JP2884610B2 - Copy data management system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a copy data management system for centrally managing a plurality of copying machines.

[Prior Art] Conventionally, in order to centrally manage a large number of copiers located in various places in a large-scale office or the like, the number of copies in each copier or copy data of a user or the like is used by using an extension. A copy data management system that transfers the data and, for example, totals the number of copies for each department, has been put to practical use.

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] In the copy data management system of the polling method as described above, the central management device cannot be called from the terminal device. Based on this, it has been impossible to transmit maintenance information notifying the arrival of the maintenance time from the copying machine side.

Therefore, the present applicant can call the central control device via a communication line from the terminal device provided in each copying machine, and therefore, the number of copies and information other than the user, such as occurrence of a failure requiring repair, A copy data management system capable of transmitting data such as the arrival of a maintenance time (hereinafter referred to as copy data) has been disclosed.

However, in this copy data management system, if a copy operation is performed while the terminal device is reading and transmitting the copy data to the centralized management device, the data may be undefined due to data writing.

An object of the present invention is to copy the number of copies in a copying machine and copy data of maintenance information in the copying machine.
An object of the present invention is to provide a copy data management system that includes a terminal device that transmits data to a centralized management device that collects data on a plurality of copying machines via a communication line and that can reliably transmit copy data.

Means for Solving the Problems A first copy data management system according to the present invention is a centralized management system for collecting data such as the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information via a communication line to collect data on the copying machine. In a copy data management system including a terminal device for transmitting data to an apparatus, the terminal device has a processing mode for performing processing other than the transmission of the data and a communication mode for transmitting the data in response to the operation of a corresponding copying machine. A transmission device provided for each copying machine for transmitting the data, and a line connection device for transmitting data of the connected transmission device to a centralized management device via a communication line. When there is a transmission request,
Only when the corresponding copying machine is not performing a copying operation, the communication mode is set and the data is transmitted.

The second copy data management system according to the present invention is characterized in that, in addition to the features of the first copy data management system, the line connection device sets the communication mode after setting all the connectable transmission devices to the communication mode. Is performed.

According to a third copy data management system of the present invention, in addition to the features of the first copy data management system, the line connection device sequentially sets a connectable transmission device to a communication mode after connecting a communication line. It is characterized by doing.

According to a fourth copy data management system of the present invention, in addition to the features of the first copy data management system, the line connection device sets the connection of the communication line after setting all connectable transmission devices to the communication mode. A first communication procedure mode for performing communication, and a second communication procedure mode for sequentially switching the state of a connectable transmission device to a communication mode after connection of a communication line, wherein the first communication procedure mode and the second communication procedure mode are set by an operator. Is provided with selection means for selecting.

[Operation] In the first copy data management system according to the present invention,
The terminal device includes a transmission device and a line connection device, and the transmission device has a processing mode and a communication mode. The transmission device does not set the communication mode during the operation of the copying machine even if a data transmission request is issued from the line connection position. Further, in the communication mode, since the mode is not the processing mode, copy data such as the number of copies is not written or changed by copying. Therefore, data does not become unstable during data transmission in the communication mode.

In the case where the transmitting apparatus is provided with the communication mode and the processing mode as described above, it is necessary to further consider the order of switching between the two modes and the line connection. Here, when a central management device is called from a terminal device, a communication procedure method for switching a transmission device to a communication mode and then connecting a line, as in the second copy data management system according to the present invention, and a method according to the present invention. As in the third copy data management system, a communication procedure system is used in which the transmission apparatus is switched to the communication mode after connecting the line. In particular, when a line connection device in which a plurality of transmission devices are connected in parallel controls connection with a centralized management device via one telephone line, the characteristics of both types become apparent. In the former method, since each transmission device is switched to the communication mode, a call is made, and each transmission device is sequentially connected to the central management device and the copy data is transmitted, so that the call time is short,
Line usage fees can be reduced. On the other hand, in the latter method, transmission is performed after switching the telephone line. Therefore, unlike the former method, a number of copiers cannot be disabled at once, and even if one is in communication, other copiers can be used. Machine is available.
However, you must pay for the line even if you are not on a call.

Since both of the above communication procedure systems have advantages, the operability of the copying machine is improved when the operator can select either of them. Therefore, the fourth copy data management system according to the present invention includes a selection unit that allows the operator to select one of the two communication procedure modes.

[Embodiment] A copy data management system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of copy data management system (2) Communication procedure in first communication procedure mode and second communication procedure mode in copy data management system (3) Format of communication data in copy data management system (4) Online controller Processing (5) Processing of the copy data controller (6) Processing of the center controller The parts particularly relevant to the present invention are shown in FIGS. 4 (A), 6 (A), (B), (C) and 7 Figures (A), (B),
(C), FIG. 11 (A), (B), (C), and FIG. 15 and related explanations.

(1) Configuration of Copy Data Management System FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copy data management system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the copy data management system includes:
Copiers 10a to 10d (hereinafter collectively referred to as 10.)
A terminal system 1 for counting copy data such as the number of copies, the number of occurrences of a jam, and the number of occurrences of a trouble,
It consists of a center system 2 that counts the copy data of each copying machine 10 counted by the terminal system 1, and each system 1, 2 is connected by telephone lines 4a, 4b, 4c via an exchange 3 installed by a telecommunications carrier. The copy data is transmitted and received.

The terminal system 1 includes a copying machine 10 and copy data controllers 20a to 20d (hereinafter, collectively referred to as 20).
, And online controllers 30a and 30b (hereinafter collectively referred to as 30) and telephones 40a and 40b (hereinafter referred to as generically referred to as 40).

The copy data controller 20 has a one-to-one
The copy data of the connected copying machine 10 is counted, and the operation state of the copying machine 10 such as turning on / off the power of the copying machine 10 and whether or not copying is in progress is detected. According to the type of the magnetic card inserted into the controller 20 and the control processing state described later, the copying machine 10 is controlled to permit or prohibit the copying operation. Each copy data controller 20 has a unique serial number.

The online controller 30 is connected to one or more copy data controllers 20 and one telephone 40a, 40b (hereinafter, collectively referred to as 40), and connects the telephone 40 to the telephone lines 4a, 4b in the telephone mode. Exchange 3 via
On the other hand, in the communication mode, the copy data controller 20 and the center control device 50 are connected to control communication between the devices 20 and 50. The online controller 30 has a maximum of 10 copy data controllers.
20 is connected. The names of the ten channels for connecting each copy data controller 20 are hereinafter referred to as channels 1 to 10.

The center system 2 includes a center control device 50, a personal computer 60, and a CRT display device 70.

The center control device 50 controls the exchange 3 via the telephone line 4c.
After receiving the copy data transmitted from the terminal system 1 and storing the copy data, the copy data is totalized at a preset deadline time. The personal computer 60 includes the center control device 50
And controls the operation of the center control device 50, and displays the totalized copy data output from the device 50 on the CRT display device 70.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the copy data controller 20.

In FIG. 2, a copy data controller 20 is a microcomputer for controlling the operation of the controller 20.
21 is provided. The microcomputer 21 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 101 for controlling the operation of the microcomputer 21, and a read-only memory for storing a control program of the CPU 101 and data necessary for executing the control program. (Hereinafter referred to as ROM) 102,
A random access memory (hereinafter, referred to as RAM) 103 which stores a flag for controlling the CPU 101 and the copy data and is used as a working area of the CPU 101, and a parallel / serial converter and a serial / parallel converter for performing data communication with an external device. It has serial input / output port circuits 104 and 105 for performing processing such as conversion, and each device 101 to 103 and each circuit 1
04 and 105 are connected via the internal bus B1.

The serial input / output port circuit 104 is connected to the copying machine 10 for performing the transmission and reception of the copy data and controlling the operation of the copying machine 10, and the display buffer memory 24 for displaying predetermined data described later. The LED display 25 is connected via the. Also, the serial input / output port circuit 10
Reference numeral 4 denotes an insertion sensor (not shown) for detecting that a magnetic card has been inserted, and a magnetic head (not shown) for reading data stored in the magnetic card and writing data to the magnetic card. ) Is connected, and a transport motor 23 for inserting and ejecting the magnetic card into and from the device 22 is connected. Further, the serial input / output port circuit 105 includes:
To transmit and receive data, the interface circuit 26
The online controller 30 is connected via the.

Copy data controller 20 configured as above
Has the following three operation modes.

(A) setting mode: setting of current time, setting of outgoing time,
This is a mode for setting a telephone number for scheduled transmission and a telephone number for alarm transmission.

(B) Communication mode: a mode for transmitting and receiving data to and from the center control device 50 via the online controller 30.

(C) Processing mode: an operation mode other than the setting mode and the communication mode, and the copy data controller
This is the mode for performing the internal processing of 20.

The following two types of magnetic cards are provided.

(A) Aggregation card: A card for displaying the copy data stored in the copy data controller 20.

(B) Department card: In order to count the number of copies for each department of the user's organization, a different code (hereinafter referred to as a department code) for each department is stored in the department card, and the department card is stored in card data. When inserted into the output device 22, the copying operation of the copying machine 10 is permitted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the online controller 30.

In FIG. 3, the online controller 30 includes a microcomputer 31 for controlling the operation of the controller 30. The microcomputer 31 includes a CPU 201 that controls the operation of the microcomputer 31, a ROM 202 that stores a control program of the CPU 201 and data necessary for executing the control program, a flag for controlling the CPU 201, and a preset value. Stores data such as transmission time
A RAM 203 used as a working area of the U201, a real-time clock 204 for measuring the current time, a serial input / output port circuit 205 for performing processing such as parallel / serial conversion and serial / parallel conversion for performing data communication with an external device, A maintenance switch 206 for performing various settings at the time of maintenance, a monitor LED 207 for displaying a line connection state with the center control device 50 and a setting state at the time of the maintenance, and a changeover switch for setting a communication procedure mode. 208, and the respective devices and circuits 201 to 208 are connected via an internal bus B2.

Each copy data controller 20 is connected to the serial input / output port circuit 205 via the interface circuit 34 and the multiplexer 35 in order to transmit and receive data to and from each copy data controller 20. When the number of the copy data controllers 20 connected to the online controller 30 is one, the multiplexer 35 is not provided, and
The interface circuit 34 is directly connected to the copy data controller 20.

In addition, the serial input / output port circuit 205 has a network control circuit having a line connection function such as a dialer for performing data communication with the center control device 50.
A modem 33 (hereinafter referred to as a modem) incorporating a unit (hereinafter referred to as an NCU) is connected. This modem
A telephone 40 is connected to 33, and the exchange 3 is connected via a telephone line. In response to a control command from the microcomputer 31, the modem 33 normally connects the telephone 40 to a telephone line so that a telephone call can be made by the telephone 40, while the center control is performed in a communication mode for performing data communication with the center control device 50. Perform a line connection process when receiving a call from the device 50 or when calling from the online controller 30,
The data input from the microcomputer 31 is modulated by a predetermined modulation method and transmitted to the center control device 50 via the telephone line and the exchange 3, and the center control device
The data received from 50 is demodulated and output to the microcomputer 31. At the end of the communication mode, the line connection with the telephone line is released, and the telephone line is connected to the telephone 40.

Online controller 30 configured as above
Has three operation modes, a setting mode, a communication mode, and a processing mode, like the copy data controller 20. In the communication mode, the online controller 30 has the following two transmission modes.

(A) Scheduled transmission mode: When the telephone 40 is in use when transmitting copy data to the center control device 50, after waiting for 5 minutes, the use state of the telephone 40 is checked,
In this mode, the copy data is transmitted to the center control device 50 when the telephone 40 is not used.

(B) Alarm transmission mode: When the telephone 40 is in use when transmitting copy data to the center control device 50, the copy data is transmitted to the center control device 50 as soon as the telephone 40 becomes unused. Mode.

The online controller 30 has two communication procedure modes for switching between the connectable copy data controller 20 to the communication mode and for connecting the communication line with the center control device 50 in the order.

(A) First communication procedure mode: After setting all connectable copy data controllers 20 to the communication mode, a communication line with the center control device 50 is connected. Center control controller 50
Collects copy data sequentially from all copy data controllers.

(B) Second communication procedure mode: After connecting a communication line with the center control device 50, one copy data controller is set to the communication mode every time a data transmission request is issued from the center control device 50. Therefore, copy data is collected in the communication mode for each connectable copy data controller 20.

Both communication procedure modes are switched by the operator
Selected at 208 (FIG. 4A).

The details of both communication modes will be described in detail in section (2).

FIG. 4A is a front view of the operation panel of the online controller 30.

As shown in FIG. 4 (A), 10
Monitor LED displays 207 (L1 to L10) are arranged, while two monitor LED displays L11 and L12 and three switches ADJ, SEL, 208 are arranged on the right side of the panel. The monitor LED indicators L1 to L10 display the line connection status with the center control device 50, and indicate the items and digits selected in the setting mode. In addition, monitor LED display L
Reference numerals 11 and L12 indicate the mode state in the setting mode, and also indicate an error state during the self-test of the microcomputer 31. The setting switch ADJ is a switch for setting items and numerical values selected by the selection switch SEL and for starting execution of the self-test. The selection switch SEL is a switch for selecting a value from "0" to "9" and six types of self-tests from "A" to "F". The changeover switch 208 is
A state switch for selecting one of the first communication procedure mode and the second communication procedure mode.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an operation method of the maintenance switch 206 and a display on the monitor LED display 207.

As shown in FIG. 4 (B), by setting the selection switch SEL to an arbitrary value and pressing the setting switch ADJ,
The decade of the date or the first digit of the telephone number can be set, and then the selection switch SEL is set to an arbitrary value and the setting switch ADJ is pressed, and the year of the date or the telephone is set. The second digit of the number can be set, and so on. In the column of the operation method in FIG.
An example of inputting 14:28 on March 14, 1989 was shown.

 FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the center control device 50.

In FIG. 5, the center control device 50 includes a microcomputer 51 for controlling the operation of the contact device 50. The microcomputer 51 stores a CPU 301 for controlling the operation of the microcomputer 51, a ROM 302 for storing a control program of the CPU 301 and data necessary for executing the control program, and a flag and data for controlling the CPU 301. RA used as a working area for CPU 301
M303 and real-time clock 304 that measures the current time
A serial input / output port circuit 305 for performing processing such as parallel / serial conversion and serial / parallel conversion for performing data communication with an external device; and a bubble memory for storing the copy data received from the copy data controller 20. And an interface circuit 306 for connecting to the file device 61 composed of
And the circuits 305 and 306 are connected via the internal bus B3.

To the serial input / output port circuit 305, a modem 52 having a built-in NCU is connected to perform data communication with the online controller 30. The modem 52 performs line connection processing when calling from the online controller 30, and
Similarly to 33, data output from the microcomputer 51 of the center control device 50 is modulated by a predetermined modulation method, and the data is output to the online controller via the telephone line and the exchange 3.
At the same time as transmitting to the microcomputer 30, the data received from the online controller 30 is demodulated and output to the microcomputer 51, and the line connection with the telephone line is released at the end of the communication. Further, the serial input / output port circuit 305 has an RS-port for communicating data with the personal computer 60.
The personal computer 60 is connected via the 232C interface circuit 53.

(2) Communication Procedure in First Communication Procedure Mode and Second Communication Procedure Mode in Copy Data Management System In this copy data management system, the copy data controller 20 connected to each copying machine 10 is described first. As described above, there are three operation modes: the setting mode, the communication mode, and the processing mode. The copy operation is performed in the processing mode, and copy data such as the number of copies is updated according to the copy operation. On the other hand, the copy data center control device 50
Is transmitted in the communication mode, and the copying operation is not performed during the operation in this mode, so that it is possible to prevent the copy data from being undefined during communication.

When the online controller 30 communicates the copy data to the center controller 50, the copy data controller
Set the center control device together with the operation to set 20 to the communication mode.
You have to do the operation to connect the line to 50. In this embodiment, the operator can select two modes, the first communication procedure mode and the second communication procedure mode, with the changeover switch 208 with respect to the order of the two operations.

In the first communication procedure mode, the online controller 30
Is all connected copy data controllers
After setting 20 to the communication mode, a line to the center control device 50 is connected (see FIG. 11 (B)). Therefore, the communication time for transmitting the copy data is shortened. On the other hand, in the second communication procedure mode, the online controller 30
After connecting the line to the center control device 50, the communication mode is set for each connected copy data controller 20 to perform communication. Accordingly, the communication time becomes longer due to the setting of the communication mode, but the copying machine 10 cannot be used at once. The difference between the two modes is
The number increases as the number of copy data controllers 20 connected to the online controller 30 increases.

An example of a communication procedure at the time of normal processing in the first communication procedure mode in the copy data management system configured as described above will be described below with reference to communication sequence diagrams of FIGS. 6 (A) to 6 (C). Will be described. Here, it is assumed that ten copy data controllers 20 are connected to the online controller 30.

In step S1 of FIG. 6A, the online controller 30
The connection confirmation process is sequentially performed for 20. That is, first, the online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1. In response, the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 sends a processing mode answer signal indicating that the processing mode request signal has been received to the online controller.
Send to 30. Next, the online controller 30
Similarly, by transmitting a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 2, the controller 20
Receives the processing mode answer signal from the. In the same manner, the process of confirming the connection with the copy data controller 20 for channels 3 to 10 is performed.

Next, in step S1, at a predetermined transmission start time, the online controller 30 sequentially performs a communication mode setting process on each of the connected copy data controllers 20. That is, first, the online controller 30 transmits a communication mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1. In response, the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 transmits a communication mode answer signal indicating that the communication mode request signal has been received to the online controller 30. Next, the online controller 30 similarly transmits a communication mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 2 and receives a communication mode answer signal from the controller 20. In the same manner, the process of setting the copy data controller 20 from channel 3 to channel 10 to the connection communication mode is performed. When the switching to the communication mode is completed for all the copy data controllers 20 connected to the online controller 30, in step S3, the online controller 30
Have the line connection process with 50 performed.

Next, in step S4 of FIG. 6B, the center control device 50 sends the time request signal to the online controller.
30 and in response to this the online controller 30
Transmits the time data to the center control device 50.

Next, in step S5, the center control device 50
Communicates copy data with the copy data controller 20 of channel 1. That is, the center control device 50
Transmits a mode confirmation signal to the copy data controller 20, and in response, the copy data controller 20 transmits a communication mode answer signal to the center control device 50. Next, the center control device 50 sends a serial number request signal requesting that the serial number of the copy data controller 20 be notified to the copy data controller.
20 and in response to this copy data controller
20 transmits the serial number data to the center control device 50. Next, the copy data is transmitted and received between the center control device 50 and the copy data controller 20. Here, the center control device 50 transmits a predetermined data request signal, which will be described in detail later, to the copy data controller 20, and in response to this, the copy data controller
20 is performed in such a form that copy data corresponding to the received data request signal is transmitted to the center control device 50.

After all copy data has been transmitted and received, in step S6, the center control device 50 sends a count clear request signal to clear all the contents of the counter that counts copy data in the copy data controller 20. The copy data controller 20 transmits the clear answer signal to the center control device 50 after clearing all the contents of the counter in response to the transmission. Next, the center control device
50 is the copy data controller 20 for the next channel,
That is, a line switching request signal is transmitted to the online controller 30 in order to switch the channel to the copy data controller 20 of channel 2. In response, the online controller 30 sends a switch request answer signal to the sensor control device 5. At this time, the online controller 30 controls the multiplexer 35 to
Is switched to the copy data controller 20 of FIG.

Next, in step S7, the above-described processing for transmitting and receiving the copy data is performed with respect to the copy data controllers 20 of channels 2 to 10 (excluding those for which the connection could not be confirmed) in the same manner as described above.
That is, the sensor control device 50 transmits the mode confirmation signal to the copy data controller 20, and sequentially performs the reception of the communication mode answer signal, the transmission of the serial number request signal, and the reception of the serial number data in the same manner as described above. Here, if the serial number of the copy data controller 20 whose copy data transmission / reception has been previously received is received, it is determined that all copy data transmission / reception has been completed, and in step S8, a line release request signal is transmitted. Send to the online controller 30. In response, online controller 30 transmits a line release request answer signal to center control device 50. With the above operation, a series of transmission / reception processing of the copy data is completed, and the center control device 50
Causes the modem 52 to release the line connection, and returns to step S1.

Next, an example of a communication procedure at the time of normal processing in the second communication procedure mode in the copy data management system will be described below with reference to communication sequence diagrams of FIGS. 7 (A) to 7 (C). Where the online controller 30
It is assumed that ten copy data controllers 20 can be connected, and the copy data controller 20 is not connected to the channel 3 of the online controller 30.

In step S11 in FIG. 7A, the online controller 30 periodically performs a connection confirmation process on each copy data controller 20 to be connected. That is, first, the online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1. In response, the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 transmits a processing mode answer signal indicating that the processing mode request signal has been received to the online controller 30. Then the online controller 30
Is also the copy data controller 20 of channel 2
, A processing mode request signal is transmitted, and a processing mode answer signal is received from the controller 20. further,
The online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 3.
At this time, if the processing mode answer signal is not received within three seconds after the transmission of the request signal, the processing mode request signal is transmitted again and the answer signal is waited. After transmitting the processing mode request signal a total of three times in the same manner, if the answer signal is not received within three seconds, it is determined that connection to the copy data controller 20 of channel 3 is impossible, and A cancel signal is transmitted to the copy data controller 20 of channel 3. In the same manner, the process of confirming the connection with the copy data controller 20 for channels 4 to 10 is performed.

In step S12 of FIG. 7B, at a predetermined transmission start time, the online controller 30 causes the modem 33 to perform a line connection process with the center control device 50. Next, in step S13, the center control device 5
0 transmits a time request signal to the online controller 30, and in response, the online controller 30 transmits time data to the center control device 50.

Next, in step S14, the center control device 50
Transmits a mode confirmation signal to the online controller 30 to switch the operation mode of the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 to the communication mode. In response, the online controller 30 transmits a communication mode request signal to the copy data controller 20, and in response, the copy data controller 20 sets its own operation mode to the communication mode, An answer signal is transmitted to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30.

Next, in step S15, the center control device 50
Sends a serial number request signal requesting that the serial number of the copy data controller 20 be notified to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30.
To the copy data controller 20 in response to this.
Transmits the serial number data to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30. Next, between the center control device 50 and the copy data controller 20,
The transmission and reception of the copy data are performed. Here, the center control device 50 transmits a predetermined data request signal, which will be described in detail later, to the copy data controller 20, and in response, the copy data controller 20 transmits the copy data corresponding to the received data request signal to the center. Control device 50
It is done in the form of sending to.

After all copy data has been transmitted and received, in step S16, the center control device 50 sends a count clear request signal to clear all the contents of the counter that counts copy data in the copy data controller 20. The copy data controller 20 transmits the clear answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 after clearing all the contents of the counter. Send to Next, the center control device 50 transmits a line switching request signal to the online controller 30 to switch the channel to the copy data controller 20 of the next channel, that is, the copy data controller 20 of channel 2.
In response, the online controller 30 sends a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1, and in response, the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 sends a processing mode answer signal to the online controller 30. Send. In response,
The online controller 30 transmits a line switching answer signal to the center control device 50. At this time, the online controller 30 controls the multiplexer 35 to switch to the copy data controller 20 for channel 2.

Next, in step S17, the copy data controller 20 for channels 2 to 10 (excluding those for which connection could not be confirmed) in the same manner as described above.
For the copy data transmission and reception. Further, the center control device 50 transmits the mode confirmation signal to the online controller 30, and sequentially performs the reception of the communication mode answer signal, the transmission of the serial number request signal, and the reception of the serial number data in the same manner as described above. Here, if the serial number of the copy data controller 20 whose copy data transmission / reception has already been received is received, it is determined that all copy data transmission / reception has ended, and in step S8, the copy data controller 20 In order to switch the operation mode of (in this case, channel 1) to the processing mode, a line release request signal is transmitted to the online controller 30. In response, the online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1, and in response, the copy data controller 20 transmits a processing mode answer signal to the online controller 30. . In response, online controller 30 transmits a line switching answer signal to center control device 50. With the above operation, a series of copy data transmission / reception processing ends,
The center control device 50 causes the modem 52 to release the line connection, and returns to step S11.

FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 are communication sequence diagrams showing an example of a communication procedure at the time of abnormal processing in the second communication procedure mode in the copy data management system.

As shown in FIG. 8, when a communication mode request signal is transmitted from the online controller 30 to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1, the communication mode answer signal is not received within three seconds after the transmission of the request signal. In this case, the communication mode request signal is transmitted again, and the system waits for the answer signal. After transmitting the communication mode request signal a total of three times in the same manner, if the answer signal is not received within three seconds, it is determined that connection to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 is impossible, and A cancel signal is sent to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 and a negative acknowledgment signal is sent to the center controller 50.
Send to Next, the center control device 50 transmits a line switching request signal to the online controller 30 to switch to the copy data controller 20 of the next channel.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when connection with all copy data controllers 20 from channel 1 to channel 10 is impossible, a line release request signal is transmitted to the online controller 30, and in response to this, The online controller 30 transmits a line release answer signal to the center control device 50. In response to receiving the line release answer signal, center control device 50 causes modem 52 to disconnect the line.

(3) Format of Communication Data in Copy Data Management System FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a format of communication data in the copy data management system. In FIG. 10, (a) to (d) show the copy data controller 2. From the center controller via the online controller 30
(E) is data transmitted from the online controller 30 to the center control device 50. At the head of each data, a reception command indicating the content of each data is arranged.

FIG. 10 (a) shows the format of the total number of copies data, which comprises a received command, the serial number of the copy data controller 20, and data of the total number of copies.

FIG. 10 (b) shows the format of the data of the number of occurrences of jams by location (meaning that the location is within a predetermined range set in advance in the copying machine 10). It is composed of a plurality of blocks each consisting of a code and the number of occurrences of a jam at that location.

FIG. 10 (c) shows the format of the location-specific trouble occurrence count data, which is composed of a received code and a plurality of blocks each consisting of a location code and the number of occurrences of the trouble at that location.

FIG. 10 (d) shows the format of the copy number data by section size, which is composed of a received command, a section code, and the number of copies of each of the five sizes of the section. When a large number of departments and a large amount of data need to be transmitted, the data can be divided and transmitted for each predetermined number of departments.

(E) of FIG. 10 shows the format of the time data. The data includes a received command and two-digit “year”, “month”, “day”, “hour”, “minute”, “Seconds”
Is composed of each data.

(4) Processing of Online Controller 30 FIGS. 11 (A) and 11 (B) are flowcharts showing a main routine of the online controller 30.

In FIG. 11 (A), when the power of the online controller 30 is turned on and the program starts,
First, in step S100, the online controller
After the initial setting of each circuit in 30 is performed, it is determined in step S101 whether the setting mode is selected.
Here, the setting mode is, as described above, the setting of the time of the real-time clock 204, the setting of the transmission time to the center control device 50, the telephone call in the scheduled transmission mode when transmitting to the center control device 50, and the telephone in the alarm transmission mode. This is a mode for setting a number, and when the adjustment switch ADJ or the setting switch SET of the maintenance switch 206 is pressed at the time of initial setting, the setting mode is selected, and the process proceeds to step S102.

In step S102, the copy data controller 20
After transmitting the setting mode request signal to
At 03, check the setting mode flag. This setting mode flag becomes “1” when a setting mode answer signal is received from the copy data controller 20 in a communication interrupt process described later. If the setting mode flag is “0”, a time-over check is performed in step S109. Here, if the setting mode answer signal is not received within a predetermined time (3 seconds in this embodiment) from the copy data controller 20 after transmitting the setting mode request signal, the time is over and the process returns to step S102. Transmits a setting mode request signal to the copy data controller 20. Until the time is over, the program flow loops from step S103 to step S109, and the copy data controller 20
Wait for the answer signal from When the setting mode flag is set to "1" (Yes in step S103), after resetting the setting mode flag in step S104, the current time setting process is performed in steps S105 to S108, respectively.
Each of the outgoing time setting process, the scheduled outgoing telephone number setting process, and the alarm outgoing telephone number setting process is performed, and the process proceeds to step S110. The details of each subroutine of steps 105 to S108 will be described later. The same applies to the following subroutines.

When the processing of the setting mode is completed or in step S1
If the setting mode was not selected in 01,
In steps S110 to S112, a copy data controller connection confirmation process, a modem connection confirmation process, and a time confirmation process are performed, and the process proceeds to step S113.

In steps S113 and S115, the on-time transmission flag and the alarm transmission flag are checked. Here, the on-time transmission flag becomes “1” when the current time coincides with the transmission time in the time confirmation processing in step S112, while the alarm transmission flag is transmitted from the copy data controller 20 by the communication interruption processing described later. Becomes "1" when receiving. When both the scheduled transmission flag and the alarm transmission flag are “0”, the process returns to step S110. On the other hand, when one of the on-time transmission flag and the alarm transmission flag is “1”, after resetting the flag in step S114 or S116, the process proceeds to step S117 to perform line connection with the center control device 50. Call processing is performed in accordance with the communication means mode flag, and the flow advances to step S118.

In step S118, a call flag is checked. This call flag indicates whether or not the line has been connected to the center control device 50 in the call processing. If the flag is "0", the line could not be connected.
Return to S110. On the other hand, when the call flag is “1”, since the line is connected to the center control device 50,
After resetting the call flag in S119, step S1
Continue to 20.

In step S120, the count value n of the channel counter is set to "1", and the process proceeds to step S121. This channel counter is a counter for performing data communication with the center control device 50 by sequentially switching the plurality of copy data controllers 20, and the count value n of the counter indicates the channel number of the copy data controller 20.

In step S121, the communication procedure mode flag is checked to branch. The communication procedure mode flag is a flag that can be set by the operator operating the changeover switch 208 on the operation panel. When the flag is "1", the first communication procedure mode is selected. When the flag is "0", the second communication procedure mode is selected. .

If YES in step S121, the mode is the first communication procedure mode, and all the connected copy data controllers are set.
20 is set to the communication mode (S117, step S22 in FIG. 15).
3, see S224). Therefore, first, a copy data controller switching process is performed in step S122.

Next, in steps S123 and S125, respectively,
Check the switching request flag and the release request flag.
These flags become "1" when a line switching request signal and a line release request signal are received from the center control device 50 in the communication interrupt processing (FIG. 26), respectively. Here, when the switching request flag is “1” in step S123, after resetting the switching request flag in step S124, the process returns to step S121. Step S123
At step S125, the switching request flag is "0".
If the release request flag is "1" in step S126, the release request flag is reset in step S126, and
Transmits a line release answer signal to the center control device 50, disconnects the line connected in step S128, and returns to step S110.

If NO (second communication procedure mode) in step S121, the process proceeds to step S131. In the second communication procedure mode,
After the line connection, the individual copy data controllers 20 are sequentially set to the communication mode to communicate the copy data.

First, in steps S131, S134 and S137, a mode request flag, a switching request flag, and a release request flag are checked, respectively. These flags become “1” when a mode confirmation signal, a line switching request signal, and a line release request signal are received from the center control device 50 in the communication interruption process, respectively. Here, when the mode request flag is “1”, the mode request flag is reset in step S132, and after performing the copy data controller connection processing in step S133, the process proceeds to step S1.
Return to 31. When the switching request flag is “1”,
In step S135, the switching request flag is reset, and after performing the copy data controller disconnection process in step S136, the process returns to step S131. Further, when the release request flag is “1”, the release request flag is reset in step S138, and after performing the copy data controller disconnection process in step S139, the line is released to the center control device 50 in step S140. An answer signal is transmitted, the line connected in step S141 is disconnected, and the process returns to step S110.

If all the flags are “0” in steps S131, S134, and S137, the process proceeds to step S131.
Return to

The above is the processing of the main routine of the online controller 30. The processing of each subroutine in the main routine will be described below.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the copy data controller connection confirmation processing (step S110 in FIG. 11 (A)).

In step S150 of FIG. 12, first, it is checked whether or not the multiplexer 35 is connected in the online controller 30. If the multiplexer 35 is connected,
Yes), after setting the count value n of the channel counter to “1” in step S151, the process proceeds to step S152. Steps
In S152, switching is performed to connect the copy data controller 20 of channel n, and in step S153, a processing mode request signal is transmitted to the selected copy data controller 20.

Next, in step S154, a processing mode answer signal is received from the copy data controller 20, and it is checked whether or not the processing mode flag is "1". The processing mode flag is set to “1” when the answer signal is received in the communication interrupt processing, similarly to the above-described flag. While the processing mode flag is "0", the program flow loops from step S157 to step S154. If the time is over in step S157 after the transmission of the processing mode request signal for at least three seconds, the program flow proceeds to step S158. It is checked whether or not the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted (two times in the present embodiment) (hereinafter referred to as retry). This is based on the assumption that the copy data controller 20 cannot normally receive the transmitted processing mode request signal for some reason and cannot transmit the processing mode answer signal. If the number of retries has not reached the predetermined number, the process returns to step S153 and the process is repeated again from the transmission process of the processing mode request signal. On the other hand, if the processing mode answer signal cannot be received from the copy data controller 20 even after performing the predetermined number of retries, it is determined that the copy data controller 20 is not connected, and in step S159 the cancel signal is sent to the copy data controller 20. After that, in S160, the connection flag of the channel n indicating the connection state of the copy data controller 20 of the channel n is reset.
Proceed to S161. On the other hand, if the processing mode flag is "1" in step S154, the processing mode flag is reset in step S155, and the connection flag of channel n is set to "1" in step S156.
Go to 61.

Next, in step S161, 1 is added to the count value n of the channel counter. If the count value n is "11" in step S162, the confirmation of connection is completed for the copy data controllers 20 of all channels. And returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the count value n is equal to or less than "10", the copy data controller 20 of the next channel is sent to the copy data controller 20 in step S1.
The processing from 52 is repeated in the same manner.

If the multiplexer 35 is not connected in step S150, in steps S163 to S170, the same connection confirmation processing as that in steps S153 to S160 is performed on one copy data controller 20. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the modem connection confirmation processing (step S111 in FIG. 11 (A)).

In step S180 in FIG. 13, first, it is checked whether or not the modem 33 is connected in the online controller 30, and if not, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the modem 33 is connected, it is checked in step S181 whether or not the modem 33 has been initialized.If not, the process of initializing the modem 33 is performed in step S182. After performing, the process returns to the main routine. If the initialization of the modem 33 has been completed in step S181, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 14 shows a time confirmation process (step S11 in FIG. 11 (A)).
It is a flowchart which shows 2).

In step S200 of FIG. 14, first, the current time is read from the real-time clock 204, and then the process proceeds to step S20.
In step 1, it is checked whether one minute has elapsed from the previously read time, that is, whether the "minute" data has changed. This is a process for confirming the transmission time only once a minute. In step S201, if one minute has not elapsed since the previous reading time, the process returns to the main routine, while if one minute has elapsed, the transmission time is confirmed in step S202 and thereafter.

Next, in step S202, a preset transmission time is read using the maintenance switch 206,
The read out time and the current time read out in step S200 are compared. Data to compare are "day", "day of the week",
“Hour” and “minute”, which correspond to steps S203, S205,
It is checked whether or not each of the data set in steps S207 and S209 is “Don't Care”. When the set data is “undefined”, it is determined that the transmission condition is satisfied regardless of the corresponding data at the current time to be compared. For example,
If the "day" data is set to a predetermined value and the "day of the week" data is set to "undefined", the transmission condition is satisfied only once a month, and the "day" data is set to "undefined". If a predetermined value is set for the data of "day of the week", the transmission condition is satisfied only once a week. When each of the preset data is not “undefined”, the processing is performed in steps S204, S206, and S20, respectively.
At 8 and S210, it is checked whether or not the data matches the data corresponding to the current time. If not, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the preset time coincides with the current time, the routine returns to the main routine after setting the periodic transmission flag to "1" in order to set the periodic transmission mode in step S211.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a call processing (step S117 in FIG. 11 (A)) for making a line connection with the center control device 50.

In step S220 in FIG. 15, first, it is checked whether or not the modem 33 has been initialized. If not, the process returns to the main routine as it is. On the other hand, when the modem 33 has been initialized, step S221
Check whether the copy data controller 20 is connected. That is, the connection flag of the copy data controller is checked. Multiplexer
When the connection flag is not connected, the connection flag of one copy data controller 20 is "0". When the multiplexer 35 is connected, the connection flags of the copy data controllers 20 of all channels are set to "0". If it is "0", it is determined that the copy data controller 20 is not connected, and the process returns to the main routine. on the other hand,
If at least one copy data controller 20 is connected, it is checked in step S221 whether the telephone 40 connected to the modem 33 is in use. Here, whether or not the telephone 40 is in use is determined by a predetermined signal transmitted from the modem 33.

When the telephone 40 is in use, it is determined whether or not the transmission mode is the alarm transmission mode or the scheduled transmission mode by checking whether or not the alarm transmission flag is “1” in step S227. Here, when in the alarm transmission mode, a step is performed in order to immediately transmit predetermined data when the telephone 40 is in an unused state.
The process returns to S222 and waits for the telephone 40 to become unused.
On the other hand, in the case of the scheduled transmission mode, in step S228, it is checked whether or not the telephone 40 has been re-checked for a predetermined number of times (10 times in the present embodiment). If the recheck has been performed a predetermined number of times or more, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the recheck has not reached the predetermined number in step S228, the process waits for 5 minutes in step S229, and then returns to step S222 again. Thus, in the alarm transmission mode in which data communication needs to be performed urgently (NO in step S227), as soon as the telephone 40 becomes unused and the telephone line becomes free, the process proceeds to step S223. In (YES in step S227), if the telephone 40 is not used after waiting for 5 minutes,
Proceed to step S223.

In step S223, it is determined whether the communication procedure mode is the first communication procedure mode or the second communication procedure mode by checking whether the communication procedure mode flag is “1”. If it is the first communication procedure mode, step S2
At 24, a communication mode request signal is transmitted to the copy data controller 20, the communication mode is set, and step S225 is performed.
Proceed to. If the current mode is the second communication procedure mode, the process proceeds directly to step S225.

In step S225, a calling process for making a call to the center control device 50 is performed, and in step S226, a call flag indicating whether the line is connected to the center control device 50 is “1” or not. Is checked, and if the flag is "1", the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the flag is "0", the process proceeds to step S226. This call flag is used by the center control device in a calling process described later.
Set to "1" when the line is connected to 50 normally.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the calling process (step S225 in FIG. 15).

In step S240 of FIG. 16, first, it is checked whether the transmission mode is the scheduled transmission mode or the alarm transmission mode by checking the alarm transmission flag.If the transmission mode is the scheduled transmission mode, the modem 33 is determined in step S241. After dialing the telephone number for on-time transmission to the dialer in, the process proceeds to step S243. on the other hand,
If the mode is the alarm transmission mode in step S240, the dialer in the modem 33 is caused to dial the alarm transmission telephone number in step S242, and then the process proceeds to step S243.

In step S243, after the dial, the center control device 50 receives a predetermined response signal from the center control device 50,
The modem 33 is checked whether or not the line is normally connected to 50. Here, the program flow loops from step S245 to step S234 until the line is normally connected to the center control device 50, that is, until the call is made, and when a predetermined time has elapsed after the dialing, that is, the time is over. Time (Ye in step S245)
s) After the line disconnection processing is performed on the telephone line in step S246, the call flag is reset in step S247, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the line is normally connected to the center control device 50 in step S243 (Yes in step S243), the call flag is set to "1" in step S244, and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 17 shows a copy data controller switching process (FIG.
It is a flow chart which shows Step S122 of Drawing (B).

In step S450 of FIG. 17, first, it is checked whether or not the multiplexer 35 is connected. If not, a line switching answer is transmitted to the online controller 30 in step S460, and the process returns. If connected, it is checked in step S451 whether the connection flag of channel n is "1". If the connection flag is "0", the flow advances to step S457. On the other hand, if the connection flag is “1” in step S451, step S4
After switching to connect the copy data controller 20 of the channel n to the multiplexer 35 in 52, a line switching answer signal is transmitted to the copy data controller 20 in step S263. Next, in step S454, after adding 1 to the count value n of the channel counter, it is checked in step S452 whether or not the count value is "11". If the count value n is "11", Since the switching has been performed for all the copy data controllers 20, the count value n is returned to "1" in step S456, and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the connection flag of the channel n is not “1” in step S451, the process proceeds to step S457, and 1 is added to the count value n of the channel counter. Then, in step S458, whether the count value n is “11”. Check whether or not
When the count value n is equal to or less than "10", the process returns to step S451. On the other hand, when the count value n is "11", connection processing has been performed for all the copy data controllers 20, so that the count value is set to "1" in step S459, and the process returns to step S451.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are flowcharts showing the copy data controller communication mode processing (step S224 in FIG. 15).

In FIG. 18A, first, in step S470, it is checked whether or not the multiplexer 35 is connected. If the multiplexer 35 is connected, the process proceeds to step S471, and the count value n of the channel counter n is set to “1”. .

Next, in step S472, it is checked whether or not the connection flag of the copy data controller 20 for channel n is "1". If the connection flag is "0", the flow directly proceeds to step S477. On the other hand, if the connection flag is “1” in step S472, after the multiplexer 35 is switched to connect to the copy data controller 20 of the channel n in step S473,
In step S474, the copy data controller 20
Transmits a communication mode request signal to the
Proceed to.

In step S475, the copy data controller 20
Check whether the communication mode flag indicating whether or not the communication mode answer signal is received from is "1",
When the value is “1”, the answer signal has been received, so that the communication mode flag is reset in step S476, and the process proceeds to step S477.

On the other hand, in step S475, the communication mode flag is set to “0”.
Since the answer signal has not been received when
Proceeding to step S479, it is checked whether a predetermined time (3 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed after the transmission of the communication mode request signal, that is, whether the time is over. If the time is not over, the process proceeds to step S475, and the program flow loops from step S475 to step S479 until the communication mode flag becomes “1” or the time is over.

If the time is over in step S479, it is checked in step S480 whether the number of retransmissions of the communication mode request signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (in the present embodiment, two). If the number of times has not exceeded, the process proceeds to step S474, and the communication mode request signal is transmitted again. On the other hand, if the number has exceeded the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S481, and after transmitting a cancel signal to the copy data controller 20, the process proceeds to step S482, where the connection flag of the channel n is set to “0” and the process proceeds to step S4.
Go to 77.

After adding 1 to the count value n of the channel counter in step S477, the count value n is added in step S478.
Is checked to see if it is "11" and the count n is "10".
When it is below, it returns to step S472. On the other hand, the count value n
Is "11", the communication mode setting process has been performed for all the copy data controllers 20, and the process returns.

On the other hand, when the multiplexer 35 is not connected in step S470, in the processing from step S490 to step S497 in FIG. 18B, one copy data controller 20 is subjected to the above-described steps S474 to S482. After performing the same processing as before, the process returns.
The only difference is that the connection flag is set to "1" in step S493 after step S492.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the copy data controller connection processing (step S133 in FIG. 11 (C)).

In FIG. 19, first, in step S260, it is checked whether or not the multiplexer 35 is connected, and if it is, the process proceeds to step S261. In step S261, it is checked whether or not the connection flag of the copy data controller 20 for channel n is "1". If the connection flag is "0", the flow proceeds to step S270. On the other hand, if the connection flag is “1” in step S261, the multiplexer 35 is switched to connect the copy data controller 20 of the channel n in step S262, and then the copy data controller 20 is switched in step S263. Then, the communication mode request signal is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S264.

In step S264, the copy data controller 20
Check if the communication mode flag “1” indicating whether a communication mode answer signal has been received from
When the answer is received, the answer signal is received.After resetting the communication mode flag in step S265, the communication mode answer signal indicating that the copy data controller 20 is connected to the center control device 50 in step S266 is transmitted. Send and return to the main routine.

On the other hand, in step S264, the communication mode flag is “0”.
Since the answer signal has not been received when
Proceeding to step S267, it is checked whether a predetermined time (3 seconds in the present embodiment) has elapsed after the transmission of the communication mode request signal, that is, whether the time is over. If the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S264, and the program flow loops from step S264 to step S267 until the communication mode flag is “1” or the time has elapsed.

If the time is over in step S267, it is checked in step S268 whether or not the number of retransmissions of the communication mode request signal is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (in the present embodiment, two). If the number does not exceed the number of times, the process proceeds to step S263, and the communication mode request signal is transmitted again. On the other hand, if the number has exceeded the predetermined number, the process proceeds to step S269, and after transmitting a cancel signal to the copy data controller 2, the process proceeds to step S270.

After adding 1 to the count value n of the channel counter in step S270, the count value n is added in step S271.
Is checked to see if it is "11" and the count n is "10".
When it is below, it returns to step S261. On the other hand, the count value n
Is "11", the connection processing has been performed for all the copy data controllers 20, and the count value n is set to "1" in step S272, and the process returns to step S261.

On the other hand, when the multiplexer 35 is not connected in step S260, in the processing from step S273 to step S279, one copy data controller 20
Then, after performing the same processing as the above-described steps S263 to S269, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the copy data controller disconnection processing (steps S136 and S139 in FIG. 11 (B)).

In step S300 in FIG. 20, first, it is checked whether or not the multiplexer 35 is connected, and if it is, the process proceeds to step S301. In step S301, after transmitting the processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of the channel n, in step S302,
It is checked whether or not the processing mode flag indicating whether or not the processing mode answer signal has been received is "1". If the processing mode flag is “1” in step S302, the process proceeds to step S303, and after resetting the processing mode flag, a line switching answer signal is transmitted to the center control device 50 in step S304, and step S307 is performed.
Proceed to.

On the other hand, when the processing mode flag is “0” in step S302, it is determined whether or not the time is over in step S305, that is, a predetermined time after the transmission of the processing mode request signal (in this embodiment, 3 seconds). Is determined to have elapsed, and if the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step S302, and the program flow loops from step S302 to step S305 until the processing mode flag becomes “1” or the time is over. I do.

If the time is over in step S305, it is determined in step S306 whether or not the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, two times). If not, the process proceeds to step S301 for retrying to retransmit the processing mode request signal. On the other hand, when it is determined in step S306 that the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted a predetermined number of times or more, 1 is added to the count value n of the channel counter in step S307, and the count value n is set to “11” in step S308. "Is determined.

If the count value n is not "11" in step S308, the process returns to the main routine, while if the count value n is "11", "1" is set to the count value n in step S309. Then, the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S300 that the multiplexer 35 is not connected, the process proceeds from step S301 to step S3 for one copy data controller 20.
After performing the processing from step S310 to step S315, which is the same processing as 06, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 21 shows the current time setting process (steps in FIG. 11 (A)).
It is a flowchart which shows S105).

In step S320 in FIG. 21, first, when data of the current time is input one digit at a time, the count value POS of the position counter indicating the digit is set to “1”. Next, in step S321, the process waits for the setting switch ADJ to be pressed. When the setting switch ADJ is pressed, the data of one digit of the current time is input in step S322, and the set value of the selection switch SEL is input. Data that was
Set to the digit corresponding to the count value POS of the position counter in the current time data stored in M230,
Real-time clock based on the input data
The data of the corresponding digit in 204 is rewritten. Next, in order to display the data at the set time on the display 25 of the data controller 20 in the switch S324, the input data is transmitted, and the process proceeds to step S325.
After adding 1 to the count value POS of the position counter in step S326, it is determined whether or not the count value POS is "11" in step S326. When the count value POS is "11", the process directly returns.
On the other hand, when it is equal to or less than "10", the process returns to step S321.

FIG. 22 to FIG. 24 respectively show the transmission time setting processing (FIG.
11 (A), step S106), on-time transmission telephone number setting processing (step S107 in FIG. 11 (A)), and alarm transmission telephone number setting processing (step S108 in FIG. 11 (A)) In each of these processes, as in the current time setting process of FIG. 21, a transmission time, a telephone number for scheduled transmission, and a telephone number for alarm transmission are set. Note that step S366 in FIG. 23 and step S366 in FIG.
In S386, the count value of the position counter
It is determined whether the POS is “17”.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a communication interruption process in the online controller 30. This process is started when data is received from the copy data controller 20 or the center control device 50 and the online controller 30 is interrupted.

In step S400 in FIG. 25, first, after temporarily saving data stored in a register or the like used in the interrupt processing, in step S401, for example, a parity error or reception of unset data is performed. It is checked whether or not a communication error has occurred. If the communication error has occurred, predetermined error processing is performed on the communication error that has occurred in step S402, and the process proceeds to step S409. On the other hand, when a communication error has not occurred in step S401, after analyzing the received data in step S403, the process proceeds to step S404 and step S406.
In, whether the received data is through data that is transmitted and received between the copy data controller 20 and the center control device 50 and does not involve the online controller 30,
It is determined whether the data is transmitted from the copy data controller 20 or the data transmitted from the center control device 50.

If the received data is the through data (Yes in step S404), the received data is transmitted to a device different from the source (the data transmitted from the copy data controller 20 to the sensor control device 50, while the center control After the data transmitted from the device 50 is transferred to the copy data controller 20), the
Go to 09. Further, when the received data is not the through data but the data transmitted from the center control device 50 (Yes in step S406), the process for the received data in step S407 (hereinafter, referred to as data process A). After that, the process proceeds to step S409. Further, when the received data is not the through data but the data transmitted from the copy data controller 20 (No in step S406), the processing for the received data in step S408 (hereinafter, data processing B)
That. ), The process proceeds to step S409.

Next, after performing each of the above-described processes, the data of the register saved in step S409 is restored, and the process returns to the step of the routine before the interrupt.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing data processing A (step S407 in FIG. 25). This process is a process for data transmitted from the center control device 50 as described above, and includes a time data request signal, a line switching request signal, and a line release request signal.

Step S420, Step S422, Step S42 in FIG. 26
In step 4 and in step S426, it is determined whether or not the received data is a time data request signal, a line switching request signal, a mode request signal, and a line release request signal. If the received data is a time data request signal (Yes in step S420), the current time is read from the real-time clock 204 in step S421, the data at the current time is transmitted to the center control device 50, and then the process returns. If the received data is a line switching request signal (Yes in step S422),
After setting the switching request flag to "1" at 423, the process returns. Further, if the received data is a mode request signal (Yes in step S424),
After setting the mode request flag “1” in 425, the process returns. If the received data is a line release request signal (Yes in step S426), the process returns after setting a release request flag to "1" in step S427. On the other hand, when the received data is not any of the time data request signal, the line switching request signal, the mode request signal, and the line release request signal (steps S420, S4
(No in 22, S424, and S426), and return as it is.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing data processing B (step S408 in FIG. 25). This process is a process for the data transmitted from the copy data controller 20 as described above, and includes the processing mode answer signal, the communication mode answer signal, the setting mode answer signal, and the alarm transmission request signal.

Step S440, Step S442, Step S44 in FIG. 27
In step 4 and in step S446, it is determined whether the received data is a processing mode answer signal, a communication mode answer signal, a setting mode answer signal, and an alarm transmission request signal. If the received data is a processing mode answer signal (Ye in step S440)
s), after setting the processing mode flag “1” in step S441, return. If the received data is a communication mode answer signal (Yes in step S442), the process returns after setting the communication mode flag to "1" in step S443. Further, when the received data is the setting mode answer signal (Yes in step S444), the process returns after setting the setting mode flag to “1” in step S445. If the received data is an alarm transmission request signal (Yes in step S446), the process returns after setting the alarm transmission flag to “1” in step S447. On the other hand, if the received data is neither the answer signal nor the alarm transmission request signal (No in steps S440, S442, S444, and S446), the process returns.

(5) Processing of Copy Data Controller 30 FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the copy data controller 30.

In FIG. 28, first, the copy data controller 30
When the power of the copy data controller 30 is turned on, the processing of the copy data controller 30 is started, and in step S500, the initialization of each circuit in the copy data controller 30 is performed. As described above, the power of the copier 10 is turned on / off, during copying,
This indicates that a jam or trouble has occurred in the copying machine 10, that the copied paper has been discharged, and that the copying operation has been completed. ) Is input from the copier 10, and data related to the signal is stored in the RAM 103. Next, step S502
In steps S505 to S505, display processing, card read / write processing, counting processing, and communication processing, which will be described in detail later, are performed, and the process returns to step S501.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing the display processing (step S502 in FIG. 28).

Steps S510, S512, S514, S516, S518, S5 in FIG. 29
At 20, the power of the copier 10 is turned off, the communication mode is set, the setting mode is set, and the counting card is inserted into the card data input / output device 22. It is determined whether or not a department card has been inserted into the card data input / output device 22, and whether or not a magnetic card has been inserted into the card data input / output device 22.

When the power of the copier 10 is off (step S5
In step S511, the display of the LED display 25 is turned off, and the process returns to the main routine.
When the communication mode is set (Yes in step S512), the data of “ON LINE” is output to the display buffer memory 24 in step S513, the data is displayed on the LED display 25, and then the main routine is executed. To return. When the setting mode is set (Yes in step S514), the data stored in the display buffer memory 24 is displayed on the LED display 25 in step S515, and the process returns to the main routine. When the counting card is inserted into the card data input / output device 22 (Yes in step S516), the copy data stored in the RAM 103 in the copy data controller 20 is sequentially displayed on the LED display 25 in step S517. Then, the process returns to the main routine. When the department card is inserted into the card data input / output device 22 (Yes in step S518), the department code and the number of copies of the department are displayed on the LED display 25 in step S519, and then the process returns to the main routine. . When the magnetic card is not inserted in the card data input / output device 22 (step S5
(Yes in 20), the data of "CARD" is displayed on the LED display 25 in step S521, and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing the card read / write processing (step S503 in FIG. 28).

In steps S530, S532, S534, and S537 of FIG. 30, each of the insertion sensors (not shown) for detecting whether the magnetic card is inserted into the card data input / output device 22 is on. Or whether reading of data stored in the magnetic card has been completed, whether an eject switch (not shown) for instructing ejection of the magnetic card has been turned on, and whether the eject flag has been set to “1”. Check if it is ".

When the insertion sensor is ON (Yes in step S530), the card insertion process described in detail later is performed in step S531, and the process returns to the main routine. When the reading of the data stored in the magnetic card has been completed (Yes in step S532), a read completion process, which will be described in detail later, is performed in step S533, and the process returns to the main routine. When the eject switch is ON (Yes in step S554), the ejection processing described later in detail is performed in step S536, and the process returns to the main routine. When the eject flag is “1” (Yes in step S537), after resetting the eject flag in step S535,
In step S536, an ejection process is performed, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the eject flag is “0” (No in step S537),
In S538, it is checked whether or not the ejection of the magnetic card has been completed by checking whether the insertion sensor has been turned off or whether the eject timer has counted a predetermined time. If not (No in step S538), the process directly returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the ejection of the magnetic card has been completed (Yes in step S538), the ejection completion processing described in detail later is performed in step S539. And return to the main routine.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart showing a card insertion process (step S531 in FIG. 30).

In step S550 in FIG. 31, first, the transport motor 23
Is rotated in the insertion direction (CW rotation direction) of the magnetic card, and in step S551, the magnetic head in the card data input / output device 22 is set to the read mode to read the data stored in the magnetic card. The data is stored in the RAM 103, and in step S552, a read timer for measuring a read time of data stored in the magnetic card is started, and the process returns.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the read completion processing (step S553 in FIG. 30).

After turning off the transport motor 23 in step S560 of FIG. 32, the data read from the magnetic card is analyzed in step S561. Next, in step S562,
Check if there is an error in the read data,
If there is an error (No in step S562), the process returns after performing the ejection process in step S566. On the other hand, if there is no error in the read data (Yes in step S562), it is checked in step S563 whether the magnetic card is a department card. If the magnetic card is a department card (Yes in step S563), the process proceeds to step S563. After permitting the copying machine 10 to perform the copying operation in S564, the process returns. On the other hand, if the magnetic card is not a department card (No in step S563), the copying machine 10 prohibits the copying operation in step S565 and returns.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the ejection process (step S536 in FIG. 30 and step S566 in FIG. 32).

In step S570 of FIG. 33, first, the copying operation is prohibited for the copying machine 10, and in step S571, the transport motor 23 is rotated in the magnetic card discharge direction (CCW rotation direction). Start the time of the eject timer that measures the discharge time of
To return.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing the discharge completion processing (step S539 in FIG. 30).

In step S580 in FIG. 34, the transport motor 23 is turned off, and in step S581, the RAM 1 is read from the magnetic card.
After clearing the data stored in 03, return.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the counting process (step S504 in FIG. 28).

In steps S590, S592, and S594 in FIG. 35, whether or not one copy operation has been completed in the copying machine 10, whether or not a jam has occurred in the copying machine 10, and a trouble has occurred in the copying machine 10, respectively. Check if you have done it. If none of the steps corresponds to any of the steps, the process directly returns to the main routine.

When one copy operation is completed in the copying machine 10 (Yes in step S590), in step S591, a copy corresponding to the department of the department card currently inserted and corresponding to the size of the copy paper on which the copy operation was performed. After incrementing the counter, the process returns to the main routine. If a jam has occurred in the copying machine 10 (Yes in step S592), the jam counter corresponding to the occurrence location is incremented in step S593, and the process returns to the main routine. Further, when a trouble occurs in the copying machine 10, step S5
After incrementing the trouble counter corresponding to the occurrence location in 95 and transmitting an alarm transmission request signal to the online controller 30 in step S596,
Return to the main routine.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing communication processing (step S505 in FIG. 28) in the copy data controller 20.

In step S600 of FIG. 36, first, it is checked whether or not there is received data. If there is no received data (No in step S600), the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if there is received data (step
(Yes in S600), it is checked whether or not there is an error in the received data in step S601. If there is an error (No in step S601), a predetermined error process required for the error is performed in step S603. Then, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if there is no error in the received data (Yes in step S601),
After performing a command analysis process described in detail later in step S602, the process returns to the main routine.

FIGS. 37 (A) and (B) are flowcharts showing the command analysis processing (step S602 in FIG. 36).

Steps S610, S612, S61 in FIGS. 37 (A) and (B)
4, S615, S621, S624, S626, S628, S630, S632, and S
In 635, the received data is a mode confirmation signal, a cancel signal, a processing mode request signal, a communication mode request signal, a setting mode request signal, a serial number request signal, a jam counter request signal, a trouble count request signal, and a division count. It is checked whether it is a request signal, a count clear request signal, or a display data signal. Here, if none of the signals in each step,
Return as it is.

When the mode confirmation signal is received (Yes in step S610), the current mode in the copy data controller 20 is checked in step S611, and if the mode is the processing mode, the processing mode answer signal is transmitted via the online controller 30 in step S613. Return to the center controller 50 after transmitting to the center controller 50, and when the communication mode is set, return after transmitting the communication mode answer signal to the center controller 50 via the online controller 30 in step S620. If the mode is set, the setting mode answer signal is transmitted to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in step S623, and the process returns.

When the cancel signal or the processing mode request signal is received (Yes in step S612 or S614), the processing returns to step S613 after transmitting the processing mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30.

When the communication mode request signal is received (step S6
In step S616, it is checked whether or not the copying machine 10 is copying. If copying is in progress (Yes in step S616), the processing mode answer signal is sent to the center via the online controller 30 in step S613. Returning after transmitting to the control device 50, if the copying is not being performed (No in step S616), it is determined in steps S617 and S618 whether the magnetic card is inserted into the card data input / output device 22, respectively. Then, it is checked whether the copying operation is permitted in the copying machine 10. Here, when the magnetic card is inserted and the copy operation is permitted (step
(Yes in S617 and S618), in order to eject the magnetic card, set the eject flag to "1" in step S619, and then proceed to step S620 to send the communication mode answer signal to the center controller 50 via the online controller 30. Return after sending. On the other hand, when the magnetic card is not inserted (step S617)
If the copy operation is not permitted even if the magnetic card is inserted (Yes in step S617 and No in step S618), the process directly proceeds to step S620, and the communication mode answer signal is transmitted via the online controller 30. After transmitting to the center control device 50, the process returns.

When the setting mode request signal is received (step S6
21), it is checked in step S622 whether or not a department card is not inserted or a jam or trouble occurs in the copying machine 10, and the copying operation is prohibited by the copying machine 10, and the copying operation is prohibited. If not (No in step S622), the process proceeds to step S613, in which the process mode answer signal is transmitted to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, and then the process returns. On the other hand, if the copy operation is prohibited (Yes in step S622), the process returns to step S623 after transmitting the setting mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30.

When the serial number request signal is received (step
(Yes in S624), the serial number of the copy data controller 20 and the data of the total number of copies in step S625 are transmitted to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in the format shown in FIG. .

When the jam count request signal is received (Yes in step S626), in step S627, the data of the number of occurrences of the jam for each location is transmitted to the center controller via the online controller 30 in the format shown in FIG.
Return after sending to 50.

When the trouble count request signal is received (Yes in step S628), in step S629, the data of the number of trouble occurrences for each location is transmitted to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in the format of FIG. Return after sending.

When the count request signal for each section is received (Yes in step S630), in step S631, the data of the number of copies for each section and for each size is controlled via the online controller 30 in the format of FIG. After transmitting to the device 50, the process returns.

When the count clear request signal is received (Yes in step S632), after clearing the data of the number of copies for each department and size stored in the RAM 103 in step S633, the clear answer signal is transmitted via the online controller 30. After returning to the center control device 50, the process returns.

When the display data signal has been received (Yes in step S635), the display data received in step S636 is stored in the display buffer memory 24, and then the process returns.

(6) Processing of the center control device 50 FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a main routine of the center control device 50.

In step S700 of FIG. 38, first, initialization of each circuit in the center control device 50 is performed, and then step S701
It is checked whether or not the modem 52 is connected in the center control device 50. If the modem 52 is not connected (No in step S701), the process proceeds to step S704, while the modem 52 is connected. At this time (Yes in step S701), it is checked in step S702 whether the modem 52 has been initialized. If the modem 52 has been initialized (step S702)
In step S704, the process proceeds to step S704. On the other hand, when the initialization has not been performed (No in step S702), the process proceeds to step S704.
After initializing the modem 52 in S703, step S7
Go to 04.

In step S704, the current time is read from the real-time clock 304, and in step S705, it is checked whether the current time is a deadline time set in advance by using the personal computer 60 for counting the copy data. If the deadline is not reached (step
(No in S705) Proceed to step S707, while if it is the deadline time (Yes in step S705), step S70
After performing the deadline process described in detail later in step 6,
Proceed to 707.

In step S707, it is checked whether there is an incoming call from the online controller 30 and the line is connected to the online controller 30. If the line is connected (Yes in step S707), the data reception described in detail later in step S708 is performed in step S708. After performing the processing, step S7
Returning to 01, on the other hand, if the line is not connected (No in step S707), the process directly returns to step S701.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing the deadline process (step S706 in FIG. 38). The center control device 50 manages the copy data stored in the file device 61 by dividing it into the following three types of data for each copying machine 10.

(A) Post-deadline data: This is the total data of the respective copy data sent from the copy data controller 20 after the center control device 50 has performed the deadline process.

(B) Deadline data: Total data of each copy data sent from the copy data controller 20 from the deadline time to the next deadline time.

(C) Cumulative data: data of a cumulative total of the past copy data, and the latest deadline data is added to the accumulated data in the deadline processing and updated.

In step S720 of FIG. 39, the previous deadline data is added to the accumulated data, then, in step S721, the post-deadline data is transferred to the deadline data, and finally, in step S722, the post-deadline data is cleared and the main routine is cleared. Return to

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing the data receiving process (step S708 in FIG. 38).

In step S730 of FIG. 40, first, when a time request signal is transmitted to the online controller 30 and time data is received from the online controller 30, the process proceeds to step S731 and a mode confirmation signal is transmitted to the online controller 30. Thereafter, a communication mode answer signal is received from the online controller 30. Next, in step S732, a serial number request signal is transmitted to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30, and when the data of the serial number is received, in step S733, the received serial number is received first. By checking whether it is a serial number or not, it is checked whether or not the copy data has been received from all the copy data controllers 20 connected to the online controller 30.

When the copy data has been received from all the copy data controllers 20 connected to the online controller 30 (Yes in step S733), the process proceeds to step S739, while the copy data is received from all the copy data controllers 20. If not received (No in step S733), the flow proceeds to step S734.

In steps S734, S735, and S736, a jam count request signal, a trouble count request signal, and a departmental count request signal
After receiving the data corresponding to each request signal by transmitting to the copy data controller 20 via the, the clear request signal is transmitted to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30 in step S737, Clear all the copy data stored in the RAM 103. Next, in step S738, a line switching request signal is transmitted to the online controller 30, and the online controller 30 is switched to the copy data controller 20 of the next channel, and then returns to step S731.

On the other hand, when the data reception is completed, a line release request signal is transmitted to the online controller 30 in step S739, and then, in step S740, the modem 52 performs a line disconnection process with the online controller 30. Next, the copy data received in step S741 is added to the post-deadline data, the post-deadline data is updated, and the process returns to the main routine.

In the above embodiment, the exchange 3 installed by the telecommunications carrier is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an exchange such as a private branch exchange installed by the user may be used.

In the above embodiment, the telephone lines 4a, 4b, and 4c are used. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of communication lines such as a digital line other than the telephone line may be used.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 37 (A), when the magnetic card is inserted and the copy operation is permitted (Yes in steps S617 and S618), in order to eject the magnetic card, in step S619, After setting the eject flag to "1", proceed to step S620,
Returning after transmitting the communication mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 returns.However, the present invention is not limited to this. Even if the magnetic card is not ejected, the process may proceed to step S620. Good.

[Effect of the Invention] The transmission device is provided with a processing mode and a communication mode, and data writing is not performed in the communication mode state (copying is impossible), so that data at the time of transmission does not change and does not become undefined.

Furthermore, when transmitting data from a plurality of transmitting devices via the line connection means, in the first communication procedure mode, the transmission line is performed after all the transmitting devices are set to the communication mode, so that the communication time can be shortened. In the second communication procedure mode, after the line is connected, each transmission device is sequentially set to the communication mode to communicate data.
The copier is never disabled at once.

The selection means allows the operator to set the desired first or second communication procedure mode.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copy data management system according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copy data controller of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an online controller of FIG. FIG. 4 (A) is a front view of the maintenance switch and the monitor LED of FIG. 3, FIG. 4 (B) is a diagram showing an operation method of the maintenance switch of FIG. 4 (A) and a display of the switch, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the center control device of FIG. 1, FIG. 6 (A), FIG. 6 (B), FIG. 6 (C), FIG. 7 (A), FIG. FIG. 7C is a communication sequence diagram showing a communication procedure during normal processing in the first communication procedure mode and the second communication procedure mode in the copy data management system in FIG. 1, respectively. FIGS. 8 and 9 are FIGS. Error processing in the copy data management system of FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a format of communication data in the copy data management system of FIG. 1, FIG. 11 (A), FIG. 11 (B), FIG. 11 (C). ) Is a flowchart showing the main routine of the online controller of FIG. 1, FIG. 12, FIG. 13, FIG. 14, FIG. 15, FIG. 16, FIG.
FIG. 18 (A), FIG. 18 (B), FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG.
FIG. 22, FIG. 23, FIG. 24, FIG. 25, FIG. 26, and FIG.
The figures are flowcharts showing the subroutine of the online controller of FIG. 1, respectively. FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the copy data controller of FIG. 1, FIG. 29, FIG. 30, FIG. 31, FIG. Fig. 33, Fig. 34,
35, FIG. 36, and FIGS. 37 (A) and 37 (B) are flowcharts each showing a subroutine of the copy data controller of FIG. 1, and FIG. 38 is a main routine of the center control device of FIG. 39 and FIG. 40 are flowcharts each showing a subroutine of the center control device of FIG. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Terminal system, 2 ... Center system, 3 ... Exchange, 4a, 4b, 4c ... Telephone line, 10,10a-10d ... Copier, 20,
20a to 20d: Copy data controller, 30, 30a, 30b ...
Online controller, 50 ... Center control device, 203
... RAM, 204 ... Real-time clock. 207 ... Changeover switch.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04N 1/00 106 H04L 13/00 307Z (72) Inventor Hideo Ito 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Osaka Kokusai Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-59-81656 (JP, A) JP-A-57-97727 (JP, A) JP-A-62-294370 (JP, A) (58) Field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 21/02 H04N 1/00 106 H04M 11/00 301 H04L 13/00 307

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copy data management system comprising a terminal device for transmitting data such as the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information to a centralized management device for collecting data on the copying machine via a communication line. The apparatus has a processing mode for performing processing other than transmission of the data in accordance with the operation of the corresponding copier, a communication mode for transmitting the data, and a transmission device provided for each copier to transmit the data. A line connection device for transmitting data of the connected transmission device to a centralized management device via a communication line, wherein the transmission device is not performing a copying operation when a data transmission request is received. A copy data management system wherein the communication mode is set only when the data is transmitted. 2. A copy data management system comprising a terminal device related to a centralized management device for collecting data on the copy machine via a communication line, such as the number of copies and maintenance information in the copy machine. A plurality of transmission devices provided for each copier for transmitting the data, including a processing mode for performing processing other than the transmission of the data in accordance with the operation of the corresponding copier, and a communication mode for transmitting the data. A line connection device for transmitting data of the connected transmission device to a centralized management device via a communication line, wherein the transmission device is not performing a copying operation when a data transmission request is received. Can be set to the communication mode only when the line connection device sets the communication mode after setting all the connectable transmission devices to the communication mode. Copy data management apparatus and performs a connection. 3. A copy data management system comprising a terminal device for transmitting data such as the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information to a centralized management device for collecting data on the copying machine via a communication line. The apparatus has a processing mode for performing processing other than the transmission of the data in accordance with the operation of the corresponding copying machine, and a communication mode for transmitting the data, and a plurality of transmission modes provided for each copying machine for transmitting the data. And a line connection device for transmitting data of the connected transmission device to a centralized management device via a communication line, wherein the transmission device performs a copying operation when a data transmission request is received. The communication mode can be set only when the communication is not in progress. After the line connection device connects the communication line, the connectable transmission devices are sequentially set to the communication mode. Copy data management apparatus and setting the mode. 4. A copy data management system comprising a terminal device for transmitting data such as the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information to a centralized management device for collecting data on the copying machine via a communication line. The apparatus has a processing mode for performing processing other than the transmission of the data in accordance with the operation of the corresponding copying machine, and a communication mode for transmitting the data, and a plurality of transmission modes provided for each copying machine for transmitting the data. And a line connection device for transmitting data of the connected transmission device to a centralized management device via a communication line, wherein the transmission device performs a copying operation when a data transmission request is received. The communication mode can be set only when not in the middle, and the line connection device sets the communication mode after setting all the connectable transmission devices to the communication mode. A first communication procedure mode for performing a connection, and a second communication procedure mode for sequentially switching a state of a connectable transmitting device to a communication mode after the connection of the communication line, the first communication procedure mode and the second communication procedure mode A copy data management system comprising selection means for an operator to select a copy data.