JP2007122740A - Remote diagnostic system, remote diagnostic method, remote control system and remote control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow a remote monitoring and diagnostic computer or system to communicate using different data format which are stored in a database. <P>SOLUTION: A first device to be remotely monitored transfers information. A second device which remotely monitors the first device searches a database after receiving the information transferred from the first device, and determines the data format of the transferred information. The second device then analyzes the information transferred from the first device using the determined data format. The second device remotely monitors or diagnoses the state of the first device using the analyzed information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technology for communication with a remote diagnosis device and a remote control device using a plurality of communication formats. The present invention also relates to a remote diagnosis system, a remote diagnosis method, a remote control system, and a remote control method having a communication capability with different apparatuses such as copiers, printers, facsimile machines, and digital cameras using different data formats. It is.

  Communication technology between a remote diagnosis station and a business office apparatus including a copier, a printer, a facsimile apparatus, and a combination of them is well known. U.S. Pat. No. 5,412,779, entitled "BUSINESS OFFICE DEVICES". However, the conventional diagnostic system cannot use various communication protocols.

  A dedicated control and monitoring system for each model can be provided to communicate with devices using different communication protocols and to control or diagnose those devices. If it does in this way, appropriate communication can be reliably performed with respect to each type of apparatus using a different diagnostic computer.

  However, the above prior art has a problem that it is expensive, wastes resources, and hinders rapid development or improvement of communication protocols.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a method and system for communicating with a plurality of apparatuses having the ability to use various communication protocols.

  Another object of the present invention is to analyze received content in order to determine a communication protocol to be used.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide different communication protocols that can be used for communication with various devices such as facsimile machines, copiers, printers, digital copiers / printers, digital cameras, and other types of devices. It is to provide a control and diagnosis system having a database.

  The above and other objects are achieved by a novel method and system for communication with devices utilizing multiple communication formats. The control and diagnostic system includes a database of different communication protocols and communication formats. The communication protocol is stored in the device to be monitored or diagnosed.

  The control and diagnostic system receives information from the device that it initially controls or monitors. This initial information is examined to determine if it begins with a protocol identifier. If the information begins with a protocol identifier, a protocol identifier database is searched to determine whether there is an entry corresponding to that protocol identifier. The gist of the present invention is to determine whether the version number of the protocol identifier is stored in the database.

  If there is an entry in the protocol identifier database corresponding to the protocol identifier contained in the first information, the corresponding record in the protocol identifier database is read and the format of the header used for the information is changed. Define. The header (which is said to be the device identifier because it contains information about the device that sent the information) is then analyzed to see if it matches the format of the header contained in the protocol identifier database; Thereby, various information constituting the header, such as the category, model identifier, serial number, protocol version, and device position of the device, is determined.

  The input format database is then searched for a record that matches the device defined in the header. If a record that matches the header information of the first information is found, the format information is read from the input format database, whereby data formatted according to the protocol identifier and device identifier (header) sent from the device Will be analyzed correctly.

  If it is determined that the first information sent from the remote device does not begin with a protocol identifier, a communication protocol database is searched, so that the received information follows a predefined format. It is determined whether or not it has a header. By this check, communication can be started in a format corresponding to the largest number of devices among the various devices installed. The field of the received information that has been checked for a match is required to match at least the field for the received information to be recognized in accordance with one of the predefined communication protocols. Defined.

  The information that starts without a protocol identifier is either a fixed format (meaning immutable format) or a format that is adapted to use the same format as the header. Which one is recognized is determined in the communication protocol database.

  When recognizing the same format as the header, the device identifier (header) of the received information is read in order to obtain the format information. Once this format information is obtained, the corresponding data format is examined at the appropriate location. On the other hand, when the protocol is recognized as a fixed format, the format used or the location information of the format is checked in the communication protocol database.

  In the first specific example, the format is stored directly in the communication protocol database. Alternatively, the communication protocol database may store information on a position where the file name or format information can be found. As a further alternative, the format information may be stored in a database having various fixed formats so that the database can be consulted when determining the appropriate format.

  Once one communication protocol or format to be used is determined, the received information is analyzed according to the determined format. Further, the transmission information from the diagnosis / control system is formatted using the determined communication protocol or communication format.

  A more complete appreciation of the invention and the many attendant advantages will be readily obtained because it will be understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

  Hereinafter, the best embodiments of a remote diagnosis system, a remote diagnosis method, a remote control system, and a remote control method according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the component which is the same or respond | corresponds over all the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention including a copier 30, an operation panel 50, and a remote diagnostic system 70. However, the present invention is not limited to a copying machine, and can be applied to other business equipment such as a printer or a facsimile machine having the means described below.

  In the following description, the target device shown in FIG. The target machine, the copier 30, includes means for storing static state data 37, such as model number, serial number, model characteristics, etc., that remain unchanged during its lifetime. The copier 30 as the target device also includes means for storing semi-static state data 36 that rarely changes during the life of the device, such as ROM version, optional configuration.

  Further, the copying machine 30 which is the target apparatus has a dynamic state that varies depending on the mechanical state of the apparatus such as the state of the recording paper in the tray, oil, toner, number of prints, sensitivity of the light receiving element, passage and position of the recording paper Means for storing data 35; In order to store the dynamic state of the device, the target device, the copier 30, includes a monitoring process 34 that monitors the status of the copier 30. The operation of the entire system is controlled by a system control process 32.

  When the power is turned on, the system control process 32 not only prepares the copying machine 30 as the target device, but also first checks the physical connection and then establishes communication with the means described below to establish communication with the attached device. Establish communication.

  The copying machine 30 is in an idle state until the user specifies some functions via the operation panel 50. However, the system control process 32 continuously monitors its state during idle time. When an abnormal state is detected, the system control process 32 sends data to the communication process 31, encodes the data, and sends the coded data to the operation panel 50 via the communication line 90. The communication process 51 sends an acknowledgment signal, decodes the data and sends it to the system control process 52. The system control process 52 notifies the status of the copying machine 30 via the display process 54.

  When the remote diagnostic station communication line 91 is connected, the system control process 32 sends a message to alert the remote diagnostic station 70 to inform the station 70 of the abnormal condition.

  The input process 53 receives the input from the user and sends it to the system control process 52, which then returns the input through the display process 54 (echo back) so that the user / You can obtain feedback from her (user) input. The data from the user is then encoded in the communication process 51. This encoded data is then sent to the copier via communication line 90.

  Next, the communication process 31 sends an acknowledgment signal to the communication process 51, decodes the received data, and sends the decoded data to the system control process 32. During the actual copying process, the sequence process 33 arranges events according to timed requirements. The remote diagnosis station 70 is connected to the copying machine 30 via a communication line 91. The communication line 91 can be a telephone line, an RS232 line, or other suitable communication means. The communication process 71 operates in the same manner as the communication process 31 of the copying machine 30 and the communication process 51 of the operation panel 50.

  The diagnosis process 72 is an intelligent process capable of interactively communicating with the copying machine 30 based on the received answer and the data stored in the database 73.

  FIG. 2 illustrates the features of the hardware utilized to implement the present invention. Copier 30, operation panel 50 and remote diagnostic station 70 all have buses 40, 60 and 80, which are connected to central processing units 41, 61 and 81, respectively. Depending on the model, the bus has more units. The sensor unit 43 detects the functional status of the target device that must be stored as dynamic data such as recording paper tray, voltage and paper path.

  The storage device 42 holds the static state data 37 as a fixed storage (such as a ROM). The storage device 45 stores the semi-static state data 36 in a replaceable storage device that does not require power, such as an EEPROM, or a replaceable storage device (such as CMOSRAM) that can be supported by a battery using low power. The storage device 46 stores the dynamic state data in a replaceable storage device that does not require power or can be supported by a battery using low power.

  The display and input unit 63 controls input keys and lights and a display such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The disk unit 83 holds a database. When the communication line 91 is not regularly connected or is connected only when diagnosis is necessary, the interface unit 44 indicates that the communication line 91 is interrupted due to a mechanical means of physical connection. Means for informing the connected central processing unit 41 is provided.

FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the encoding according to the invention. However, ASN. Other encodings such as 1 (1987) can also be used. The coding scheme in FIG. 3 consists of a transmission of type, length and value (TLV) coding. Bit 7 of type is set to 0, but bit 7 of length is set to 1. The value can take any combination of bits. The encoding is binary and saves data communication length. Up to 120 types (4 information × 30 types) can be defined by combining information fields. One way to extend the type is to set all low 5 bits to 1. The extension terminator is two bytes of 00H. By using a composite in the information field, one or more pieces of information can be sent as follows.
010 ××××× L1 T2 L2 V2 T3 L3 V3
However, L1 is the byte length of T2 to V3, L2 is the byte length of V2, and L3 is the byte length of V3. The number of composites is not limited to two.

  Table 1 below shows the type and value codes. These codes are given as an illustration and the actual execution will vary depending on the application.

  FIG. 4 shows the establishment of communication between the copying machine 30 and the operation panel 50 of FIG. 1 or FIG. Both the copying machine 30 and the operation panel 50 communicate with each other by a power-on reset sequence. In step 1, the operation panel 50 ends the reset and sends the assigned value to the copying machine 30. However, the copier 30 is busy resetting and cannot obtain data via the interface unit 44. In step 2, the copying machine 30 is ready and sends the assigned value to the operation panel 50. Step 3 shows confirmation from the operation panel 50 to the copying machine 30. In the preferred embodiment, the receiver must return a confirmation of the type received.

  Step 4 of FIG. 4 indicates that the initial identification should be interrupted and another attempt should be made. Step 5 indicates that a connection has been established. Step 6 shows an example of the specified number of copies. The confirmation in step 7 represents the number of copies (here, 3 copies). Step 8 indicates the start of the copy processing sequence and step 9 indicates the corresponding confirmation. Step 10 shows the communication of the recording paper jam and Step 11 shows the corresponding confirmation of the recording paper jam.

  FIG. 5 shows a process of establishing a connection between the remote diagnosis station 70 and the copying machine 30 shown in FIGS. FIG. 5 shows the use of the composite information field at lines 4 and 6. If this composite is not used, communications like lines 10-12 are required.

  Step 1 of FIG. 5 shows the identification of the diagnosis and step 2 shows the confirmation of the identification. Step 3 shows an identification query and step 4 shows a composite confirmation. Step 5 queries for model identification, and step 6 is the corresponding confirmation. Step 7 queries the parameter report, and as an explanation, step 8 indicates that the command is not understood. Step 9 shows address reporting, and steps 10, 11 and 12 show confirmation, reporting and confirmation, respectively.

  FIG. 6 shows a state where a plurality of devices are connected to the control and diagnosis system 26. The control and diagnosis system 26 includes a database 28 that stores a plurality of communication protocols used when communicating with various devices connected to the control and diagnosis system 26.

  For example, the control and diagnosis system 26 having a plurality of different copying machines including a digital camera 2 such as a DC-1 camera manufactured by Ricoh, a facsimile machine 4, a copying machine 6 and a copying machine 8 is mechanically Any type of device may be connected, including devices that perform functions, devices that have mechanical sensors, electro-mechanical sensors, and actuators. The control and diagnosis system 26 communicates with different models of copiers using different communication protocols. Of course, the control and diagnostic system 26 can communicate with a plurality of identical model copiers and devices using the same communication protocol.

  Other devices connected to the control and diagnostic system 26 include the printer 10, the digital copier / printer 20, and the first device 16, the second device 14 and the third device 12 connected via the interface 18. It is. These devices 12, 14, 16 include equipment for business offices and may be any type of equipment to be monitored, controlled or diagnosed. The interface 18 is any type of communication interface in which multiple devices are connected to the interface 18 and can communicate via a transmission line 22.

  The transmission line 22 is connected to the control and diagnosis system 26 via the communication interface 24. The communication interface 24 is a required type of communication interface, and includes a modem, a LAN (local area network) interface, an Internet connection, or some other type of interface.

  The transmission line 22 is a communication medium of some type, and is configured by a wire (wired connection), an optical connection, or a wireless connection using light such as radio waves or infrared rays. Ancillary communication methods that may be used in the present invention are generally described in commonly owned US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 463,002, “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DIAGNOSIS AND CONTROL OF MACHINES, dated June 5, 1995 by the applicant. USING CONNECTION AND CONNECTIONLESS MODES OF COMMUNICATION ".

  The communication protocol database 28 has one or more databases used to analyze or decode received information and to encode or format information transmitted from the control and diagnostic system 26. The details of the communication protocol database 28 will be described together with the description of the databases (shown in FIGS. 12 to 15) included in the communication protocol database 28.

  The control / diagnostic system 26 is a conventional general-purpose device such as a microprocessor, a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), a display (display device), a disk drive such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a keyboard, or the like. It has the same hardware as in a computer used for the purpose.

  The hardware is connected using a system bus or a plurality of computers, and a server connected by a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) or both a LAN and a WAN.

  The control and diagnosis system 26 can initiate communication with a device connected to the control and diagnosis system 26 and diagnose or control the device or send commands or requests to diagnose and control. Then, the device returns one or both of responses and / or data, or performs an operation such as moving an actuator or rotating a motor, performing both the response and the operation, or performing other operations.

  Therefore, it can be said that the control and diagnosis system 26 can cause the device to perform an electromechanical operation. This is because electrical signals cause mechanical movements that take place in the device. When communication is initiated by the control and diagnosis system 26, the control and diagnosis system 26 needs to know the communication protocol or format. This is because the device correctly interprets commands or information received from the control and diagnostic system 26.

  The control and diagnostic system 26 looks up the protocol or communication format in a database to send the necessary information or commands. Communication is also initiated by the device sending a command, request, data, or a request for diagnosis or indication of a fault. The control and diagnostic system 26 then responds, transmits data or commands to the device, or performs both these responses and data or command transmissions.

  These commands include commands for manipulating or changing data, commands for instructing reading of data, and commands for performing electromechanical operations. When communication is initiated by the device, the control and diagnostic system 26 must determine the protocol of the received information based on what is described herein in order to correctly interpret the received information.

  FIG. 7 shows a mechanical layout of the digital copier / printer 20 shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 7, reference numeral 101 indicates a scanner fan, reference numeral 102 indicates a polygon mirror used in a laser printer, and reference numeral 103 indicates a laser (not shown). This is an Fθ lens that converts emitted light into parallel light (collimated light). Reference numeral 104 denotes a sensor for detecting light from the scanner, reference numeral 105 denotes a lens for focusing light emitted from the scanner onto the sensor 104, and reference numeral 106 denotes photosensitive. A quenching ramp used to erase the image on the body drum 132.

  Further, the digital copying machine and printer 20 is provided with a corona charging unit 107 and a developing roller 108. Reference numeral 109 denotes a lamp used to irradiate an original to be read and scanned, and reference numerals 110, 111, and 112 denote mirrors that reflect light onto the sensor 104.

  The digital copier / printer 20 is provided with a drum mirror 113 that reflects light emitted from the laser from the polygon mirror 102 to the photosensitive drum 132. What is indicated by reference numeral 114 is a fan for cooling the charged area of the digital copying machine and printer 20. What is indicated by reference numeral 115 is a first paper feed roller used for feeding paper from the first paper feed cassette 117. What is indicated by reference numeral 116 is a manual feed table for manually feeding paper. Similarly, what is indicated by reference numeral 118 is a second paper feed roller used for feeding paper from the second paper feed cassette 119.

  The reference numeral 120 indicates a relay roller, the reference numeral 121 indicates a registration roller, the reference numeral 122 indicates an image density sensor, and the reference numeral 123 indicates a transfer / separation corona discharge unit. . The reference numeral 124 indicates a cleaning unit, the reference numeral 125 indicates a vacuum fan, the reference numeral 126 indicates a conveying belt, the reference numeral 127 indicates a pressure roller, and a reference numeral 128. The one is a carry-out roller. Reference numeral 129 indicates a heating roller for fixing toner on the paper, reference numeral 130 indicates an exhaust fan, and reference numeral 131 indicates a main motor for driving the digital copying machine.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram of electrical components (components) of the digital copier / printer 20 shown in FIG.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit) 160 is a microprocessor and functions as a system controller. The digital copier / printer 20 includes a random access memory (anytime read / write memory) 162 that stores dynamically changing information including operation parameters of the digital copier. The read-only memory (read-only memory) 164 stores the code (execution program of the digital copying machine) and information (static data) representing the copying machine such as the model number and serial number of the copying machine.

  The digital copier / printer 20 includes a multiport communication interface 166 for the digital copier to communicate with an external device. A reference numeral 168 represents a telephone line or an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) cable, and a reference numeral 170 represents a network. Details of the multi-port communication interface 166 will be described later with reference to FIG.

  The interface controller 172 is used to connect the operation panel 174 to the system bus 186. The operation panel 174 is provided with a standard input / output device in a digital copying machine having a copy button and keys for controlling the operation of the copying machine, such as the number of copies, enlargement / reduction ratio, and brightness. In addition, the operation panel 174 is provided with a liquid crystal display device so as to display various setting parameters (such as the number of copies and enlargement / reduction ratio) of the digital copying machine and messages to the user (user). It has become.

  The digital copier / printer 20 is provided with a storage unit interface 176, and a storage device is connected to the system bus 186 via the storage unit interface 176. The storage device includes a flash memory (electrically erasable / rewritable read memory) 178 and a disk 182. The disk 182 is configured by a hard disk, an optical disk, a floppy (R) disk drive, or a combination thereof. An external storage device connection line 180 is connected to the storage unit interface 176 so that a storage device can be additionally connected to the digital copying machine.

  Flash memory 178 is used to store semi-static data representing parameters that frequently change during operation of the digital copier. Such parameters include digital copier options and equipment configuration. The digital copying machine / printer 20 is provided with an option interface 184, and additional hardware such as an external interface can be connected to the digital copying machine via the option interface 184. .

  On the left side of FIG. 8, various means constituting the digital copying machine are shown. What is indicated by reference numeral 202 is a sorter (sorting device), which is provided with an actuator and a sensor used for sorting copies copied from the digital copying machine. The digital copier / printer 20 includes a duplexer 200 capable of performing a copying operation, and the duplexer 200 is provided with known sensors and actuators.

  The digital copier / printer 20 includes a large-capacity tray unit 198. A large amount of paper used in the digital copier can be stored and held in the tray unit 198. The large capacity tray unit 198 is provided with known sensors and actuators.

  The digital copier / printer 20 includes a paper transport controller 196, and the paper transport controller 196 is used to control the paper feed into the digital copier and the paper feed operation within the copier.

  The digital copying machine / printer 20 includes a scanner 194 used for scanning and reading an image in the digital copying machine. The scanner 194 includes components of a known scanning device such as a light source and a mirror. Is provided. In addition, a scanning sensor is used as a home position (initial position) sensor for positioning the scanner at a home position (initial position) and a lamp thermistor for reliably operating the scanning light source.

  The digital copier / printer 20 includes a printer / imager 192 that prints the output of the digital copier. The printer / imager 192 is provided with a known laser printing mechanism, toner, and image density sensor. . The digital copier / printer 20 also includes a fixing device 190 for melting toner on a piece of paper using a high-temperature roller. The fixing device 190 includes an exit sensor, a thermistor for preventing overheating of the fixing device 190, and the like. An oil sensor is provided.

  In addition, the digital copier / printer 20 is a digital copier option (selection) such as an automatic document feeder, a different type of sorter / collator, or other elements that can be added to the digital copier. An optional unit interface 188 used to connect the product is provided.

  FIG. 9 shows details of the multi-port communication interface 166. The digital copying machine includes a Centronics interface 220 for transmitting and receiving information to be printed, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) interface 222, a conventional telephone interface 224 for connecting a telephone line 168A, an ISDN interface 226 for connecting an ISDN cable 168B, RS It is possible to communicate with an external device via a local area network (LAN) interface 230 that connects a -232 interface 228 and a LAN (ie, network) 170. A single device that connects both a LAN and a telephone is commercially available from Megahertz and is known as an Ethernet modem.

  A CPU (Central Processing Unit), other microprocessor or electronic circuit executes a monitoring process for monitoring the state of each sensor of the digital copying machine. A subsequent process is then performed to execute instruction codes for controlling and operating the digital copier. In addition, a central system control process is performed to control the overall operation of the digital copier.

  In addition, a communication process is executed in order to perform communication with an external device connected to the digital copying machine with high reliability. In the system control process, data stored in a static storage device such as the ROM 164 shown in FIG. 8 or a semi-static storage device such as the flash memory 178 and the disk 182, or the RAM 162 and flash memory Monitoring and control of data in a dynamic state stored in a volatile or nonvolatile storage device such as the disk 182 is performed.

  Note that the static data may be stored in a device such as a nonvolatile storage device including the flash memory 178 and the disk 182 rather than the ROM 164.

  Although the above detailed description has been made with reference to digital copiers, the present invention is not limited to facsimile machines, scanners, printers, facsimile servers, or other business office devices or any other type of device. The same applies to business office devices.

  In addition, the present invention operates using a connected or disconnected mode of communication, such as a meter reading system, including a gas, water and electricity system, a sales device, or any other device that performs mechanical operations, Includes other types of devices that need to be monitored and perform certain functions. Also, in addition to devices and computers for achieving specific objectives, the present invention is applicable to monitoring, controlling and diagnosing computers for general purposes.

  Before any communication takes place, the protocol used to communicate with a new device, such as a business office device, must be determined. This decision is made by a technician or device designer.

  After the start of the process shown in FIG. 10, step 252 is performed to determine the communication protocol used by the device. Once the protocol is determined, in step 254, the communication protocol is stored in the storage device of the device. Also, if the communication protocol is not yet stored in the control and diagnostic system database, then in step 256 the communication protocol is also stored in the control and diagnostic system database. Then, the process shown in FIG. 10 ends.

  The communication protocol used in the present invention is any type of communication protocol including known communication protocols. The data is formatted into any one of a variety of formats including the following format types. The first format type is a data type followed by the data or value of the data (eg, type-value (ie, TV)).

  The data may also be formatted in a field where the data type is followed by three data value fields (TVVV). In these cases, the field length is fixed, although it may have various field lengths. A third type of format data that can be used in the present invention is data transmission in a binary format with no type or length information. In this case, the format is fixed by continuous data values having a fixed length.

  Another type of format data that can be used consists of type, length and value (TLV), starting with a field representing the data type, followed by a field representing the data length, the data itself or the value. A fifth type of format data that can be used in the present invention is a type consisting of type, value and boundary, the boundary indicating the end of the data.

  An example of a preferred form of transmission data is shown in FIG. 11 showing the format of transmission information 260. The transmission information begins with a protocol identifier 262 having a protocol identifier and preferably a version number of the protocol identifier. The protocol identifier 262 is followed by a device identifier 264, also called a header. Next, any one of the above-mentioned formats such as type-value (TV), type-value-value-value (TVVV), binary data (binary), type-length-value or type-value-boundary. Followed by format data 266 using one.

  The protocol identifier, preferably the protocol identifier and the version number of the protocol identifier contained therein, defines the format of the device identifier or header 264 that follows it.

  Also shown in FIG. 11 is a typical device identifier 264, which is a field that defines the category of the device 270, such as whether the device is a copier, a facsimile machine, or the like. It has begun.

  The device identifier also includes the model identifier 272, serial number 274, version 276 of the protocol used to communicate the format data, and device location or address 278 fields.

  The device location or address field 278 includes information such as an address, telephone number, e-mail address, or some other type of unique identifier that can be used to determine the location of the device. ing. As described above, the exact placement or format of the device identifier or header varies with the specific protocol identifier 262.

  FIG. 12 shows a protocol identifier database. This database is used to determine the format of the header or device identifier after the protocol identifier 262 is determined. The fields of each record in the protocol identifier database include the protocol identifier, the version of the identifier (also called the header version), and the actual format of the header.

  The protocol identifier field may contain some unique sequence of bits, bytes or characters that are easily identifiable as a protocol identifier. For example, the first record in the protocol identifier database has a protocol identifier of ABABBCBCCDCD. This is a very specific arrangement and usually does not appear in the communication information. Therefore, this unique sequence can be a communication protocol identifier.

  The next field in the protocol identifier database is the identifier version, also called the header version. This field is used to allow the header format to be changed while using the same underlying communication protocol identifier. In the protocol identifier database, the protocol identifier fields of the first record and the second record appear to be the same. However, these two records have different versions and can be reformatted with respect to the header.

  For example, in the example shown in FIG. 12, the format of the first record is assigned to use 15 bytes as the serial number, whereas the format of the second record uses 20 bytes as the serial number. Is assigned as

  Changing the number of bytes assigned to the serial number in this way, that is, changing something with respect to the device identifier (header), can be easily improved by adding a new record to the protocol identifier database. . The third record in the protocol identifier database indicates the third protocol identifier, its version and the format of the corresponding header.

  After the protocol identifier and identifier version of the transmission information is analyzed to determine the header format, the header field format stored in the protocol identifier database is used to determine the information in the header format. The device identifier or header can be examined. After this information included in the header format is determined, the communication format is determined using the input format database shown in FIG.

  The input format database shown in FIG. 13 exists corresponding to the device category, model identifier, protocol version, format type, actual format used for communication (also called input format), and this particular record. A plurality of records having fields representing information on the number of devices are included.

  When the device identifier of the input information to the control and diagnostic system 26 is examined to determine information including the device category, model identifier, and protocol version used, the examined information is stored in the following data. Used to find the corresponding record in the input format database to determine the format.

  For example, if the device category is a copier, the model identifier is “FT1150”, and the device identifier indicates that the version of the protocol used is 1.0, this record and the input format It is found that the first record in the database matches and the format type is “B” indicating that the communication format used is binary. In reception, an input format including a 32-bit integer representing the number of copies and a 16-bit integer representing the number of failures is used.

  In the present embodiment, the contents of the received format data can be defined by some method. One way to define this content is shown in the input format field of the input format database shown in FIG. Other methods for defining fields are defined in Table 2 below.

  Table 2 shows various ways of defining data and field formats. Data is defined to begin with a type such as INT that represents an integer.

  Other possible formats include the American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) format, whether the data is 1 byte, 1 bit, JIS or Shift JIS. JIS and shift JIS are Japanese Industrial Standards. Japanese Industrial Standards are well known and have the same purpose as ASCII.

  What comes after the type is the length. This length can be fixed, for example limited to an integer of 32 or 16 bytes, or can be defined in that field, as indicated using "N". “X” representing the length information is unknown or undefined.

  The type / length is followed by a field definition, not shown for each entry. The field definition can be used to define some field, such as the number of copies, the number of failures, or other parameters or information to be transmitted. In addition to field definitions, subfields can be defined. For example, the Byte / N field has a field definition including two subfields. These subfields contain therein the definition of the data within the subfield.

  Returning to the input format database, when the copying machine is the model “FT20” and the device identifier indicates that the version of the protocol used is 1.0, the communication format is the type ( Type) -length (Length) -value (Value) (TLV), and the input format is "TLV format 1". This is a pre-defined format stored in another location, such as a file or database.

  Thus, the input format field of this input format database stores the name of the protocol to simplify the configuration of the input format database, but does not need to store the complete definition of the input format that is the communication protocol. This also allows multiple devices to use the same input format, thus eliminating the need to store that format separately for each device that uses the input format.

  The other records in the input format database merely show typical information, and the exact details of the various records are not important. The third record indicates information for the facsimile apparatus. The fourth record shows information for the printer.

  The fifth record is made by Ricoh described in US Patent Application No. 08 / XXX, XXX "External Communication Interface for a Digital Camera" (Attorney Docket No. 557-3714-2) dated February 21, 1996. The information of a digital camera such as the DC-1 camera is shown.

  The number of installed fields in the input format database indicates the existing number of devices that match the device represented in the record. This number can be used to classify the database, as described, or for some other purpose.

  Communications received by the control and diagnostic system 26 can be initiated without a protocol identifier. In this case, neither the protocol identifier database shown in FIG. 12 nor the input format database shown in FIG. 13 is used to determine the communication format.

  Instead, the communication protocol database shown in FIG. 14 is used to determine the communication protocol (data format) being used. The communication protocol database is used to identify the device identifier or header, the number of devices using the protocol defined in the record, the method of identifying the protocol, the location of the data format of the protocol, and the protocol It has a record with a field that defines a critical field.

  If the protocol identifier is not included in the input information, the input information is checked to see if it matches any one of a number of predefined formats stored in advance in the communication protocol database. . A field in the communication protocol database, called a critical field that identifies the protocol, defines the value of the corresponding field in the input information in order to find that the information matches a record in the communication protocol database.

  Table 3 shows the critical field, which includes the first entry used in the first record of the communication protocol database and the second entry used in the second record of the communication protocol database. ing. In Table 3, the first entry starts with (B10, 48-57), (B11, 48-57), and the like. The information in each set of parentheses defines a critical limit.

  A capital “B” followed by a 10 indicates that the byte 10 of the input information must have a value between them, including 48 and 57. This corresponds to the ASCII representation of numbers 0-9. Similarly, the other critical fields of the first entry in Table 3 define other conditions for the various bytes.

  The second entry in Table 3 uses “b” to indicate the condition of the individual bits of the input information. For example, (b0, 1) represents that the value of bit zero of the reception information must be 1.

  The present invention analyzes input information without a protocol identifier by first determining whether the input information matches a critical field defined in the communication protocol database. The communication protocol database is provided with a field that defines the number of devices that use the protocol.

  This allows you to first check if the critical field has begun in the most frequently used communication protocol, and use the time you examine the most effectively to get the best match in the communication protocol database. Can do.

  Corresponding to the protocol of the input information, once a record in the communication protocol database is determined, a protocol is defined in the communication protocol database record to determine how the communication protocol should be examined. How to do is investigated. Two ways to identify the protocol used are to read an identifier in the header representing the protocol used, or a fixed format identifier when there is only one unique communication protocol that matches the critical field. is there.

  If a header identification method is used to determine the communication protocol, the header must be read to determine an identifier that specifies the data format to be used. In this case, in order to determine the position of the format identifier included in the header, the device identifier in the communication protocol record, ie, the field of the header is examined.

  As an example, the device identifier or header in the communication protocol database further includes a format identifier field that is read to determine which of the multiple data formats corresponding to the critical field of the first record should be used. Although it is included, it may be the same as or similar to the device identifier (header) 264 shown in FIG.

  For example, the format identifier is stored in bytes 20-23 of the reception information. Once the format identifier is determined, the database defined at the data format position in the protocol field of the communication protocol database is searched to determine the actual data format. For example, assume that a database “CSSDATA.DB” shown in FIG. 15 is used.

  In FIG. 15, the database is represented as having a format identifier field, a format type field, and an actual data format. Once the device identifier of the input information is read, the format identifier included in the header is determined, and for example, the database shown in FIG. 15 can be used to determine the data format.

  16 to 19 show a process for determining a communication protocol used for communication. This process is preferably done by the control and diagnostic system 26, rather than by any device that receives information having the determined format.

  After starting the process, in step 302, the first communication information is received. Then, in step 304, it is checked whether the received information starts with a protocol identifier as defined in the protocol identifier database. If the received information starts with a protocol identifier in step 304, the process proceeds to step 306, where the protocol identifier database shown in FIG. 12 is searched for the protocol identifier and header version.

  This step is to search the protocol identifier database for records that match the protocol identifier and version of the received information. The identifier version can be removed from the protocol identifier database and its inspection.

  Then, the process proceeds to step S308, and it is determined whether or not the corresponding protocol identifier and version are found in the record of the protocol identifier database. An error is returned if the appropriate protocol identifier and version cannot be found in the database. Alternatively, instead of returning an error, the process may proceed to process B for determining the communication protocol shown in FIG. 18 as if there is no protocol identifier.

  If it is determined in step 308 that the appropriate protocol identifier and version have been found in the protocol identifier database, the process proceeds to step 310 and the header format is read from the protocol identifier database. In step 312, a device identifier or header (eg, a header indicated by reference numeral 264 in FIG. 11) is used to determine information in various fields of the header, using the format of the header stored in the protocol identifier database. Analyze.

  Then, in step 314, a record that matches the device defined in the device identifier (header) field is obtained, and the input format database shown in FIG. 13 is searched. For example, search the input format database for device categories, model identifiers and protocol versions. If it is determined in step 316 that no matching record is found in the input format database, an error is returned.

  On the other hand, if a matching record is found, proceed to step 318 to read the format type and input format from the matching record in the input format database, and call the process shown in FIGS. This format information is returned to the main routine for processing the input information of the control and diagnosis system 26.

  The flowchart shown in FIG. 18 can be used not only when the received information does not start with the protocol identifier, but also when the protocol identifier used in the received information is found.

  In FIG. 18, in step 320, a record having the largest number of installed devices in the communication protocol database is obtained. For example, in the first record of the communication protocol database, the number of devices using the protocol defined in this record is 99,000 (see FIG. 14). Then, in step 322, it is determined whether the critical field of this record matches the format of the received information.

  This is determined by examining whether the request for the critical field matches the configuration of the received information. If they do not match, it is checked in step 324 whether all records in the communication protocol database have been checked. If all records are checked, an error indicating that no communication protocol matching the received information was found is returned.

  Instead, if all the records have not been checked, the process proceeds from step 324 to step 326, and the record of the next largest installed device number is obtained from the communication protocol database.

  Control then returns to step 322 to determine if this record matches the critical field. If it is determined in step 322 that the fields match, the process proceeds to step 328 shown in FIG. 19, and the "protocol identification method" field in the communication protocol database is read in order to determine a method for identifying the protocol.

  If the method of identifying the protocol is the header identification method, the process proceeds to step 332, where the device identifier using the fourth header definition format arranged in the communication protocol database to locate the format identifier field. Read (header).

  Then, in step 334, in order to determine the data format used by the received information, the database defined in the data format position of the protocol of the communication protocol database (for example, the database shown in FIG. 15) is read.

  In step 328, if the protocol identification method of the record is a fixed format identification method, it means that there is only one format corresponding to the record with the matching critical field of the received information. The communication protocol is determined by one of three methods.

  The first is that the format is stored directly in the "protocol data format position" field, in which case this field is read to determine the communication protocol. Second, there is a file in the "Protocol Data Format Location" field, so read this file to determine the communication protocol.

  Third, the “Protocol Data Format Location” field is identical to the database sought to find the location of the record corresponding to that record in the communication protocol database, so further to find the format information Search this database. Then, the found format information is returned to the process that called the process shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 (for example, the main routine for processing the input information of the control / diagnostic system 26), and the process ends.

  20 to 22 show a process of processing input information performed by both the control and diagnosis system 26 and a device connected to the control and diagnosis system 26. This process may be used to communicate any information including the type of information disclosed in US Pat. No. 5,412,779 “Method and Apparatus for Controlling and Communicating with Business Office Devices”.

  After the communication format or protocol is determined according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, the processes shown in FIGS. 16 to 19 are started.

  In step 352, an analysis routine is called to receive and analyze format data such as the format data 266 shown in FIG. This analysis is used to determine commands, parameters or other communication information included in the communication.

  Then, in step 354, it is determined whether to perform some other communication or function or end the communication process. When ending the communication process, the process proceeds to process E shown in FIG. If the communication process is not terminated, the process proceeds to step 356, where it is determined whether there are any unknown marks or portions of the received information. If there are, proceed to step 358 to determine if it is necessary to communicate the problem that the source device has an unknown mark.

  If communication is necessary, the process proceeds to step 360, and a message indicating a problem that there is an unknown mark is sent to the transmission source device. If communication is not necessary, the process returns from step 358 to the beginning of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 356 that there are no unknown marks, the process proceeds to step 362 to determine whether or not an operation needs to be performed. The operation is in response to a received command, a change request, or a stored content read. If it is necessary to perform such an operation, the process proceeds to step 364 to determine whether a certain parameter is required.

  If a parameter is required, proceed to step 366 and further analysis is performed to determine the parameter. Then, in step 368, it is determined whether to end the analysis or whether there is a problem with the unknown mark. If there is an unknown mark (Yes in step 368), the process proceeds to step 358.

  Otherwise, if it is determined in step 368 to end the process, or if it is determined in step 364 that no parameters are required, then the necessary actions are performed in step 370. This is some type of operation, including reading a storage location in the device, changing the contents of the memory, manipulating the components of the device, or some required operation. The process proceeds from step 370 to process F shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 21, step 372 determines whether a message needs to be sent. If there is no need to send a message, the process returns to the beginning of the process D, that is, the process shown in FIG. If a message needs to be sent, the process proceeds from step 372 to step 374 where the message is encoded using a previously determined communication protocol.

  Then, in step 376, it is determined whether the message is ready. This is whether the message is complete and ready to be sent or does it need to wait. If the message is not ready to be sent, the message is saved in a buffer or queue and returned to process D, the beginning of the process shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step 376 that the message is ready for transmission, the process proceeds to step 378, where the message is compressed into a packet for transfer. The message is then forwarded at step 380 and the message queue is cleared and emptied at step 382. Then return to the beginning of the process shown in FIG.

  By the way, when it is determined in step 354 that the communication process is terminated, the process proceeds to process E shown in FIG. In FIG. 22, step 384 determines whether the message queue is empty. If the message queue is empty, terminate the process.

  If the message queue is not empty, proceed to step 386 to compress the outgoing message into packets, forward the message at step 388, and clear the message queue to empty at step 390. Then the process ends.

  FIG. 23 shows a first embodiment used to explain the operation of the present invention.

  In the example shown in both FIGS. 23 and 24, an upper row representing byte numbers and a lower row representing communication contents are provided. FIG. 23 shows an example of received information starting with a protocol identifier having a version number in bytes 1-8.

  The protocol identifier is followed by ABABBCBCCDCD followed by a version number 0101 of bytes 7-8. The next byte 9 to 12 is followed by the device category, and the next byte 13 to 22 is followed by the model identifier. The next byte 23-37 is followed by a 15-byte serial number, followed by 5 bytes indicating the protocol version in bytes 38-42.

  In the example shown in FIG. 23, the device position is indicated by 50 bytes of bytes 43 to 92. In this particular example, bytes 43-45 are used to indicate the type of information contained in the address. Zero is used for street (street) addresses, 1 is used for telephone numbers, and 2 is used for e-mail addresses. In this example, since the values of bytes 43 to 45 are 1, the subsequent information represents a telephone number.

  Bytes 93 to 98 represent the communicated format data. This format data is in the type-value (TV) format, followed by 2 bytes representing the type represented as 8001, followed by 4 bytes of content representing the number of abnormal failures in bytes 95-98.

  In order to read the actual format data in bytes 93-98, the present invention determines that the communication information begins with the protocol identifier of bytes 1-8, and in the protocol identifier database shown in FIG. Search for the format of the header included in 92.

  The first record in the protocol identifier database shown in FIG. 12 matches the protocol identifier and version included in the example shown in FIG. Once the information in the header (bytes 9-92) is read, the input format database is searched to find information that matches the information in the header.

  In the input format database shown in FIG. 13, there is no record that exactly corresponds to the example shown in FIG. However, in practice, there is an operation unique to the present invention, for example, that a record exists. In this example, the protocol version contained in bytes 38-42 indicates that the format data is in a type-value format. The information following the byte 92 is analyzed according to a specific type-value format previously determined and stored in the control and diagnostic system 26.

  FIG. 24 shows a second example of received information. In this example, the received information does not begin with a protocol identifier. Thus, the control and diagnostic system 26 analyzes the format of the information sent to determine if there is a critical field that matches the received information.

  In this example, the received communication information matches the critical field defined in the first entry of Table 3 of the specification, corresponding to the first record of the communication protocol database shown in FIG. Therefore, in order to determine that the format identifier is included in bytes 20 to 23, the device identifier, that is, the header format is searched in the communication protocol database.

  The value of bytes 20-23 is 2. A format identifier indicating that 32-bit integer data representing the number of copies follows is searched for in the database shown in FIG. The number of copies is shown in bytes 24-27 in the example shown in FIG.

  The various databases used in the present invention are easily revised, improved and evolved to the latest and have excellent adaptability in terms of the use of new communication protocols. Further, if the control and diagnostic system 26 knows which protocol the monitored device is using, the control and diagnostic system 26 can easily initiate communication. Furthermore, database utilization techniques can be applied to the device or apparatus being monitored.

  As will be apparent to those skilled in the computer arts, the present invention can be made using conventional general purpose digital computers or microprocessors programmed according to the contents of this specification. As will be apparent to those skilled in the software art, suitable software for encoding can be readily prepared by a skilled programmer based on the description of the present invention.

  The present invention can also be improved by providing specific integrated circuits or by interconnecting appropriate conventional component networks, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

  The present invention includes a computer program product that is a storage medium storing instructions that can be used to program a computer to perform the process of the present invention. The storage medium may be any type including, but not limited to, floppy (R) disks, optical disks, CD-ROMs, magneto-optical disks, or any type of media suitable for holding electronic information. Includes discs.

  Obviously, various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above content. Accordingly, within the scope of the appended claims, the present invention may be practiced other than as specifically described in the specification.

It is a figure which shows the whole functional system which can apply this invention. It is a figure which shows the hardware whole structure which concerns on one embodiment of this invention. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an encoding scheme that can be used for communication with the present invention. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of communication between a copier after power-on and an operation panel. FIG. It is a figure which shows one Embodiment of the connection method of the diagnostic station by this invention. It is a figure which shows the state with which the several apparatus containing the device for business offices and a digital camera was connected to the control and diagnostic system. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a digital copier / printer. FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an electrical configuration of the digital copier / printer shown in FIG. 2. It is a figure which shows the detail of the multiport communication interface shown by FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the storing process of the communication protocol in the control and diagnostic system and the apparatus communicated therewith. It is a figure which shows the format of the transmission information with the device identifier of the transmission information by a device, ie, the detail of a header. It is a figure which shows the protocol identifier database which defines the format of the header used by a different protocol identifier. FIG. 4 shows an input format database representing various input formats used by different devices defined in the database. It is a figure which shows the content of the communication protocol database. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a specific data format database referenced by the communication protocol database shown in FIG. 7. FIG. 5 is a portion of a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a communication protocol to be used based on received information. FIG. 5 is a portion of a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a communication protocol to be used based on received information. FIG. 5 is a portion of a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a communication protocol to be used based on received information. FIG. 5 is a portion of a flowchart illustrating a process for determining a communication protocol to be used based on received information. It is a part of flowchart which shows the communication process after the format of a communication protocol is determined. It is a part of flowchart which shows the communication process after the format of a communication protocol is determined. It is a part of flowchart which shows the communication process after the format of a communication protocol is determined. It is a figure which shows the 1st example of the communication information which uses a certain protocol identifier. It is a figure which shows the 2nd example of the communication information which does not have a protocol identifier.

Explanation of symbols

2 Digital Camera 4 Facsimile Machine 6, 8 Copier 10 Printer 12 Third Device 14 Second Device 16 First Device 18 Interface 20 Digital Copier / Printer 22 Transmission Line 24 Communication Interface 26 Control / Diagnostic System 28 Communication Protocol Database 30 Copy Machine 31, 51, 71 Communication process 32, 52 System control process 33 Sequence process 34 Monitoring process 35 Dynamic state data 36 Semi-static state data 37 Static state data 40, 60, 80 Bus 41, 61, 81 Central processing unit 42 Fixed storage device (ROM)
43 Sensor unit 44, 64, 84 Interface unit 45 Semi-fixed storage device (EEPROM)
46 Dynamic storage (CMOSRAM)
50 Operation Panel 53 Input Process 54 Display Process 62, 82 Storage Device 63 Display and Input Unit 70 Remote Diagnosis Station 72 Diagnosis Process 73 Database 83 Disk Unit 90, 91 Communication Line 101 Scanner Fan 102 Polygon Mirror 103 Fθ Lens (Collimator Lens) )
104 optical sensor 105 focusing lens 106 extinction lamp 107 corona charging unit 108 developing roller 109 irradiation lamp 110, 111, 112 reflection mirror 113 drum mirror 114 cooling fan 115 first paper feed roller 116 manual feed table 117 first paper feed cassette 118 first 2 paper feed rollers 119 second paper feed cassette 120 relay roller 121 registration roller 122 image density sensor 123 transfer / separation corona discharge unit 124 cleaning unit 125 vacuum fan 126 transport belt 127 pressure roller 128 carry-out roller 129 heating roller 130 exhaust fan 131 Main motor 132 Photosensitive drum 160 CPU (Central processing unit)
162 Random access memory (write / read memory as needed)
164 Read only memory (read only memory)
166 Multi-port communication interface 168 Telephone line or ISDN cable 168A Telephone line 168B ISDN cable 170 LAN (network)
172 Interface controller 174 Operation panel 176 Storage unit interface 178 Flash memory 180 External storage device connection line 182 Disk 184 Option interface 186 System bus 188 Option unit interface 190 Fixing device 192 Printer / imager 194 Scanner 196 Paper transport controller 198 Large capacity tray unit 200 Duplexer 202 Sorter (Classifier)
220 Centronics interface 222 SCSI interface 224 Telephone interface 226 ISDN interface 228 RS-232 interface 230 LAN interface

Claims (22)

In a remote diagnostic system having a first device that is remotely monitored and a second device that remotely monitors the first device,
The first device is:
Comprising means for transferring information;
The second device is:
Means for receiving information transferred from the first device;
Means for determining a data format of the information transferred from the first device;
Means for analyzing the information transferred from the first device using the determined data format;
Means for diagnosing the state of the first device using the analyzed information;
A device remote diagnosis system comprising: The means for analyzing the information includes:
Means for analyzing the information using one of a plurality of data formats corresponding to the type of the first device;
The device remote diagnosis system according to claim 1, further comprising: The means for determining the data format is:
Means for determining a data format by checking whether the transferred information includes an identifier;
The device remote diagnosis system according to claim 1, further comprising: The means for determining the data format is:
Means for selecting a data format used as means for analyzing the information from a database storing a plurality of data formats;
The device remote diagnosis system according to claim 1, further comprising: The means for selecting the data format is:
Means for searching for an identifier in a database to determine a data format corresponding to the identifier;
The device remote diagnosis system according to claim 4, further comprising: The second device further includes:
Means for controlling the first device by transferring control information from the first device to the second device using the determined data format;
The device remote diagnosis system according to claim 1, further comprising: In a method of diagnosing a first device over a second device capable of diagnosing different types of devices,
Transferring from the first device to the second device;
Receiving the transferred information at the second device;
Determining the type of the first device at the second device;
Analyzing the information transferred from the first device using the determined data format at the second device;
Diagnosing the state of the first device from the second device using the analyzed information;
A device remote diagnosis method comprising: Analyzing the information comprises:
Analyzing the information using one of a plurality of data formats corresponding to the type of the first device;
The device remote diagnosis method according to claim 7, further comprising: Determining the data format comprises:
Determining a data format by examining whether the transferred information includes an identifier; and
The device remote diagnosis method according to claim 7, further comprising: Further, selecting a data format to be used for analyzing the information from a database storing a plurality of data formats;
The device remote diagnosis method according to claim 7, further comprising: The step of selecting the data format includes
Searching for an identifier in a database to determine a data format corresponding to the identifier;
The device remote diagnosis method according to claim 10, further comprising: Further, controlling the first device from the second device by transferring control information from the first device to the second device using the determined data format;
The device remote diagnosis method according to claim 7, further comprising: In a remote control system having a first device and a second device for controlling the first device,
The second device is:
Means for determining a type of the first device;
Means for determining a data format used for the first device from the type;
Means for creating from the data format a message including an instruction to control the first device;
Means for transferring the message to the first device;
Comprising
The first device is:
Means for receiving a message transferred from the second device;
Means for responding to a message transferred from the second device;
A remote control system comprising: The means for determining the data format is:
Means for determining a data format from a plurality of data formats;
The remote control system according to claim 13, comprising: The means for responding to the message is:
Means for transferring information in the memory of the first device to the second device;
The remote control system according to claim 13, comprising: The means for responding to the message is:
Means for changing the contents in the memory of the first device;
The remote control system according to claim 13, comprising: The means for responding to the message is:
Means for performing an electro-mechanical operation in the first device;
The remote control system according to claim 13, comprising: In a method of controlling a first device over a second device capable of controlling different types of devices,
Determining a type of the first device at a second device;
Determining a data format used by the first device from the type at the second device;
Creating a message containing instructions for controlling the first device from the data format;
Transferring the message from the second device to the first device;
Receiving the message transferred from the second device at the first device;
Performing an operation in the first device in response to a message transferred from the second device;
A remote control method comprising: Determining the data format comprises:
Determining a data format from a plurality of data formats;
The remote control method according to claim 18, further comprising: The step of responding to the message comprises:
Transferring information in the memory of the first device to the second device;
The remote control method according to claim 18, further comprising: The step of responding to the message comprises:
Changing the contents in the memory of the first device;
The remote control method according to claim 18, further comprising: The step of responding to the message comprises:
Performing an electro-mechanical operation in the first device;
The remote control method according to claim 18, further comprising:

Images