum 102, and automatic density adjustment (ADS). The sensor output, the output of the lamp light quantity sensor, the output of the current sensor of the photosensitive drum 102, the output of various sensors 1006 such as the voltage by the thermistor of the fixing device 103, and the like are converted into digital signals. Note that when the fixing temperature is equal to or lower than a predetermined value due to the voltage generated by the thermistor of the fixing device 103, the copying operation is prohibited.

  The CPU 1001 captures each input from the operation unit 1010 such as each key of the operation panel as shown in FIG. 3, a human body detection sensor, and a DIP switch (SW) for remote communication enable / disable switching, and performs remote communication when the power is turned on. When the permission switch 1032 is on, remote communication control with the management apparatus 300 is performed, and when the switch 1032 is off, this remote communication control is not performed. The CPU 1001 also outputs a display control signal to each display on the operation panel as shown in FIG.

  The optical system control unit 1011 controls the exposure lamp 1012 of the scanner 101, and the high-voltage power supply unit 1013 includes a charging charger, a separation charger, a transfer charger, a PTC (pre-transfer charger), and the like necessary for the electrophotographic process shown in FIG. Power is supplied to a load 1014 such as a developing bias. The motor control unit 1015 controls the main motor 1016, and the heater control unit 1017 controls the heater 1018 of the fixing device 103. The sensor sensitivity unit 1021 is used for controlling each light receiving gain of the lamp light quantity sensor, ADS sensor, and P sensor 1022 and the light emission voltage of the P sensor.

1.3 Communication Control Device FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the communication control device 200. Similarly, the control of the communication control device 200 is performed with the CPU 201 as the center. The control program and data for the CPU 201 are stored in advance in the ROM 202, and the RAM 203 is backed up by a battery (BATT) 203a and used for storing intermediate results and the like. The apparatus 200 also includes a modem 204 for transmitting and receiving data via the switching unit 207 and the public line 250, and an RS-485 standard interface circuit 205 for transmitting and receiving data to and from each copying machine 100. In addition, a telephone set 206 can be connected to the switching unit 207. Further, a total counter value automatic call / call switch 208 and a clock 209 are provided.

  In such a configuration, the communication control apparatus 200 collects data of the copying machine 100 and transmits it to the management apparatus 300 of the center via the public line 250, and also transmits the control code and data from the management apparatus 300 to the copying machine 100. (FIG. 1). In addition, the power of the copier 100 is controlled to be turned on / off with respect to the AC power control unit 1013 of the copier 100, the plurality of copiers 100 are identified and remote communication arbitration is performed, and the switching device 207 is used as a management device. The communication with 300 or the telephone call 206 is switched.

1.4 Management Device As shown in detail in FIG. 4, the management device 300 transmits data between the host computer 301 that executes various processes, the external storage device 302 for storing management data, and the copier 100. A modem 303 for transmitting and receiving via the line 250, a display for display 304, a keyboard 305, a printer 306, and the like are included.

1.5 Communication Sequence Between Management Device, Communication Control Device, and Copier FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence at the time of remote notification using a remote notification key. The remote notification using the remote notification key will be described with reference to FIG. First, when a remote notification key provided in the operation unit of the copying machine 100 is pressed, “remote notification data using the remote notification key” is transmitted from the copying machine 100 to the communication control device 200, and the communication control device 200. When this is received, a call is made to the telephone number (public line network 250) of the management apparatus 300 set in advance in the apparatus 200. ". The management apparatus 300 is usually arranged at a service base or the like, and the data transmitted from the communication control apparatus 200 to the management apparatus 300 at this time is a plurality of types of data received from the copier 100 by the communication control apparatus 200. Only the types of data set in the apparatus 200 in advance. This setting is performed from the management apparatus 300 to the communication control apparatus 200 via the public network 250.

  When the communication control apparatus 200 completes the transmission of the data to the management apparatus 300, the communication control apparatus 200 transmits a communication result report indicating a communication result between the communication control apparatus 200 and the management apparatus 300 to the copying machine 100 that is the transmission source. . As a result, the transmission source copier 100 can know whether the communication has been completed normally or whether the communication has failed due to an abnormality.

  The copying machine 100 normally has a self-diagnosis function, and the copying machine 100 becomes in a dangerous state or an unusable state when an abnormality in the fixing temperature is detected, or when adjustment using an electronic volume at each adjustment point is impossible. In such a case, the user or service person can be notified by a method such as “error” or “service person call”. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence at the time of remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality. As shown in the figure, when the copying machine 100 detects an abnormality by such a self-diagnosis function, “remote notification data due to self-diagnosis abnormality” is transmitted from the copying machine 100 to the communication control device 200. Upon receiving this, the communication control device 200 similarly transmits “remote report data due to abnormality of self-diagnosis” to the management device 300, and transmits a communication result report to the copying machine 100 of the transmission source.

  Further, when the copying machine 100 determines that maintenance is preferable, such as when the self-diagnostic function has not reached an abnormal state but is very close to it, a prior warning is given. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence at the time of remote notification by a prior warning. As shown in FIG. 7, “remote notification data by a prior warning” is transmitted from the copying machine 100 to the communication control device 200, and communication control is performed. Upon receiving this, the device 200 similarly transmits “remote notification data by prior warning” to the management device 300. In this case, a communication result report is not transmitted to the copying machine 100 of the transmission source.

  Here, in the case of “remote report data due to abnormality in self-diagnosis”, the copier 100 is necessarily “unusable”, but in the case of “remote report data based on prior warning”, the copier Reference numeral 100 denotes an “usable state”, and even during communication, if a document is set and the start key is pressed, a copying operation is performed. However, if this copying process places a heavy burden on the controller of the copier 100, or if there is a possibility that the contents of the pre-warning included in the transmission data are changed by the copying operation and become inconsistent, the communication is interrupted. It may be.

  In addition, since the “remote report data based on prior warning” is less urgent than the “remote report data based on self-diagnosis abnormality”, the communication control device 200 that has received it does not immediately transmit to the management device 300, and the communication control device Transmission is performed at a time convenient for communication, such as a time zone in which the frequency of use of the telephone / FAX 206 connected to 200 is low, or a time zone in which the traffic amount of the public line 250 is low. This transmission time can be preset from the communication device 400 to the communication control device 200.

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence when the copier is accessed from the management apparatus of FIG. When accessing the copying machine 100 from the management apparatus 300, this process is roughly classified according to the purpose. The read request process shown in FIG. 8A, the write request process shown in FIG. 8B, and the process shown in FIG. There are three types of execute request processing shown in FIG. The read request process is a process of reading the logging data, various setting values, output values of various sensors, etc. in the copier 100, and the write request process is a process of sending rewrite data from the management apparatus 300 to the copier 100 and data of the copier 100. The execut request process is a process for causing the copying machine 100 to perform a test operation or the like.

  In either process, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the management apparatus 300 dials the communication control apparatus 200 to which the target copying machine 100 is connected and transmits the above request. The communication control apparatus 200 that has received the message transmits the above request to the target copying machine 100. Receiving this, the copier 100 processes the request content, and then transmits a response to the request to the communication control apparatus 200. The communication control device 200 transmits this response to the management device 300, thereby ending one processing unit.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence when the communication control apparatus is accessed from the management apparatus of FIG. When the management apparatus 300 accesses the communication control apparatus 200, this process is also roughly divided according to the purpose, and the read request process shown in FIG. 9A, the write request process shown in FIG. There are three types of execute request processing shown in 9 (c). The read request process is a process of reading setting parameters and status in the communication control apparatus 200 and a process of reading information in the copier 100 that has been read from the copier 100 by the communication control apparatus 200 in advance. The write request process is a process for sending parameters to the communication control apparatus 200 for rewriting, and the execute request process is a process for causing the communication control apparatus 200 to perform a test operation such as a function check.

  In either process, as shown in FIG. 9, the management apparatus 300 dials the communication control apparatus 200 to transmit the above request, and the communication control apparatus 200 that receives this request processes the request contents, and then requests the request. Is sent to the management apparatus 300, thereby completing one processing unit.

  FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence when accessing the copying machine from the communication control apparatus of FIG. When accessing the copier 100 from the communication control apparatus 200 regardless of the management apparatus 300, this process is only the read request process shown in FIG. 10, and a read request is sent from the communication control apparatus 200 to the copier 100. The information is transmitted and information in the copying machine 100 is read out. This information is further read by the management apparatus 300 in the read request process shown in FIG.

  As the parameters set in the communication control apparatus 200, as shown in the explanatory diagram showing the parameters set in the communication control apparatus in FIG. 11, the model number and the block number of each copier of the addresses “1” to “5” are set. The serial number is registered, and the communication control apparatus 200 adds this information at the time of notification from the copying machine 100 and transmits it to the management apparatus 300, or determines the copying machine 100 to be selected at the time of access from the management apparatus 300. Use. In addition, for each of the blocks “remote report by remote report key”, “remote report by self-diagnostic abnormality”, and “remote report by prior warning”, the telephone number of the destination, the number of redials, the redial interval time, the report to the management device 300 Information on whether or not information can be transmitted at the time is registered, and a notification time (hours and minutes) to the management apparatus 300 is further registered in the “remote notification by prior warning”.

  In addition, the “total counter value automatic communication processing” block stores the total copy number counter value collection time, report destination telephone number, and report date and time, and the “phone setting” block stores dial mode settings (pulse or Tone) and dial pulse interval settings are registered. Further, a checksum is added to each block of the above parameters, thereby detecting when a parameter value is rewritten or lost due to malfunction of the communication control device 200 or exhaustion of a backup battery. Can do. These parameters may be written by the management device 300 via the public line 250, or may be written by directly connecting a portable dedicated device for parameter setting to the communication control device 200. An operation unit is provided in the communication control device 200. May be written. The total counter is a counter that is normally configured so as not to be reset, and an integrated value counted from an initial value is indicated as a counter value.

1.6 Data Format for Access Between Management Device, Communication Control Device, and Copier FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format for remote notification. The data format for remote notification will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 12A, the remote notification data from the copying machine 100 to the communication control device 200 includes a notification reason code in the first field, the number of jams that follow, the number of self-diagnosis abnormal occurrences, the number of copies, It consists of each field of copier status. The report reason code in the first field indicates “remote report by remote report key”, “remote report by self-diagnosis abnormality” or “remote report by advance warning”, and “copier status” in the last field , Information on consumables such as toner, oil, and copy paper, output values of various sensors, set values of various adjustment points, unit connection states, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 12B, the remote notification data from the communication control device 200 to the management device 300 includes the model number and serial number of the copier in the first field, the report reason code transmitted from the copier 100, and the self-report data. Each field includes the number of occurrences of diagnostic abnormality, the copier status, and the time of occurrence. The “occurrence time” in the last field is the time at which the notification factor has occurred, and is the time indicated by the clock 209 in the communication control apparatus 200. Here, the type of data transmitted to the management apparatus 300 differs depending on the parameters set in the communication control apparatus 200. FIG. 12B shows only the number of occurrences of self-diagnosis abnormality and the copying machine status as an example. This shows a case where transmission is set as a parameter.

  The remote report data from the management apparatus 300 to the communication control apparatus 200 is composed of fields of “report result report code” and “contents of report result report” as shown in FIG.

  FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format when the copier is accessed from the management apparatus of FIG. Each data format at the time of read request processing, write request processing, and execute request processing when accessing the copier 100 from the management apparatus 300 is as follows. First, as shown in FIG. 13A, the format from the management apparatus 300 to the communication control apparatus 200 at the time of read request processing includes the model number and serial number of the copy machine 100 to be accessed, the read request code, and the item code. The format from the communication control device 200 to the copying machine 100 is constituted by fields of the read request code and the item code excluding the model number and serial number of the copying machine 100 described above. The format from the copying machine 100 to the communication control device 200 is composed of the above-described read request code and each field obtained by adding a read response code to the head of the item code. The format from the communication control device 200 to the management device 300 is as described above. The read response code, read request code, and item code are added to the top of each field, and the model number and serial number of the copy machine 100 to be accessed are added again.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13B, the difference in the format during the write request process from that during the read request process shown in FIG. 13A will be described. In the format from the management apparatus 300 to the communication control apparatus 200 and the format from the communication control apparatus 200 to the copier 100, “data to be written” is added after the item code, and the format from the copier 100 to the communication control apparatus 200 is In the format from the communication control device 200 to the management device 300, “written data” is added instead of read data. However, normally, the “written data” received by the copying machine 100 and the “written data” sent by the copying machine 100 match, but the received data was out of the valid range as will be described later (FIG. 22). In some cases, the data may be written after rounding to the boundary value.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 13C, the difference between the format at the time of the execute request processing and the time at the time of the write request processing shown in FIG. 13B will be described. The format from the management device 300 to the communication control device 200 In the format from the communication control apparatus 200 to the copying machine 100, when the operation target cannot be specified only by the item code, “operation content supplement” is added instead of “data to be written” after the item code. In the format from the copying machine 100 to the communication control apparatus 200 and the format from the communication control apparatus 200 to the management apparatus 300, “operation content supplement” is added instead of “written data”.

  FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format when the communication control device is accessed from the management device of FIG. 1, and FIGS. 14A, 14 </ b> B, and 11 </ b> C are respectively from the management device 300 to the communication control device 200. Each data format at the time of read request processing, write request processing, and execute request processing is shown. A description will be given of differences between these processes and the “processes when accessing the copying machine 100 from the management apparatus 300” shown in FIGS. 13A to 13C, instead of “model number and serial number”. , “Code of communication control device 200” is provided.

  FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format when the copier is accessed from the communication control apparatus of FIG. 15A and 15B, “when accessing the copying machine 100 from the communication control apparatus 200” and “when accessing the communication control apparatus 200 from the copying machine 100” shown in FIG. ”Is the same as the“ format between the communication control device 200 and the copying machine 100 when accessing the copying machine 100 from the management device 300 ”. Therefore, the copying machine 100 does not need to distinguish between access from the management apparatus 300 and access from the communication control apparatus 200, and can handle them equally.

1.7 Remote Notification Operation 1.7.1 Remote Notification Operation of Copying Machine Next, the remote notification operation of the copying machine 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  16 is a flowchart for explaining the remote notification processing of the copier of FIG. 1, FIG. 17 is a flowchart for explaining the remote notification processing by the remote notification key of FIG. 16 in detail, and FIG. 18 is due to the self-diagnosis abnormality of FIG. FIG. 19 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the remote notification processing by the prior warning in FIG. 17. In this process, first, as can be seen from the flowchart of FIG. 16, it is determined whether the communication permission switch 1032 is on or off, and when the communication permission switch 1032 is on (step S1), when the remote notification key 160 is pressed, FIG. "Remote notification by remote notification key" is executed (step S2 → S3), and when a self-diagnosis abnormality occurs, "remote notification by self-diagnosis abnormality" shown in FIG. 18 is executed (step S4 → S5), When the advance warning state occurs, the “remote notification by the advance warning state” shown in FIG. 19 is executed (steps S6 → S7).

  In the “remote report using the remote report key” shown in FIG. 17, first, “remote report data using the remote report key” is transmitted to the communication control apparatus 200 (step S11), and then whether or not the communication control apparatus 200 is unresponsive. From the above, it is determined whether or not the transmission is successful (step S12). In the case of YES, the process proceeds to step S13 and the subsequent steps. In the case of NO, the process proceeds to step S16 to display “automatic report failure” and the process is terminated.

  In step S13 and subsequent steps, first, the timeout timer is reset (step S13), and then a report result report from the communication control device 200 is awaited (step S14). In this example, when the time-out time is 3 minutes and the report result report is not received within 3 minutes, the process proceeds to step S16 to display “automatic report failure”, and if received, the process proceeds to step S17 to notify the report. Judge whether the result report is "Automatic report complete" or not. If it is not “automatic notification completion”, the process proceeds to step S16 to display “automatic notification failure”, and if it is “automatic notification complete”, the process proceeds to step S18 to indicate that.

  In “remote notification due to abnormality of self-diagnosis” shown in FIG. 18, except for the time-out time in step S25 being 20 minutes, other processes (steps S21 to S24, S26 to S28) are performed as shown in FIG. This is the same as the “remote notification by key” process. In “remote notification in advance warning state” shown in detail in FIG. 19, “remote notification data in advance warning state” is transmitted (step S31), and this process is terminated.

    1.7.2 Operation of Copying Machine when Accessed from Communication Control Device Next, the operation of the copying machine 100 when accessed by the communication control device 200 will be described with reference to FIGS. 20 is a flowchart for explaining the remote notification process of the copying machine when accessed from the communication control apparatus of FIG. 1, FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the read request process of FIG. 20 in detail, and FIG. FIG. 23 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the execute request process of FIG. 20.

  First, when a communication permission switch on the operation panel (not shown in FIG. 20) is on and there is received data in the communication interface unit 1004, the request processing code of the first field of the received data is determined (steps S41 to S41). Step S43). In the case of a read request, the read request process shown in detail in FIG. 21 is executed (steps S44 → S45). In the case of a write request, the write request process shown in detail in FIG. 22 is executed (steps S46 → S47). In the case of an execute request, the execute request processing shown in detail in FIG. 23 is executed (steps S48 → S49), and if it is not any code, an error code is returned to the communication control device 200 (step S48). S50).

  In the read request process shown in FIG. 21, if the received item code is correct, the request data is returned (step S51 → S52). On the other hand, if the received item code is not correct, an error code is returned (step S51 → S53). In the write request process shown in FIG. 22, if the received item code is not correct, an error code is returned (step S61 → S67). If it is correct, the process proceeds from step S61 to step S62. In step S62 and subsequent steps, first, it is checked whether or not the value to be written is within the valid range (step S62). If it is within the valid range, the received data is written as it is (step S63), and the written value is stored in the communication control apparatus 200. Returning (step S64), this processing is finished.

  On the other hand, if the value to be written in step S62 is not within the valid range, it is determined whether or not the item can be rounded to the boundary value of the valid range (step S65). The value is rounded and written to the boundary value (step S66), and then the written value is returned to the communication control device 200 (step S64). On the other hand, if NO, an error code is returned (step S67). Here, whether or not the data can be rounded to the boundary value of the effective range is set for each item in advance, for example, items or numerical values that are greatly affected by rewriting even within the effective range such as the fixing temperature. Items such as service center telephone numbers that are not meaningful in size are prohibited from being rounded to boundary values, while items that do not affect image quality, such as auto-reset time, are allowed to be rounded to boundary values. If it is desired to set the auto-reset time as long as possible, the maximum value is selected on the copier 100 side by setting the value to be written to the maximum number of digits that can be set.

  In the execute request process shown in FIG. 23, if the received item code is not correct, an error code is returned (step S71 → S76). On the other hand, if it is correct, the process proceeds from step S71 to step S72. In step S72 and subsequent steps, it is first determined whether or not the item is “an item that requires supplemental operation content” (step S72). If the item is not “an item that requires supplemental operation content”, a designated operation is executed (step S72). Next, the operation result information is returned to the communication control apparatus 200 (step S74), and then this process is terminated.

  In step S72, if the item is “an item requiring supplemental operation content”, it is checked whether the supplemental operation content is within the valid range (step S72), and if it is within the valid range, the process proceeds to step S73. The received data is written as it is (step S63). On the other hand, if it is not within the valid range, an error code is returned (step S67).

1.7.3 Communication Protocol Between Communication Control Device and Copying Machine FIG. 24 shows, as an example, a communication protocol between the communication control device 200 in the idle state and the copying machine 100 when there are five copying machines 100. . The communication control apparatus 200 sequentially executes a polling sequence using the polling address of each copying machine 100, and the copying machine 100 polled with its own polling address communicates a negative response (EOT) when there is no transmission text. Return to the control device 200. Here, the communication control apparatus 200 repeats this polling cycle in a normal state where there is no other communication process.

  FIG. 25 shows, as an example, a communication protocol between the communication control apparatus 200 and the copying machine 100 when there is transmission data in the copying machine 100 with the address “2”. The copying machine 100 polled with the polling address “2” , Send the transmitted text on RS-485. As a result, the transmission text is transmitted from the copier 100 having the address “2” to the communication control apparatus 200, and then an acknowledgment (ACK) is transmitted from the communication control apparatus 200 to the copier 100 having the address “2”, and then a negative response (EOT). ) Is returned to the communication control apparatus 200 from the copier 100 with the address “2”.

  FIG. 26 shows, as an example, a communication protocol between the communication control apparatus 200 and the copying machine 100 when the communication control apparatus 200 transmits a communication result report text to the copying machine 100 with the address “5”. After the polling is completed, the apparatus 200 transmits a selecting sequence using the selecting address “5” of the target copying machine 100. Next, an acknowledgment (ACK) is transmitted from the copier 100 with the address “5” to the communication control apparatus 200, and then a transmission text is transmitted from the communication control apparatus 200 to the copier 100 with the address “5”. The copier 100 with address “5” is transmitted to the communication control apparatus 200, and then a negative response (EOT) is transmitted from the communication control apparatus 200 to the copier 100 with address “5”. After the text transmission is completed, the original polling cycle is restored.

  FIG. 27 shows, as an example, a communication protocol between the communication control apparatus 200 and the copier 100 when the management apparatus 300 or the communication control apparatus 200 accesses the copier 100 with the address “3”. The communication control device 200 selects the target copier 100 and transmits any text of a read request, a write request, and an execute request, and immediately thereafter polls the copier 100 at address “3”. Do. This sequence is actually inserted into the polling cycle shown in FIG.

1.8 Processing when Copying Machine and Communication Control Device are Not Connected 1.8.1 Method of Using Non-Communication Time Counter Next, referring to FIG. Processing in the case of connection will be described. FIG. 28 is a flowchart for explaining a process when the cable of the copying machine of FIG. 1 is not connected, and FIG. 29 is a flowchart for explaining a clearing process of an uncommunication counter of the copying machine of FIG. Here, the management apparatus (CSS) 400 periodically communicates (polling) with the copying machine 100, and the interval of the interaction is set to be every predetermined time (for example, once every 24 hours). The copying machine 100 periodically executes the process shown in FIG. 28 using a timer, and first determines whether or not the “operation unit display flag” is on (step S101). If it is on, the process proceeds to step S103 as it is. On the other hand, if it is not on, the “uncommunication counter” is counted up (step S102), and the process proceeds to step S103.

  In step S103, it is determined whether or not the non-communication counter> predetermined value. If the non-communication counter> predetermined value, the process proceeds to step S104 and the subsequent steps. In step S104 and subsequent steps, first, a message such as “CSS cable is disconnected” is displayed on the operation unit 1010 (step S104), and then the “operation unit display flag” is turned on (step S105). Exit. Therefore, when the predetermined value is set to 25 hours, for example, the above message is displayed.

  On the other hand, in step S106 and thereafter, first, it is determined whether or not the “operation unit display completed flag” is on (step S106). The “mass” display is terminated (step S107), then the “operation unit display flag” is turned off (step S108), and then this process is terminated. If the “operation unit display flag” is not on in step S106, the process is terminated. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the copying machine 100 clears the “uncommunication counter” when data is received from the management apparatus 300 (steps S111 → S112).

1.8.2 Method of Using Selection of Communication Control Device In the process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, when the non-communication time is detected by the non-communication time counter and the non-communication time becomes larger than a predetermined value. The CSS is configured to display that the CSS cable is disconnected, but there are other methods for detecting unconnected and processing in the case of unconnected, for example, using the selection of the communication control device.

  FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence during selection from the communication control device to the copying machine. Here, the communication control apparatus 200 periodically performs a dialogue with the copying machine 100, that is, so-called selecting, and detects an unconnected state from the selecting result. That is, as shown in FIG. 30, the ENQ signal is transmitted from the communication control device 200 to the copying machine 100 every predetermined time, in this example, at least once every 24 hours, and the selection of the target copying machine 100 is performed. Do. If the communication line is alive, the copying machine 100 returns an ACK signal corresponding to the ENQ signal, and the communication control apparatus 200 transmits a text when receiving this ACK signal. The copying machine 100 recognizes that the dialogue has been made on the condition that the text data is received. In the copying machine 100, an ACK signal is returned in response to the transmitted text data, and the communication control apparatus 200 that has received the ACK signal returns an EOT signal and ends a series of communications related to this selecting.

  Therefore, on the copying machine 100 side, when the dialogue is not established depending on whether or not the dialogue is established, the processing after step S104 in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is executed, and when the dialogue is established, The process after step S106 is executed. Also in this case, the copying machine 100 clears the “uncommunication counter” when data is received from the communication control apparatus 200 (steps S111 → S112), as in FIG.

1.8.3 Method of Using Selection of Management Device (CSS) FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence at the time of selection from the management device (CSS) to the copying machine. In this method, the management apparatus 300 detects the connection / non-connection between the communication control apparatus 200 and the copying machine 100 using the selection for the copying machine 100.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 31, when a selection such as a read request is performed from the management apparatus 300 to the copier 100, the communication control apparatus 200 receives the read request and selects the target copier 100. I do. If the communication line is alive, an ACK signal is returned from the copying machine 100, and the communication control apparatus 200 transmits a text upon receiving this ACK signal. The copying machine 100 recognizes that the dialogue has been made on the condition that the text data is received. In the copying machine 100, an ACK signal is returned in response to the transmitted text data, and the communication control apparatus 200 that has received the ACK signal returns an EOT signal and ends a series of communications related to this selecting. The selection interval from the management apparatus 300 is performed every predetermined time, for example, once every 24 hours as in the case described above.

  Therefore, on the copying machine 100 side, when the dialogue is not established depending on whether or not the dialogue is established, the processing after step S104 in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is executed, and when the dialogue is established, The process after step S106 is executed. Also in this case, the copying machine 100 clears the “uncommunication counter” when data is received from the communication control apparatus 200 (steps S111 → S112), as in FIG.

1.8.4 Method Using Polling of Communication Control Device FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a communication protocol between the communication control device and the copying machine. Here, the communication control apparatus 200 periodically performs a so-called polling to the copying machine 100, and detects an unconnected state from the result of the polling. That is, as shown in FIG. 32, the ENQ signal is transmitted from the communication control device 200 to the copying machine 100 every predetermined time, in this example, at least once every minute, and the target copying machine 100 is polled. . If the communication line is alive, the copying machine 100 returns an ACK signal or an EOT signal in response to the ENQ signal. At this time, the copier 100 recognizes that the dialogue has been made by receiving the ENQ signal.

  Therefore, on the copying machine 100 side, when the dialogue is not established depending on whether or not the dialogue is established, the processing after step S104 in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is executed, and when the dialogue is established, The process after step S106 is executed. Also in this case, the copying machine 100 clears the “uncommunication counter” when data is received from the communication control apparatus 200 (steps S111 → S112), as in FIG.

1.8.5 Method of Observing Change in Reception Terminal of Communication Interface Unit Communication between the communication controller device 200 and the copying machine 100 is performed via a communication line. This communication line is connected to the copying machine 100 as shown in FIG. The communication interface unit 1004 is connected, and signals are input / output via the communication interface 1004. Therefore, by monitoring the level of the reception terminal of the communication interface unit 1004, connection / non-connection detection can be performed. In this case, for example, when the voltage at the receiving terminal does not change for a predetermined time, for example, at least 10 minutes, it can be set to be considered unconnected.

  FIG. 33 is a block diagram showing a configuration for carrying out this method. In this case, the communication control apparatus 200 and the communication interface unit 1004 of the copying machine 100 are connected via the reception line 1004R and the transmission line 1004T. In this example, the voltage change of the receiving line 1004R is monitored, and the processing procedure at that time is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  This process is set to be executed every second. Therefore, the process waits for the elapse of 1 second in step S121, and when 1 second elapses, the state of the receiving terminal 1004R is checked in step S122. If the receiving terminal is “Low”, it is checked whether or not the state of the receiving terminal 1004R in the previous check is “Hi”. If the previous terminal is not “Hi”, the same state continues, so the step is continued. In S124, 1 is added to the counter. On the other hand, if the current check is “Hi” in step S123, the level is different from the previous level, so the counter is cleared in step S125, and then 1 is added in step S124. If the reception terminal is “Hi” in the check in step S122, it is further checked in step S126 whether the reception terminal is “Low” in the previous check. If it is not “Low”, since it is the same level, 1 is added to the counter in step S124. If it is “Low” in the previous time, the level is different between this time and the previous time. In S124, 1 is added to the counter.

  The count value of the counter added in this way is compared with the value set in advance in step S127, and if it exceeds the set value, the same display as in step S104 in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is performed on the operation panel (step S128). ), If not less than the set value, no display is made (step S129). As the set value, for example, a time of at least about 10 minutes is set.

1.8.6 Method of Monitoring Connection State between Communication Control Device and Copying Machine by Circuit As described in 1.8.5, communication between communication controller device 200 and copying machine 100 is performed via a communication line. As shown in FIG. 2, this communication line is connected to the communication interface unit 1004 of the copying machine 100, and signals are input / output via the communication interface 1004. Therefore, a connection detection line is provided in the communication interface unit 1004 so that connection / non-connection can be detected by monitoring a level change between when the communication line is in a connected state and when the communication line is in a non-connected state. Is. Also in this case, for example, when the connection is not established for at least 10 minutes, a message to that effect is displayed on the operation panel.

  FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing a configuration for carrying out this method. FIG. 35 (a) shows the overall configuration, and FIG. 35 (b) shows the configuration of the detection unit. As can be seen from FIG. 35 (a), the communication control device 200 and the communication interface unit 1004 of the copying machine 100 are connected via a reception line 1004R and a transmission line 1004T, and a connection detection line 1100 is connected between them. Has been. As shown in FIG. 35B, the connection detection line 1100 is grounded on the communication controller device 200 side, and a level detection voltage is applied to the copier 100 side. The CPU 1001 is configured to monitor the voltage level of the connection detection line 1100.

  This monitoring is set to be executed every second. Therefore, in step S131, the process waits for 1 second to elapse, and when 1 second elapses, it is checked whether or not the voltage level of the connection detection line 1100 is “Hi” (step S132). If it is “Low” in this check, since the connection is established, the counter is cleared (step S133), and display on the operation panel is not performed (step S134). On the other hand, if the voltage level of the connection detection line 1100 is “Hi” in the check in step S132, after 1 is added to the counter in step S135, the counter value is compared with a preset value, and the counter value is set to the set value. If it is larger, it is determined that the unconnected state continues for the set time or longer, and the same display as in step S104 is performed (step S137). If it is equal to or smaller than the set value, no display is performed (step S134). . As the set value, for example, a time of at least about 10 minutes is set.

2. Second Embodiment This embodiment is characterized by jam processing in an image forming apparatus management system. The basic configuration of the image forming apparatus management system is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, since the system configuration of 1.1 described above to the remote notification operation of 1.7 is configured in the same manner in this embodiment, the description here is omitted, and the points different from the first embodiment are described. Only explained.

0
2.1 Jam Detection Processing 2.1.1 First Detection Processing Example FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of first jam detection processing in the image forming apparatus management system according to the second embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 37 is executed every time the internal state of the copying machine 100 changes. In this process, first, in step S201, it is checked whether or not a jam has occurred. If a jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step S202 and the subsequent steps. If no jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step S207. The “continuous jam counter” is cleared and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, after step S202, first, the “continuous jam counter” is counted up (step S202), and then it is determined whether or not the count value of the “continuous jam counter” matches a predetermined value (step S203). If they match, the alarm notification process is executed based on the above-described procedure (step S204). If they do not match, it is determined whether or not the count value of the “continuous jam counter” exceeds a predetermined value (step S204). If it exceeds the predetermined value, the process returns to a predetermined value, and the alarm notification process is not executed (step S206).

2.1.2 Second Detection Processing Example FIGS. 38 and 39 are flowcharts illustrating a processing procedure of second jam detection processing in the image forming apparatus management system according to the second embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 38 is executed every time the internal state of the copying machine 100 changes, and the process shown in FIG. 39 is periodically executed by a timer. In the process shown in FIG. 38, first, it is determined whether or not a jam has occurred in step S211, and if it is determined that a jam has occurred, the processes of steps S212 and S213 are executed, and a jam has occurred. If not, the process proceeds to step S214, where the “long-time jam counter state” is set to “uncounted state” (= 0), and this process ends. On the other hand, in steps S212 and S213, if the “long-time jam counter state” is an uncounted state, the count state (= 1) is set, and this process is terminated.

  In the timer process shown in FIG. 39, first, it is determined whether or not the “long-time jam counter state” is a “count state” (= 1) (step S221). If it is not in the “count state”, the process proceeds to step S226, the “long-time jam counter state” is cleared, and this process ends.

  On the other hand, after step S222, the “long-time jam counter” is first counted up (step S222), and then it is determined whether or not the “long-time jam counter” exceeds a predetermined value (step S223). If not, the process ends without executing the “long-time jam alarm notification process”. If exceeding, the “long-time jam alarm notification process” is executed (step S224), and then The “long-time jam counter state” is set to the “count end state” (= 2) and the “long-time jam counter” is cleared (step S225), and this process is terminated.

2.2 Function Setting Processing for Management Device FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing function setting processing for the management device (CSS) 400. This process is periodically executed by a timer. First, in step S231, it is determined whether or not “CSS function setting” is on. If it is on, the process proceeds to step S232 and thereafter, and if not, the process proceeds to step S235. . If the previous “CSS function setting” is off in steps S232 and S233, “continuous jam counter” and “long-time jam counter” are cleared and “long-time jam counter state” is not counted (= 0). And go to step S304. In step S235, “notification prohibition process setting” is performed to prohibit all communication functions and statistical processing for CSS, and the process proceeds to step S234. In step S304, the previous “CSS function setting” is stored, and this process is terminated.

3. Third Embodiment This embodiment is characterized by a process when a serviceman visits in the image forming apparatus management system, and the basic configuration as the image forming apparatus management system is the same as that of the first embodiment. That is, since the system configuration of 1.1 described above to the remote notification operation of 1.7 is configured in the same manner in this embodiment, the description here is omitted, and the points different from the first embodiment are described. Only explained.

3.1 Notification process when visiting a serviceman (first example)
41 and 42 are flowcharts showing a processing procedure of notification processing to the management apparatus when a service person visits for maintenance or the like. The process shown in FIG. 41 is executed when an event-driven event occurs when either a serviceman visit notification or a serviceman visit end notification occurs, and when a “serviceman visit notification request” is executed, “ “Serviceman visiting flag” is turned on (Steps S301 → S302), and “Serviceman visiting flag” is turned off when “Serviceman visit end notification request” is executed (Steps S303 → S304). . This “serviceman visiting flag” is stored in a non-volatile memory, for example, a RAM 1003 (FIG. 4) backed up by a battery. Therefore, even if the power of the copying machine 100 is turned off, it is not erased.

  Similarly, the processing shown in FIG. 42 is executed when an “automatic notification processing execution request” is made by event-driven. First, the “automatic notification processing execution request” is “automatic processing other than“ supply consumption management notification ”. It is determined whether or not it is “report processing execution request” (step S311). In the case of “Supply Consumption Management Notification”, this process is terminated and “Automatic Notification” is performed. In other cases, it is determined whether or not the “Serviceman Visiting Flag” is on (step S312). If the “serviceman visiting flag” is on, the “automatic notification process execution request” is canceled (step S313), and if it is off, the “automatic notification” is performed (step S314).

3.2 Notification process when visiting a serviceman (second example)
FIG. 43 is also a flowchart showing another processing procedure of the notification process to the management apparatus when the service person visits for maintenance or the like. Similarly, this process is also executed when an event-driven event occurs when either a serviceman visit notification or a serviceman visit end notification occurs, and when a "serviceman visit notification request" is executed, The “man visiting flag” is turned on (steps S321 → S322), and when the “service man visiting end notification request” is executed, the “service man visiting flag” is turned off (steps S323 → S324). The “continuous jam counter”, “long-time jam counter”, and “long-time door open counter” are cleared (step S325).

  Here, the “Continuous Jam Counter” is used to perform “Continuous Jam Frequent Automatic Notification” when the number of consecutive jams is counted and the number of consecutive jams occurs. Used to perform “automatic jam notification for a long time” when the jam state continues for a long time by counting the time, and the “long door open counter” counts the door opening time of the copying machine 100 to open the opening time. Used to perform “automatic door open notification” for a long time.

4). Fourth Embodiment 4.1 System Configuration FIG. 44 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the image forming apparatus management system is represented by an image forming apparatus group composed of a plurality of image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 (hereinafter, generally referred to as 400 when an image forming apparatus is generally shown) on the premise of remote diagnosis. ), A data communication device 420, a communication line 450, and a central control device 460. The central control device 460 centralizes the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 through the data communication device 420 and the communication line 450. It is configured so that it can be managed remotely. The central control device 460 in this embodiment is basically the same as the management device 300 in the first to third embodiments, but is also referred to as a host device, and is therefore described here as the central control device 460. To do.

  The data communication device 420 selectively transmits a command signal from the central control device 460 to each of the image forming devices 401 to 405, and various reports from the respective image forming devices 401 to 405 via the communication line 450. It transmits to the control apparatus 460. The data communication device 420 is energized for 24 hours, and can normally communicate with the central control device 460 even at night when the power of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 is turned off.

  The data communication apparatus 420 and the image forming apparatus 400 are multi-drop connected by a serial communication interface RS-485, and each image is selected or polled by the data communication apparatus 420 as shown in FIGS. Communication with the forming apparatus 400 is performed.

4.2 Data Communication Device FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the data communication device shown in FIG.

  The data communication apparatus 420 basically includes a control unit 421, an auto dialer unit 422, and a line control unit 423. Among these, the control unit 421 controls the plurality of image forming apparatuses 401 to 405, or controls reception of a designation signal from the central control apparatus 460 via the communication line 450. The auto dialer unit 422 makes a spontaneous call to the central controller 460 in response to various reports from the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405. The line control unit 423 performs connection control with the communication line 450 and switching control with a general telephone 424.

  The control unit 421 is backed up by a ROM that stores a control program (not shown), a CPU that executes various controls according to the stored control program, a RAM that temporarily stores data and functions as a work area of the CPU, and a battery. A known configuration including a nonvolatile RAM, a serial communication control unit, an input / output port, and a real-time clock circuit for knowing the current time, for example, is equivalent to a control unit in the image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 48 described later. . The non-volatile RAM includes data transmitted from one of the central control device 460 and the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 to the other, and each device code and ID code that identifies one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 400. The telephone number of the central controller 260, the number of re-calls when the line connection is not successful, the re-call interval, etc. are stored.

4.3 System Functions The image forming apparatus management system shown in FIG.
(1) Communication control from central control device 460 to image forming device 400 (2) Communication control from each image forming device 400 to central control device 460 or data communication device 420 (3) Control of data communication device 420 unique control It has three functions. Each function will be described below.

4.3.1 Communication Control from Central Controller 460 to Image Forming Apparatus 400 This communication control includes the following control.

  (A) Total number of image formations of a specific image forming apparatus 400, number of image formations for each paper feed stage (paper feed tray), number of image formations for each transfer paper size, number of misfeeds, number of misfeeds for each transfer paper size Read and reset the number of misfeeds for each transfer paper transport position.

  (B) Setting and reading of adjustment values such as control voltage, current, resistance, and timing of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 400.

  (C) Returning the result of the communication control from the image forming apparatus 400 to the central controller 460.

  These controls are performed by receiving a command from the central control device 460 and selecting from the data communication device 420 to the image forming device 400. “Selecting” refers to a function of selecting and communicating with a specific one of a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses 400.

  FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation procedure of this selecting operation. Each image forming apparatus 400 has a specific device code, and the data communication apparatus 420 sends a specific code indicating a preset selecting function and a device code of the image forming apparatus to be selected to the serial communication interface RS. Send out on -485. Each image forming apparatus 400 compares the device code that follows with the specific code indicating the selecting function and the device code that it has, and knows that it has been selected when the two codes match. . In this case, the selecting function may be indicated by a combination of codes instead of the specific code.

  At that time, if there is data to be sent, the selected image forming apparatus 400 outputs a busy (BUSY) response based on a predetermined specific code or code combination (step 401). When receiving this busy signal, the data communication apparatus 200 interrupts the selecting operation and shifts to a polling operation shown in FIG. When there is no data to be transmitted, the selected (selected) image forming apparatus 400 determines whether or not it can cope with the selection, and if it is possible to respond, an affirmative response with a preset specific code is made. Is output (step 302) and communication with the data communication apparatus is executed (steps 405 and 406). If the response is not possible, a negative response (step 403) with a preset specific code is output and the communication with the data communication device 600 is terminated. If the image forming apparatus 400 corresponding to the device code output by the data communication apparatus 420 cannot output an acknowledgment or a negative response due to power-off or the like, the data communication apparatus 420 will not be able to output a predetermined time. (Step 404) The selecting operation is terminated and the process returns to the polling operation.

4.3.2 Communication control from image forming apparatus 400 to central control apparatus 460 or data communication apparatus 420 The communication control from image forming apparatus 400 to central control apparatus 460 or data communication apparatus 420 includes the following control. included.

  (A) The image forming apparatus 400 notifies the immediate data communication apparatus 420 and the central control apparatus 460 to that effect when an abnormality or failure that makes the image forming operation impossible becomes possible (emergency notification).

  (B) The image forming apparatus 400 receives a user's (customer) request different from the image forming mode from the image forming mode, for example, a repair request or a supply replenishment request by a key operation on the operation display unit by a user or a customer. Enter the user request input mode to enter the request, etc., the user request input screen is displayed on the character display of the operation display section, and the user inputs the required request by pressing a predetermined key on the screen When there is, the request is immediately notified to the central control device 460 via the data communication device 420 and the communication line (emergency notification).

  (C) Each of the image forming apparatuses 400, when each of the accumulated image formation number reaches a preset predetermined number, that is, a notification level value, immediately displays the corresponding information, for example, the accumulated image formation number or transfer sheet ordering information. To the data communication device 420 and the central control device 460 (emergency notification).

  (D) The image forming apparatus 400 notifies the corresponding information to the data communication apparatus 420 when the accumulated image formation number reaches a predetermined period, and the data communication apparatus 420 The reports received so far are collectively reported to the central controller 460. (Non-emergency call). This communication control includes a case in which the number of notifications received so far reaches the preset number before reaching the designated time and is sent to the central controller 460 without waiting for the designated time. It is. The designated time is set by the central controller 460 and stored in the data communication device 420.

  (E) Each image forming apparatus 400 can start an image forming operation, but an event requiring preventive maintenance, such as the designated number of replacement parts, approaching a designated time, and reaching the standard level of a sensor occurs. If so, the information to that effect is reported to the data communication device 420, and the data communication device 420 collectively reports to the central controller 460 at the specified time of the day (non-emergency notification). . This communication control also includes a case where, before reaching the designated time, when the number of notifications received so far reaches a preset number of times, the notification is sent to the central controller 460 without waiting for the designated time. It is. The designated time is set by the central controller 460 and stored in the data communication device 420.

  These controls are performed at the time of polling from the data communication device 420. Polling refers to a function of sequentially specifying a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses 400 and confirming the presence or absence of a communication request from the specified image forming apparatus 400.

  FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing an example of a polling operation in the data communication apparatus 420. The data communication apparatus 420 sends a specific code or a combination of codes indicating a preset polling function and a device code of the image forming apparatus 400 (401) to be selected to the serial communication interface RS-485. Each image forming apparatus 400 compares the following device code with its own device code by a specific code or a combination of codes indicating a polling function, and knows that it has polled when both codes match. The polled image forming apparatus 400 (401) starts communication with the data communication apparatus 420 if there is a communication request to the central control apparatus 460 or the data communication apparatus 420 (step S412), or when there is no communication request, or When the started communication is completed, an end response based on a preset specific code or code combination is output (step S411), and the communication with the data communication device 420 is ended. When the data communication apparatus 420 receives the end response, the data communication apparatus 420 shifts to polling to the next image forming apparatus 400 (402).

  When the image forming apparatus 400 corresponding to the device code output from the data communication apparatus 420 cannot start communication due to power-off or the like, or cannot output an end response, the data communication apparatus 420 determines a predetermined constant. The polling operation is terminated after the elapse of time (step 413). This polling is sequentially repeated with respect to the connected image forming apparatus 400 unless selecting occurs.

4.3.3 Control Unique to Data Communication Device 420 For control unique to the data communication device 420,
(A) Total counter value reading (b) There is a control such as a result return for communication control from the image forming apparatus 400 to the central controller 460.

  Control of reading of the total counter value is performed once a day from the data communication device 420 to the image forming device 400 (0: 0, provided that the power of the image forming device 400 is OFF at this time. This is done by selecting the first time the power is turned on after the time.

  The data communication device 420 is provided with two total counter memories (here, A and B, respectively) for each connected image forming apparatus, and is selected once a day by the regular selection. The read total counter value is written in the memory A. Therefore, the data of the previous day is rewritten in the memory A every day. However, this is not the case when the image forming apparatus 100 is not turned on during the day, for example, on a holiday. The total counter value stored in the memory A is copied to the memory B once a month at a predetermined date and time. The predetermined date and time once a month is set by the central controller 260 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication device 420.

  The contents of the memory B are sent from the data communication device 420 to the central control device 460, and there are two methods for the transfer direction as shown below.

  (C) The central controller 460 reads the total counter value stored in the memory B of the data communication device 420 after the predetermined date and time, that is, the date and time when the contents of the memory A are copied to the memory B.

  (D) The data communication device 420 makes a self-call after the predetermined date and time and sends the total counter value stored in the memory B to the central control device 460 via the communication line 450. Note that the date and time for making a call is also set by the central controller 460 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication device 420.

The data communication apparatus 420 prepares a plurality of sets of memories in which memories A and B are combined for each connected image forming apparatus. This is because, for example, various total counter values for black and white copy, application, and color copy can be considered.

4.4 Control Unit of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 48 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 in the image forming apparatus group 400.

  The control units of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 each include a CPU 500, a real-time clock circuit 510, a ROM 502, a RAM 503, a nonvolatile RAM 504, an input / output port 505, and first to third serial communication control units 506, 507, and 508. An image forming apparatus controller 511, a personal interface (hereinafter referred to as “PI”) 509, and a system bus 501 are provided.

  The CPU 500 is a central processing unit that performs overall control of each image forming apparatus and its entire control by a program stored in the ROM 502. The real-time clock circuit 510 generates time information, which is input to the CPU 500, and the CPU 500 knows the current time. The ROM 502 is a read-only memory that stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 500. The RAM 503 functions as a work memory used when the CPU 1500 performs data processing, and is used for the processing of the CPU 500. This is a random access memory in which data to be stored is temporarily stored. The nonvolatile RAM 504 is a memory that uses, for example, the contents of the mode instruction from the operation display unit and the like, and is backed up by a battery.

  The input / output port 505 is connected to output loads such as motors, solenoids, and clutches in the image forming apparatus 400 and input signals of sensors and switches. A first serial communication control unit 506 exchanges signals with a control unit of an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus (not shown), and a second serial communication control unit 507 communicates signals with a control unit of a document feeding unit (not shown). The third serial communication control unit 1508 exchanges signals with a control unit of a transfer paper post-processing unit (not shown).

  The PI 509 is an interface circuit that manages communication with the data communication device 420 and is provided to reduce a load for communication processing with the data communication device 420 of the CPU 500. If the processing capacity of the CPU 500 is sufficient, it goes without saying that the function of the PI 509 can be taken into the CPU 500.

The main functions of PI509 are:
(1) Polling and selecting monitoring from the data communication device 420 (2) Acknowledgment and negative response processing to the data communication device 420 (3) Validity check and parity check of data transmitted to and received from the data communication device 420 And retransmission request processing when an error occurs (4) There is header processing of transmission / reception data with the data communication device 420, and the like.

  A system bus 501 is a bus line including an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus. The CPU 500, the real-time clock circuit 510, the ROM 502, the RAM 503, the nonvolatile RAM 504, the input / output port 505, and the first to third serial communication control units 506. , 507, 508, and PI 509 are connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication.

4.4.1 Configuration of Personal Interface (PI) FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing details of the PI 509.

  The PI 509 includes a CPU 600, a dual port memory 602, first to fourth registers 603 to 606, an input port 607, a device code setting switch 608, a serial communication control interface unit 609, and a local bus 601 for connecting them.

  The CPU 600 is a one-chip microcomputer including a central processing unit, ROM, RAM, and the like, and comprehensively controls the PI 509. The dual port memory 602 is readable / writable by both the CPU 600 of the PI 509 and the CPU 500 of the image forming apparatus 400, and is a data memory used for exchange of text data between the PI 509 and the controller 511. The registers 603 to 606 are used for control when the text data is exchanged, but details thereof are omitted here.

  A device code setting switch 608 is used to set a unique device code for each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405, and is used for identifying a device code at the time of polling and selecting from the data communication apparatus 200. The serial communication control unit 609 is connected to the data communication apparatus 420 and / or the PI 509 of another image forming apparatus 400.

4.5 Operation Panel FIG. 50 shows a layout configuration of the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus 400.

  As with the control unit in the image forming apparatus 400 shown in FIG. 48, the operation display unit 701 includes a ROM that stores a control program, a CPU that executes various controls using the control program, a RAM that temporarily stores data, and a battery. A backed-up non-volatile RAM, a serial communication unit, an input / output port, and the like are provided to exchange data with the serial communication unit 506 of the image forming apparatus 400, but details thereof are omitted here.

In addition to the above-described control unit, the operation display unit 701 includes a numeric keypad 710, a numeric value clear / stop key 711, a print key 709, an enter key 712, an interrupt key 713, a preheat / mode clear key 714, a mode confirmation key 704, A screen switching key 705, a call key 706, a registration key 707, a guidance key 708, a display contrast volume 703, and a character display 702 are provided.
A numeric keypad 710 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of formed images (number of copies) and magnification. A set number clear / stop key 711 is a key for clearing a set number (image forming number) or stopping a copy operation. A print key 709 is a key for starting execution of an image forming operation (copy operation). The enter key 712 is a key for confirming the designation of numerical values such as zoom magnification and binding margin size. An interrupt key 713 is a key that is used to interrupt another copy and copy another current. A preheating / mode clear key 714 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set image forming modes, or setting preheating to set the power saving state. A mode confirmation key 704 is a key for confirming each image forming mode selectively displayed on the character display 702 in a list display.

  A screen switching key 705 is a key for switching the display form on the character display 702 according to the skill level. A call key 706 is a key for calling a user program. A registration key 707 is a key for registering a user program. A guidance key 708 is a key for displaying an outside dance message or the like on the character display 702. The display contrast volume 703 is for adjusting the contrast of the character display 702.

4.5.1 Character Display FIG. 51 shows a layout configuration of the character display 702 of the operation display unit 701 of the image forming apparatus 100.

  In the figure, a character display 702 uses a liquid crystal full-dot display element, and a large number of touch sensors (for example, provided for each 8 × 8 display pixel) on the liquid crystal full-dot display element. The matrix touch panel switch is stacked. A fluorescent display tube can be used instead of the liquid crystal. Although not described in detail in the character display 702, each image forming mode relating to image forming operations such as a paper feed tray, automatic paper, variable magnification, screen image, binding margin, sorter, and the like is depressed. It can be selected by touching and further displayed. In addition, the state of the image forming apparatus 400, for example, “Copying is possible”, “Copying in progress”, “No paper”, and the number of images formed are also displayed.

  The automatic paper is used to select a paper feed tray that stores the optimum paper according to the original size and the set magnification. The automatic density is an image density that is automatically selected according to the density of the original. Is. Further, the scaling factor refers to equal magnification, reduction, enlargement, paper designation scaling, zoom scaling, dimensional scaling, and the like.

4.6 Data Configuration FIG. 52 shows a configuration example of text data exchanged between the central controller 460 and the data communication device 420. Text data 950 is transmitted / received together with SYN 910, SOH 920, serial number 930, STX 940, ETB or ETX 960 and LRC 970. The serial number 930 is a transmission block number in one transmission, and the first block starts with “01” and is incremented by one thereafter, and “99” is followed by “00”.

  The text data 950 includes an ID code 951, an identification code 952, and a plurality of information records 953 (1), 953 (2),..., 953 (N). The information record 953 further includes an information code 955, a data part digit number 956, and a data part 957.

The ID code 951 is used to identify one image forming apparatus from the data communication apparatus 420 and a plurality of image forming apparatuses 400 connected to the data communication apparatus 420. The identification code 952 is obtained by adding a sender and receiver of text data to a code (processing code) indicating the type of communication purpose. The identification (processing) code 952 is determined as shown in Table 1 below, for example.

The information code 955, the number of digits of the data part 956, and the data part 957 are determined as shown in Table 2 below.

  As shown in FIG. 52, between the ID code 951 and the identification code 952, between the identification code 952 and the information record 953 (1) adjacent thereto, and between each information record 953, a semicolon (; ) Separator 954 is inserted.

  FIG. 53 shows a configuration example of text data exchanged between the data communication apparatus 420 and the PI 509 of the image forming apparatus 400. The text data 950 includes a device decode 958, a processing code 959, and a plurality of information records 953 (1) to 953 (N). As described above, the device code 958 is uniquely set for each of the image forming apparatuses 101 to 105 by the device code setting switch 608, and the relationship with the ID code 951 in FIG. At the time of the connected installation, it is read from the image forming apparatus 400 and stored in the non-volatile RAM in the data communication apparatus 420, and thereafter selected as appropriate according to the text sending direction.

  The process code 959 is a code indicating the type of communication purpose as described above, and is obtained by deleting the text sender and receiver from the identification code 952 in FIG. This is also appropriately added or deleted by the data communication apparatus 200 according to the text transmission direction.

  FIG. 54 shows a configuration example of text data exchanged between the PI 509 of the image forming apparatus 400 and the PPC controller 511 (500, 502 to 508, 510) of FIG. This text data is obtained by removing the header, device code, and parity portion from the text data exchanged between the data communication apparatus 420 and the PI 509 shown in FIG.

4.7 Block billing function The block billing function is a contract for use of an image forming apparatus in accordance with a preset number of image forming sheets. For this purpose, it is necessary to reliably grasp the number of image forming start and end sheets. There is. Therefore, each process described below is performed.

4.7.1 Block Billing Start Processing When a contract for use of the image forming apparatus 400 is started or when a re-contract is started, a contract or re-contract “" sent from the central controller 460 via the communication line 450 and the data communication device 420 is displayed. The “block billing start meter reading value” and the “block billing notification unit” for reporting to the central control device 460 for each fixed image forming movement operation are notified to the image forming apparatus by the selecting operation from the data communication 420 described above. .
FIG. 55 shows an example of text data that the image forming apparatus 400 receives from the PI 509 when receiving a block billing start meter reading value. General text data is as shown in FIG. This text data consists of a processing code 1201 at the beginning and a plurality of information records 1202 (1), 1202 (2),..., 1202 (N) next to the information record 1202, which further includes an information code 1203, It consists of a data part digit number 1204 and a data part 1205.

  As shown in Table 1, the top processing code 1201 stores “04” indicating data writing, and the information code 1203 constituting the information record 1202 (1) is used as the “block billing start meter reading value” for various data writing factors. Each one defines a unique (unique) code. The data portion digit number 1204 stores the number of subsequent data digits, for example, “08” indicating 8 digits in the case of 8 digits, and the data portion 1205 stores “block billing start meter reading value”. Yes. Note that the information records 1202 (1) to 1202 (N) can be omitted if unnecessary. The same applies to text data transmitted from the data communication apparatus 420 to the PI 509 and text data transmitted from the central control apparatus 260 to the data communication apparatus 200. Also, the case of receiving the “block billing notification unit” is the same as the case of receiving the “block billing start meter reading value”, and the description thereof will be omitted. Note that a plurality of data may be transmitted together in one communication.

  Since the “block billing start meter reading value” and “block billing notification unit” of the contract or re-contract sent from the central control device 260 are processed by the CPU 500 of the image forming apparatus 400 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504, the CPU 500 Functions as a receiving unit, and the nonvolatile RAM 504 functions as a first storage unit. Further, the CPU 500 controls the control means for establishing the condition for notifying the central control unit when the difference between the “current meter reading value” and the “block billing start meter reading value” reaches an integral multiple of the “block billing notification unit”. And further functions as a transmission means for automatically notifying the central control device after the notification condition is established. Further, the non-volatile RAM 504 also functions as a second storage unit that advances and stores the “current meter reading value” according to the image forming operation.

FIG. 56 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure during block billing start processing in the image forming operation. Although not shown here, a transfer paper discharge sensor is connected as an input signal to the input / output port 505. Based on this configuration, it is first determined whether or not an image forming operation is being performed (step 1301). If the image forming operation is being performed, a signal from the paper discharge sensor is checked. The CPU 500 monitors the falling edge of the paper discharge sensor, and if it falls (Yes in Step 1302), advances the “current meter reading value” stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504 (Step 1303). Next, the CPU 500 calculates the difference between the “current meter reading value” in step 1303 and the “block billing start meter reading value” stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504, and the “block billing notification unit” also stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504. It is checked whether or not an integral multiple has been reached (step 1304). This check
{"Current meter reading value"-"Block billing start meter reading value"}
/ "Block billing notification unit" (1)
When there is no remainder in the division result of, an integer multiple may be used, or another method may be used. When the division result of the expression (1) reaches an integral multiple, the notification condition establishment flag in the nonvolatile RAM 504 is turned ON (step 1305).

  When the image forming operation is finished (No in Step 1301) and becomes normally possible (Yes in Step 1306), the CPU 500, that is, the image forming apparatus 400 automatically communicates with the central controller 460 via the data communication apparatus 420 and the communication line 450. A notification is made (step 1307). The automatic notification is performed by selecting from the data communication device 420 as described in the above section “3”. When this automatic notification is completed, the notification condition establishment flag is turned off (step 1308), and this process is terminated.

  In the flowchart of FIG. 56, the description is made on the assumption that the notification operation cannot be performed during the image forming operation. Of course, if the capability of the control unit of the image forming apparatus 400 including the CPU 500 is high. When the notification condition is satisfied, the notification can be performed even during the image forming operation. In this case, the report condition establishment flag is not necessary.

4.7.2 Text Data at Automatic Notification FIG. 57 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of text data from the image forming apparatus 400 to the PI 509 at the time of automatic notification in step 1307. Note that general text data is as described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 57, “22” indicating the block billing process is stored in the head process code 1401, and the information code 1403 constituting the information record 1402 (1) is set to “block billing report” for each automatic report factor. Define a (unique) code. The number of digits in the data portion 1404 stores the number of digits in the data portion, “01” indicating one digit in the example shown in FIG. 57, and “1” indicating the occurrence of notification in the data portion 1405, respectively. Yes. The data at the time of automatic notification is always “1”, and “0” is not used. Further, the information codes 1402 (2) to 1402 ((N) can be omitted if unnecessary.

  In this connection, the description of the text data from the PI 509 to the data communication device 420 and the text data from the data communication device 420 to the central control device 460 are omitted, but FIG. 53 and FIG. A similar change may be made to 52.

4.7.3 Block Billing End Processing Block billing end processing is performed by replacing “block billing start meter reading value” with “block billing end meter reading value” in the flowchart showing the processing procedure at the time of block billing start processing in FIG. It becomes processing.

That is, it is determined whether or not an image forming operation is being performed (step 1301). If the image forming operation is being performed, a signal from the paper discharge sensor is checked. The CPU 500 monitors the falling edge of the paper discharge sensor, and if it falls (Yes in Step 1302), advances the “current meter reading value” stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504 (Step 1303). Next, the CPU 500 calculates the difference between the “block billing end meter reading value” stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504 and the “current meter reading value” in step 1303, and an integer of “block billing notification unit” also stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504. It is checked whether or not the number has been doubled (corresponding to step 1304). This check
{"Block billing end meter reading value"-"Current meter reading value"}
/ "Block billing notification unit" (2)
When there is no remainder in the division result of, an integer multiple may be used, or another method may be used. When the result of the division of equation (2) reaches an integral multiple, the notification condition establishment flag in the nonvolatile RAM 504 is turned ON (step 1305).

  When the image forming operation is finished (No in Step 1301) and becomes normally possible (Yes in Step 1306), the CPU 500, that is, the image forming apparatus 400 automatically communicates with the central controller 460 via the data communication apparatus 420 and the communication line 450. A notification is made (step 1307). The automatic notification is performed by selecting from the data communication device 420 as described in the above section “4.3”. When this automatic notification is completed, the notification condition establishment flag is turned off (step 1308), and this process is terminated.

  The notification condition is satisfied in the block billing start process and the block living end process in this way, and the image forming operation is ended because of the processing capability of the control unit of the image forming apparatus 400 including the CPU 500 during the image forming operation. It is common to perform a reporting action at the time of the failure. In this case, the optimum meter reading value at the time of reporting, specifically, the value of the expression (1) in the block billing start process and the value of the expression (2) in the block billing end process exceed the values obtained as integers. It is common. Therefore, by adding the “current meter reading value” at the time of automatic notification, the central control unit 460 can perform more accurate block billing management.

  Therefore, like the text data from the image forming apparatus 100 to the PI 509 at the time of automatic notification shown in FIG. 58, the information code 1406 constituting the information record 1402 (2) is set as the “current meter reading value” for each additional information factor. Define a (unique) code for. The data part digit number 1407 stores the number of digits in the subsequent data part, in this case “08” indicating 8 digits, and the data part 1408 stores “current meter reading value”. Note that the information records 1402 (3) to 1402 (N) may be omitted if unnecessary. In relation to this, the text data from the PI 509 to the data communication device 200 and the text data from the data communication device 420 to the central control device 460 are not shown, but the same changes are made to FIG. 53 and FIG. Add it.

4.8 Display of Various Meter Reading Values In such a system, a contract or re-contracted “block billing start meter reading value”, “block billing end meter reading value” and the character display 702 of the operation display unit 700 of the image forming apparatus 400 are displayed. A system that is easy to use by managing overuse and predicting the timing of the next re-contract so that the customer can confirm it by displaying at least one of the “current meter reading values” can do.

  FIG. 59 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a “block living” display example in the user program mode of the character display 702 of the operation display unit 701 of the image forming apparatus 400. The user program is a mode in which a customer can make special settings that are not used in normal image forming operations and are not frequently used. A method of changing from the normal image forming operation mode to the user program mode includes ten keys 710 for inputting a preset personal identification number such as the number of copies, a set number clear / stop key 711, an enter key 812, and a preheating / mode clear key 714. However, although not shown, a dedicated block billing key may be provided on the operation display unit 701, or a key may be similarly provided on the character display 702. .

  FIG. 59 shows an example in which “current meter reading value” and “block living end meter reading value” are displayed. These values are stored in the non-volatile RAM 504, sent to a control unit (not shown) of the operation display unit via the serial communication control unit 506 in accordance with instructions from the CPU 5000, and displayed on the display screen of the character display 702.

5. Fifth Embodiment This embodiment is characterized by setting an address of an information code indicating the type of data read or written from a management device in the image forming device management system to a memory in the image forming device. The basic configuration as the device management system is the same as that of the fourth embodiment. That is, since the system configuration of 4.1 to the data configuration of 4.6 is the same in this embodiment, description thereof is omitted here, and only differences from the fourth embodiment will be described. In addition, since a different structure can also be taken in a system configuration, this different system configuration is shown here.

5.1 System Configuration FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of the image forming apparatus management system according to the embodiment of the present invention. 44 differs from the system of FIG. 44 in that a plurality of data communication apparatuses (here, two units 420 and 421) are provided, and one image forming apparatus 401 and 402 is provided for each of the data communication apparatuses 420 and 421. One group is that the image forming apparatuses 403, 404, and 405 are connected as another group via a communication line. Since each other part is comprised equally, the same referential mark is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. A similar example is also shown in FIG.

5.2 Memory Address In the image forming apparatus (copying apparatus) 400, a memory address (absolute address) in the memory to which the data is to be written is stored in advance in correspondence with the text data configuration as shown in FIG. It is set and stored in the ROM 502 as an information code table. FIG. 61 shows an example of the contents of the information code table stored in the ROM 502 in a certain copying apparatus 401. In this table, the information code corresponding to the copying apparatus 400, readability / writeability / executability / data upper limit, data lower limit, corresponding memory address, and the number of bytes of the memory for each information code are shown. It is remembered. Whether read / write / execute is possible is 1 = possible, 0 = no deal. This information code is common (same) regardless of the model of the copying apparatus 400, and only the contents such as readability / writeability / corresponding memory address differ for each model.

5.3 Read Request / Write Request Access Processing An example of processing when the central control device 460 accesses a certain copy device 400 in such a configuration as described above will be described. The read request is a process of reading logging data, various setting values, output values of various sensors, and the like in the copying apparatus 400. The write request is a process for rewriting various setting values and the like by sending data from the central controller 460. 62A and 62B show the communication processing procedure among the central control device 460, the data communication device 420, and the copying device 400 at the time of each request. (A) is at the time of reading, and (b) is at the time of writing. In either case, each request is transmitted by dialing from the central controller 460 to the data communication device 420 to which the target copy device 400 is connected. The data communication device 420 receives these request data from the central controller 460. The data communication apparatus 420 that has received the request data transmits the request data to the target copying apparatus 400 via the PI 509. Upon receiving the request data, the copying apparatus 400 determines the memory address (absolute address) of the memory corresponding to the requested information code with reference to the information code table stored in its own ROM 502 as shown in FIG. To do. In the case of a read request, the memory contents at this memory address are read as response data. In the case of a write request, the contents of the data part of the received information record are written to this memory address and written. Is the response data. After processing the request content in this way, a response to the request is transmitted to the data communication device 420. The data communication device 420 transmits this to the central control device 460 and ends one processing unit.

5.4 Processing of Copying Device when Accessed from Central Control Device 5.4.1 Main Routine FIG. 63 is a main routine of processing executed by CPU 500 in copying device 400 when accessed from central control device 460. This flowchart is the same as the flowchart of FIG. 20 except that the process of step S41 is omitted. If there is received data in the PI 509 (step S631), the received data is received (step S632), and whether the processing requested by the processing code included in the text data is a read request, a write request, or an execute request. (Steps S633, 634, and 635), and read processing, write processing, or execute processing (steps S636, 637, and 638) is performed according to the determination result. If it is neither request, an error code is returned (step S639) and the process is terminated.

5.4.2 Read Processing The processing content of the read processing subroutine in step S636 of FIG. 63 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this routine, the information code table in its own ROM 502 is referred to (step S641), and it is determined whether or not the information code in the text data received by the copying apparatus 400 can be read (step S642). If possible (step S643), the corresponding memory address is checked and determined by referring to the information code table (644), and the memory contents of the memory address are returned (read-step S645). These processes are executed as functions of the address self-determination means and the processing means. If the read is not possible, an error code is returned (step S646).

5.4.3 Write Processing The processing content of the write processing subroutine in step S637 of FIG. 63 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In this routine, the information code table in the own ROM 502 is referred to (step S651), and it is determined whether or not the information code in the text data received by the copying apparatus 400 can be written (step S652). If possible (step S653), it is determined whether or not the data portion is within the valid range (steps S654 and 655). The memory address to be checked is determined (step S656), and the data in the data section is written into the memory at the memory address (step S657). These processes are executed as functions of the address self-determination means and the processing means. The written contents are returned (step S658). If writing is not possible or the data part is not within the valid range, an error code is returned (step S659).

  In this embodiment, the application example to the management system in which the image forming apparatus is the copying apparatus 400 has been described. However, the present embodiment can be similarly applied to a management system for an image forming apparatus such as a facsimile apparatus or a printer. Needless to say.

6). Sixth Embodiment This embodiment relates to an image forming apparatus management system characterized in that the management apparatus can accurately manage the maintenance disclosure time of the image forming apparatus. The configuration is the same as in the fourth embodiment. That is, since the system configuration of 4.1 to the data configuration of 4.6 is the same in this embodiment, description thereof is omitted here, and only differences from the fourth embodiment will be described.

6.1 Configuration of Operation Display Unit FIG. 66 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation display unit of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405. Like the general control unit (for example, the control unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 48), the operation display unit is a ROM that stores a control program, a CPU that executes various controls using the control program, and a primary storage of data. 48, a non-volatile RAM backed up by a battery, a serial communication control unit, an input / output port, and the like. Data is exchanged with the serial communication control unit 508 of FIG. 48, but details thereof are omitted.

  In addition to the control unit described above, the operation display unit includes a numeric keypad 71, a clear / stop key 72, a print key 73, an enter key 74, an interrupt key 75, a preheat / mode clear key 76, a mode confirmation key 77, and a screen switching key 78. , A call key 79, a registration key 80, a guidance key 81, a display contrast volume 82, and a character display 83.

  The numeric keypad 71 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of formed images (number of copies) and magnification. The clear / stop key 72 is a key for clearing a set number (image forming number) or stopping an image forming (copying) operation. The print key 73 is a key for starting execution of an image forming operation. The enter key 74 is a key for confirming designation of numerical values such as a zoom magnification and a binding margin dimension number. The interrupt key 75 is a key used when, for example, copying another document by interrupting copying. The preheating / mode clear key 76 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set image forming modes or setting the preheating to enter the power saving state. The mode confirmation key 77 is a key for confirming a list display of each image forming mode selectively displayed on the character display 83. The screen switching key 78 is a key for switching the display form of the character display 83 according to the skill level. The call key 79 is a key for calling a user program. The registration key 80 is a key for registering a user program. The guidance key 81 is a key for displaying a guidance message or the like on the character display 83. The display contrast volume 82 is for adjusting the contrast of the character display 83.

  The character display 83 uses a full-dot display element such as a liquid crystal (LCD), a fluorescent display tube, etc., and has a large number of touch sensors built in (for example, every 8 × 8 display pixels) in a substantially transparent sheet shape. The matrix touch panel is stacked, and when the power is turned on, an image forming mode screen showing information on the machine and various keys is displayed. By pressing (touching) a key (display unit) on this screen, various image forming modes related to the image forming operation can be arbitrarily selected, and the pressed key is switched to black and white reversed display.

  FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming mode (copy mode) screen displayed on the character display 83. In this screen, reference numeral 91 denotes a message display, which is a place where information about the machine is displayed. For example, a message such as “Ready to copy” or “Transfer paper (please replenish cover)” is displayed. Reference numeral 92 denotes a set display area. A tray selection key 93 also serves as a transfer paper size and remaining amount display area, and indicates an upper tray, an interruption tray, a lower tray, and a large capacity tray in order from the left. Reference numeral 94 denotes an automatic paper selection key. When this key is selected, a paper feed tray storing transfer paper of the same size as the original is automatically selected. A temperature adjustment key 95 is pressed to manually adjust the copy density. An automatic density key 96 is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the background density of the original. Reference numeral 97 is an equal-size key, 98 is an enlargement key, and 99 is a reduction key, which are pressed when designating the current copy or reduction / enlargement of a standard size.

  Reference numeral 83-100 denotes a zoom key which is pressed when an arbitrary magnification is designated between 64% and 142%. Reference numeral 83-101 denotes a paper designation scaling key which is used when an image of a document is automatically reduced or enlarged in accordance with the designated transfer paper size. A double-sided key 83-102 is selected and pressed to make a single-sided original double-sided, to make a double-sided original double-sided, or to make a double-sided original single-sided. Reference numeral 83-103 denotes a double-sided mode message area, which shows the copy creation status when the double-sided mode function is selected. Reference numeral 83-104 denotes a binding key, which can be set on either the left or right side if the binding is required if it is 21 mm or less. 83-105 is a spelling mode message area, and the spelling status is displayed when a function of the spelling mode is selected. 83-106 is a shift function selection key, 83-107 is a one-point staple selection key, and 108 is a two-point staple selection key. A maintenance end notification key 83-109 is pressed when notifying the central control device 460 that the maintenance has ended. The maintenance end notification key 83-109 is displayed / erased as necessary. Also, the maintenance end notification key 83-109 can be displayed only on the SP mode screen described later.

6.2 Specific Mode Processing Hereinafter, processing in the image forming apparatus management system according to the present embodiment will be described.

  In each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 4055, the SP mode is a specification for performing maintenance of the image forming apparatus, that is, setting an adjustment value related to the image forming operation or displaying a statistical value of various image forming numbers. Mode, and can be shifted to the SP mode by a method that is not understood by general users.

  For example, the service person presses the numeric key 71 and the enter key 74 in a predetermined order (for example, after the enter key 74 is depressed and “#” is input, “1” “2” “3” “4” “5” ”In order, and finally, the enter key 74 is pressed again to input“ # ”to shift to the SP mode, and the SP mode screen can be displayed on the character display 83.

  FIG. 68 is a diagram showing an example of the SP mode screen displayed on the character display 83. In this screen, reference numeral 83-111 denotes an adjustment mode transition key which is pressed when shifting to a mode for setting and displaying an image adjustment value and a transfer sheet conveyance adjustment value. A test mode shift key 83-112 is pressed when shifting to a mode for performing a test such as initial setting of process conditions and confirmation of input / output of an I / O port. A data output mode transition key 83-113 is pressed to shift to a mode for displaying data relating to image forming operations such as the temperature of the fixing heater and the developing device. Reference numeral 83-114 denotes a special use setting mode transition key which is pressed when the mode is shifted to a mode for setting / displaying the use of the image forming operation such as setting of the transfer paper size of the paper feed tray. Reference numeral 83-115 denotes a remote diagnosis mode shift key which is pressed when shifting to a mode for setting for remote notification. Reference numeral 83-116 denotes an operation counter mode shift key, which is pressed when shifting to a mode for displaying the total number of image formations and the number of image formations by transfer paper size.

  Each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 shifts to the SP mode when the service man instructs the shift to the SP mode by pressing a plurality of keys such as the ten key 71 and the enter key 74 in a predetermined order. A SP mode screen as shown in FIG. 68 (here, including a maintenance completion notification key) is displayed on the character display 83, and the fact that maintenance has been started is centrally controlled via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8. Automatic notification to the device 6. At this time, the text data transmitted from the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  After the transition to the SP mode, maintenance is performed by a service person, and when the maintenance is instructed by pressing the maintenance completion notification key on the SP mode screen, the maintenance is completed. Is automatically notified to the central control device 6 via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8. At this time, the text data transmitted from the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  Here, as a maintenance of the image forming apparatus, for example, the service person causes the image forming apparatus to perform an image forming operation in a normal image forming mode and confirms the result. The SP mode screen is displayed on the display unit 83, maintenance adjustment values are set by operating keys on the screen, etc., and the image forming operation is performed by returning to the normal image forming mode, and the result is confirmed. Repeat the process until you get the best results.

  As described above, when each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 shifts to the SP mode for performing maintenance by the serviceman's operation, the serviceman automatically notifies the central controller 460 that the maintenance has started. By forgetting to perform an operation for notifying that at the start of maintenance, it is possible to solve the problem that the maintenance start time cannot be accurately managed on the central control device 460 side. In other words, the maintenance start time can always be managed accurately on the central controller 460 side.

6.3 SP Mode Transition Check Processing FIG. 69 is a flowchart illustrating an example of SP mode transition check processing by the control unit of each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405. Each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 is instructed to shift to the SP mode by pressing a plurality of keys such as the ten key 71 and the enter key 74 that function as SP mode transition keys by a service person in a predetermined order. Then, the mode shifts to the SP mode (steps S691 → 692), and the SP mode screen as shown in FIG. 68 (here, including the maintenance end notification key) is displayed on the character display 83.

  Thereafter, a maintenance flag indicating whether maintenance is currently being performed is referred to (step S693). If the flag is not set to “1” (SET), the data communication device 420 and the data communication device 420 indicate that the maintenance has started. After automatic notification to the central controller 460 via the communication line 450 (step S694), the maintenance flag is set to “1” (step S695), but if the maintenance flag is set to “1”, it remains as it is. The process ends.

  That is, after the automatic notification that the maintenance was started by the instruction to shift to the SP mode, the transition to the SP mode was performed again before the automatic notification that the maintenance was completed by the instruction to end the maintenance. In such cases, automatic notification that maintenance has started is prohibited.

6.4 Maintenance End Notification Processing FIG. 70 is a flowchart illustrating an example of maintenance end notification processing by the control unit of each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405. Each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 is maintained by the service person in the SP mode, and when the maintenance is instructed and the maintenance end instruction key on the SP mode screen is pressed, the maintenance is instructed. Is automatically notified to the central control device 460 via the data communication device 420 and the communication line 450 (step S701), and the maintenance flag is reset to “0” (RESET) (step S702).

  As described above, each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 performs automatic notification that the maintenance has been started by an instruction to shift to the SP mode, and then performs automatic notification that the maintenance has been completed by an instruction to end the maintenance. If the transition to SP mode is performed again before, automatic notification of the start of maintenance is prohibited, so the serviceman forgets to perform an operation to notify that when maintenance starts. The problem that the maintenance start time cannot be accurately managed on the central controller 460 side can be solved. In other words, the maintenance start time can always be managed accurately on the central controller 460 side. In addition, every time a serviceman reenters SP mode during maintenance, there is no automatic notification that maintenance has started, so communication costs can be prevented from being wasted, and management of the maintenance start time on the central controller side is complicated. There is no fear of becoming.

6.5 Maintenance Start Notification Processing Each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 is instructed to shift to the SP mode by pressing a plurality of keys such as the ten key 71 and the enter key 74 in a predetermined order by the service person. Then, a maintenance start notification screen as shown in FIG. 71 is displayed on the character display 83.

  After that, when the maintenance start notification key 83-120 (first specific key for enabling the maintenance start instruction) on the maintenance start notification screen is pressed and the maintenance start is instructed by the pressing, the SP mode is entered. The SP mode screen as shown in FIG. 68 (here, including the maintenance end notification key) is displayed on the character display 83, and the fact that the maintenance has started is indicated via the data communication device 420 and the communication line 450. To the central controller 460 automatically. At this time, the test data transmitted from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 are, for example, as shown in FIG.

  After the transition to the SP mode, maintenance is performed by a service person. When the maintenance is instructed by pressing the maintenance end notification key on the SP mode screen, the fact that the maintenance has been completed is indicated. An automatic notification is sent to the central control device 460 via the data communication device 420 and the communication line 450. At this time, the text data transmitted from the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 is, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As described above, when the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 shift to the SP mode for performing maintenance by the operation of the service person, a notification key (first identification) for enabling an instruction to start maintenance is provided. When the maintenance start is instructed by pressing the key, the central control device 460 is automatically notified that the maintenance has started. In addition to the above-described effects, the serviceman can use the first specific key. Therefore, it is possible to recognize that the automatic notification of the start of maintenance has been performed at the time of transition to the SP mode, and from this, when the maintenance is completed, the operation for automatically reporting that is performed. There is very little chance of forgetting.

  FIG. 72 is a flowchart illustrating an example of SP mode transition check processing by the control unit of each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405. When the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 are instructed to shift to the SP mode by pressing a plurality of keys such as the ten key 71 and the enter key 74 in a predetermined order by the service person (step S721), the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 are currently under maintenance. Refer to the in-maintenance flag indicating whether or not (step S722). If the in-maintenance flag is not set to “1” (SET), the maintenance start notification screen shown in FIG. 71 on the character display 83 (first specification for enabling a maintenance start instruction) is displayed. Key) (step S723), and waits for the maintenance start notification key 83-120 (first specific key) on the screen to be pressed (step S724). When the maintenance is started, the data communication device 420 and the communication line 450 are turned to automatically notify the central control device 460 (step S725).

  Next, after the maintenance flag is set to “1” (step S726), the mode shifts to the SP mode, and the character display 83 includes an SP mode screen as shown in FIG. 68 (here, a maintenance end notification key is included). ) Is displayed (step S727). On the other hand, if the in-maintenance flag is set to “1”, the mode is shifted to the SP mode (step S727), and the processing is ended only by displaying the SP mode screen on the character display 83.

  In other words, after an automatic notification that maintenance has been started by an instruction to start maintenance and before an automatic notification that maintenance has been ended by an instruction to end maintenance, the transition to SP mode is instructed again Prohibits display of the maintenance start notification screen (first specific key for enabling maintenance start instruction) on the character display 83.

  After the transition to the SP mode, maintenance is performed by a service person, and when the maintenance is instructed by pressing the maintenance end notification key on the SP mode screen when the maintenance is completed, FIG. Similarly to the process, the central control device 460 is automatically notified of the completion of maintenance via the data communication device 420 and the communication line 450, and the maintenance flag is reset (RESET) to “0”.

  As described above, each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 performs automatic notification that the maintenance is started by an instruction to start maintenance, and then performs automatic notification that the maintenance is ended by an instruction to end maintenance. When the instruction to shift to the SP mode is issued again, the display of the maintenance start notification key (first specific key) is prohibited. In addition to the above effect, the serviceman enters the SP mode during the maintenance. Since the maintenance start notification key is not displayed every time it is repaired, there is no automatic notification that the maintenance has started by pressing the key. Therefore, waste of communication costs can be prevented, and management of the maintenance start time on the central controller side does not become complicated.

6.6 Maintenance End Key Check Processing Each image forming apparatus 401 to 405 is instructed to shift to the SP mode by pressing a plurality of keys such as the ten key 71 and the enter key 74 in a predetermined order by the service person. Sometimes, the same processing as any of the processing described above is performed. However, when displaying the SP mode screen on the character display 83, only when the maintenance flag is set to “1”, the maintenance end notification key (second specification for enabling the maintenance end instruction) Key). Also, processing as shown in FIG. 73 is performed.

  FIG. 73 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a maintenance end key check process performed by the control unit of each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405. Each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 refers to a maintenance in-progress flag indicating whether or not the current maintenance is in progress (step S731), and when the flag is reset to “0”, the current character display 83 is displayed. Regardless of the display screen, the display of the maintenance end notification key is erased (step S732), and the process ends.

  On the other hand, when the maintenance in progress flag is set to “1”, the maintenance end notification key is displayed regardless of the current display screen of the character display 83 (step S733), and then the key is pressed. When the maintenance is instructed by pressing the button (step S734), the fact that the maintenance is finished is automatically notified to the central controller 460 via the data communication device 420 and the communication line 450 (step S735). The in-maintenance flag is reset to “0” (step S736).

  As described above, each of the image forming apparatuses 401 to 405 displays the maintenance end notification key (second specific key) for enabling the maintenance end instruction after the automatic notification that the maintenance has started. When the maintenance is instructed by pressing the key, the automatic notification that the maintenance is completed is performed. In addition to the above effect, when the serviceman finishes the maintenance, the SP mode is purposely reentered. It is not necessary to display the SP mode screen on the character display 83 and press the maintenance end notification key on the screen to automatically report that the maintenance has been completed. Since the operation method is simplified, the operability is improved. It is also possible to remember to perform an operation for automatically notifying that the maintenance has been completed.

1 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing in detail the copying machine of FIG. 1. It is a block diagram which shows the communication control apparatus of FIG. 1 in detail. It is a block diagram which shows the management apparatus of FIG. 1 in detail. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence at the time of the remote notification by a remote notification key. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence at the time of the remote notification by self-diagnosis abnormality. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence at the time of the remote notification by a prior warning. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence when accessing the copying machine from the management apparatus of FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence in the case of accessing a communication control apparatus from the management apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence when accessing the copying machine from the communication control device of FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the parameter set to the communication control apparatus of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data format at the time of a remote notification. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format when accessing the copier from the management apparatus of FIG. 1. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data format in the case of accessing a communication control apparatus from the management apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a data format when accessing the copier from the communication control device of FIG. 1. 3 is a flowchart for explaining remote notification processing of the copier of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the remote notification process by the remote notification key of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the remote notification process by the self-diagnosis abnormality of FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating in detail the remote notification process by the prior warning of FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining remote notification processing of a copying machine when accessed from the communication control apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining the read request process of FIG. 20 in detail. FIG. 21 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the write request process of FIG. 20. 21 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the execute request process of FIG. 20. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence in an idle state between the communication control apparatus of FIG. 1 and a copier. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication sequence at the time of the remote notification of the communication control apparatus and copying machine of FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence when reporting a report result between the communication control device of FIG. 1 and a copier. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence between the communication control apparatus and the copying machine when the management apparatus or the communication control apparatus in FIG. 1 accesses the copying machine. 2 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the cable of the copying machine of FIG. 1 is not connected. 3 is a flowchart for explaining a clear process of a non-communication counter of the copier of FIG. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence in a case where the state of the copying machine of FIG. 1 when a cable is not connected is performed using selecting of a communication control device. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication sequence in a case where the state of the copying machine of FIG. 1 when a cable is not connected is performed using selecting of the management apparatus. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a communication protocol when the communication control apparatus polls the state when the cable of the copying machine of FIG. 1 is not connected. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus configuration of an example in which a state of the copying machine of FIG. 1 when a cable is not connected is detected by a level change of a receiving terminal of a communication interface unit. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an example in which a state of the copying machine of FIG. 1 when a cable is not connected is detected by a level change of a receiving terminal of a communication interface unit. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus configuration of an example in which a connection detection line is provided to detect the state of the copier of FIG. 1 when a cable is not connected. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of an example in which a connection detection line is provided to detect a state of the copying machine of FIG. 1 when a cable is not connected. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of first jam detection processing in the image forming apparatus management system according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of second jam detection processing in the image forming apparatus management system according to the second embodiment. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of second jam detection processing in the image forming apparatus management system according to the second embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the function setting process with respect to a management apparatus (CSS). 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a notification process to a management apparatus when a service person visits for maintenance or the like in an image forming apparatus management system according to a third embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the notification process to the management apparatus when a service person visits for maintenance etc. It is a flowchart which shows the other process sequence of the alerting | reporting process to the management apparatus when a service person visits for maintenance etc. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming apparatus management system according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 45 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the data communication apparatus shown in FIG. 44. 6 is a flowchart showing a selection processing procedure for selecting and communicating with a specific one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses by a data communication apparatus. 10 is a flowchart showing a polling processing procedure for sequentially specifying a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses and confirming the presence or absence of a communication request from the designated digital copying machine. FIG. 10 is a block diagram specifically illustrating an example of a control unit of an image forming apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the control structure of the personal interface in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation display part of the image forming apparatus which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the display state of the character display part of the operation display part of FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the text data transmitted / received between a central control apparatus and a data communication apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows the text data transmitted / received between a data communication apparatus and PI. It is explanatory drawing which shows the text data transmitted / received between PI and an image forming apparatus. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of text data transmitted and received between a PI and an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the process sequence of the process including a block billing process and an automatic notification. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a specific example of text data transmitted and received between a PI and an image forming apparatus. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the other specific example of the text data transmitted / received between PI and an image forming apparatus. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the user program mode for making it display on the character display part of an operation display part. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of an image forming apparatus management system according to a fifth embodiment. It is explanatory drawing which shows the content of the information code table stored in ROM. It is explanatory drawing which shows the procedure of the communication process between a central control apparatus, a data communication apparatus, and a copying apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the main routine of the process performed with the copying machine when accessed from a central control unit. FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a read processing subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 63. FIG. FIG. 64 is a flowchart showing the processing contents of a write processing subroutine in the flowchart of FIG. 63. FIG. FIG. 10 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation display unit of an image forming apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. FIG. 67 is a diagram showing an example of an image formation mode (copy mode) screen displayed on the character display of FIG. 66. It is a figure which shows the example of SP mode screen displayed on the character display of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of SP mode transition check processing by a control unit of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a maintenance end notification process performed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the maintenance start notification screen displayed on the character display of FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of SP mode transition check processing by a control unit of the image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a maintenance end key check process performed by a control unit of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the example of the test data transmitted from an image forming apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

100, 400 Image forming apparatus group 101-105, 401-405 Image forming apparatus 200, 420, 421 Data communication apparatus (communication control apparatus)
250,450 Communication line (public line network)
300,460 Central controller 500 CPU
504 Nonvolatile RAM
505 I / O port 506 to 508 Serial communication unit 509 PI
511 Image forming controller 701 Operation display unit 950, 1202, 1402 Text data

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus management system in which one or more image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus are connected via a communication control apparatus and the management apparatus manages the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Means for detecting jams;
Means for detecting that image formation has been completed normally;
Means for notifying that a preset number of sheets has jammed continuously without completing one image formation;
Means for prohibiting subsequent notification from the notification by the notification means until normal image formation is possible;
An image forming apparatus management system comprising: In an image forming apparatus management system in which one or more image forming apparatuses and a management apparatus are connected via a communication control apparatus and the management apparatus manages the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Means for detecting jams;
Means for detecting that image formation has been completed normally;
Means for notifying that a preset number of sheets has jammed continuously without completing one image formation;
Means for counting jammed time,
Means for prohibiting notification by the means for notifying when the value counted by the means for counting reaches a predetermined value;
An image forming apparatus management system comprising: Means for setting whether to operate the means for prohibiting the notification;
Means for clearing the count-up of the means for counting when the state for prohibiting the notification is set to the state of operation from the state of not operating by the means for setting;
The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, further comprising:

Images