JP3177030B2 - Image forming device management system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system for connecting an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine to a management apparatus via a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional image forming apparatus management system, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 0958, for example, a copying machine in which many user-side copying machines can be connected to a management device installed in a service center or the like via a communication control device called a data terminal and a communication line such as a public line. Machine management systems are known.

According to such a copier management system,
By centrally managing a plurality of copiers installed in remote locations by a single management device (host machine), it can be used for counting the usage status of each copier, maintenance of copiers, etc. We use for. The content of usage includes the number of copies, and the content of maintenance includes automatic calling to the management device by self-diagnosis of the copier,
The copier is accessed from the management device side to adjust each unit.

Further, a counter value (generally, the number of copies) for billing a maintenance contract for a copying machine, which has conventionally been confirmed by visiting a service engineer or calling a customer, is utilized by using this system. Reading by remote control is also performed. By the way, in such an image forming apparatus management system such as a copying machine, a communication control device for controlling communication with the management apparatus is generally installed on the image forming apparatus side, and automatic control is performed by self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus. At the time of calling, the communication control device receives transmission data from the image forming apparatus and transmits it to the management apparatus.

[0005]

However, at the time of automatic calling by the self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus, generally transmitted data is determined. For example, there are data on the content of detection of an abnormality by the image forming apparatus, the number of occurrences of the abnormality, the number of copies, and the like. However, the type and number of data transmitted by automatic calling are predetermined and cannot be changed. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and limits the type and number of data to be transmitted to a management device when an automatic call is made by a self-diagnosis of an image forming device. The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to change

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus management system for connecting an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus via a communication line, wherein data received from the image forming apparatus is The communication control device includes a communication control device for transmitting data to the management device, and the communication control device includes transmission data limiting means for limiting data to be transmitted to the management device.

[0008] The communication control device is provided with a means for setting the limited content of the transmission data by the transmission data limiting means, and the communication control device is connected to a means for setting the limited content of the transmission data by the transmission data limiting means. Means are provided, or the management device is provided with a means for setting the transmission data limitation means by the transmission data limitation means on the communication control device side, and the transmission data limitation means by the transmission data limitation means is set from the management device side via the communication line. You should be able to do it. Further, it is preferable to provide a means for requesting the communication control apparatus to transmit data before being limited by the transmission data limiting means in the management apparatus.

[0009]

According to the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, since the transmission data limiting means of the communication control apparatus limits the data to be transmitted to the management apparatus, it is possible to transmit only the minimum required data to the management apparatus. In addition to simplifying the management of transmission data and reducing the amount of data, communication costs can be reduced and communication efficiency can be improved.

[0010] If the communication control device is provided with means for setting the limited contents of the transmission data by the transmission data limiting means, the limited contents of the transmission data can be changed by a service person. Further, it is not necessary for the service person to carry means for setting the limited contents. Further, even if a means for setting the limited content of the transmission data by the transmission data limiting means can be connected to the communication control device, the limited content of the transmission data can be changed by a service person. Further, it is not necessary to provide a means for setting the limited contents in each communication control device, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, the management device may be provided with means for setting the limited content of the transmission data by the transmission data limiting means of the communication control device, so that the limited content of the transmission data can be set from the management device through the communication line. ,
Again, the limited contents of the transmission data can be changed by a service person. In addition, the serviceman does not need to go to the location where the communication control device is installed.

Furthermore, if the management apparatus is provided with a means for requesting the communication control apparatus to transmit data before being limited by the transmission data limiting means, it becomes necessary to know the data before being limited. At this time, the management device can request the communication control device to transmit the data. Further, when transmission data is erroneously limited by the communication control device, a request can be made from the management device side.

[0013]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. First, as an example of an image forming apparatus constituting an image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention, a schematic configuration of a copying machine used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The copying machine 1 is an electrophotographic plain paper copying machine (PPC), and an automatic document feeder (hereinafter abbreviated as "ADF") 3 is mounted on an upper portion of a copying machine main body 2, and the A manual feed tray 4 and a large amount of paper feed 5 are mounted on the side surface, and a discharge tray 6 is mounted on the other side surface. A document tray 7 for the ADF 3 includes a document set sensor 8. The copier main body 2 includes a scanner unit 10, an image forming unit 11, a paper feed unit 12, a fixing / discharge unit 13, a reversing unit 14, a duplex unit 15, and the like.

The scanner section 10 includes a first scanner 24 comprising a contact glass 21, an exposure lamp 22 and a first mirror 23, a second scanner 27 comprising a second mirror 25 and a third mirror 26, Third scanner 3 including fourth mirror 28 and fifth mirror 29
0, a sixth mirror 31, and a lens 32 are provided.

The image forming section 11 includes a quenching lamp 36 and a charging charger 3 around a photosensitive drum 35.
7, an eraser 38, a potential sensor 39, a developing unit 40 for mounting the toner cartridge 41, a pre-transfer charger 42, a transfer charger 43, a separation charger 44, a P sensor 45, and a cleaning unit 46 are arranged. A registration roller pair 47 is provided before the transfer position in the transfer paper transfer path, and a transfer belt 48 is provided behind the transfer position.

A first tray 51, a second tray 52, a third tray 53, and a fourth tray 54 are detachably provided in the sheet feeding section 12 as trays for stocking and supplying transfer sheets. A first paper supply unit 55, a second paper supply unit 56, a third paper supply unit 57, and a fourth paper supply unit 58 are provided as paper supply units for supplying the transfer papers stocked therein. And a large number of paper feed trays (LC
T) A manual / large-volume paper feed unit 59 for feeding the transfer paper from 60 is also provided.

Further, in order to convey the transfer paper fed by each of the paper feed units 55 to 59 and the duplex unit 15 toward the registration roller pair 46, the right transport unit 61,
A left transport section 62 and a horizontal transport section 63 are provided.
Further, the fixing / discharge unit 13 includes a fixing unit 65 and a discharge roller group 66, and the reversing unit 14 includes a reversing roller group 6.
7 are provided.

Next, the operation of the copying machine 1 having such a configuration will be briefly described. The photoconductor drum 35 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft (not shown), and rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow A according to a copy command or the like. Then, the document fed on the contact glass 21 by the ADF 3 is scanned and exposed by the first scanner 24. The reflected light image is first mirror 23, second mirror 25, third mirror 26,
An image is formed on the photosensitive drum 35 via the lens 32, the fourth mirror 28, the fifth mirror 29, and the sixth mirror 31.

The photosensitive drum 35 is provided with the charger 3
7, the surface is charged, and when the charged surface is exposed by the reflected light image, an electrostatic latent image is formed. Thereafter, the unnecessary portion is irradiated with light by the eraser 38 to correct the transfer paper or the latent image suitable for the projected image. At this time, the photosensitive drum 35 and the first scanner 24 are driven at the same speed in order to obtain the same-sized image. Then, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 35 is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 40. At this time, a dark or light image can be obtained by applying a potential (development bias voltage) to the developing unit 40.

On the other hand, transfer paper stocked in any one of the first tray 51, the second tray 52, the third tray 53, the fourth tray 54, the manual tray 4, the large-volume feed tray 60, and the duplex unit 15 is used. , Paper feed units 55 to 59
And the paper is fed at a predetermined paper feed timing, and the transfer paper is fed to the right transport unit 61, the left transport unit 62,
The sheet is conveyed to the registration roller pair 47 stopped in advance through the horizontal conveying section 63 and the like. Then, the photosensitive drum 35
The registration roller pair 47 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the upper toner image and the leading edge of the transfer paper match.

As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 35 is transferred to transfer paper by the action of the pre-transfer charger and the transfer charger 43. At this time, the photosensitive drum 35
The surface of the transfer paper is very smooth, and the adhesion of the transfer paper is large at the surface. Therefore, the action of the separation charger 44 lowers the potential of the transfer paper to lower the adhesion.

Thereafter, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 35 by a separation claw (not shown), and the separated transfer paper is sent to the fixing unit 65 by the transport belt 48. The transfer paper sent to the fixing unit 37 is applied with heat and pressure to the toner here, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed on the transfer paper. It is discharged onto a paper tray. When performing double-sided copying or the like, the sheet is once sent to the reversing unit 14, the conveyance direction is reversed, and the sheet is sent to the double-side unit 15.

Since the toner that has not been completely transferred adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 35 after the transfer, the surface is cleaned by the brush and the cleaning blade of the cleaning unit 46, and then uneven by the quenching lamp 36. Constant surface potential.

These control timings are controlled by a control circuit to be described later based mainly on a pulse generated in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 35 or a reference pulse for driving the photosensitive drum 35.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation unit of the copying machine. At the center of the operation unit 70, a guidance display unit 71 using a liquid crystal display panel and a pattern display unit 72 are provided, and a large number of keys are provided on the left, right and front sides thereof. On the right side, a start key 73, an interrupt key 74, a preheat key 75, a mode clear / preheat key 76, a ten key 77, a clear / stop key 78, a timer key 7
9, a program key 80, an enter key 81, and a guidance key 82 are provided.

On the left side, a remote notification key 83, a sorter key 84, a double-sided key 85, a page continuous copy key 86, and a delete key 8
7, paper specification scaling key 88, zoom key 89, binding margin adjustment key 90, centering key 91, dimension scaling key 92
Is provided. A reduction key 93, an enlargement key 94, an equal-size key 95, a paper selection key 96, an automatic paper selection key 97, a density adjustment key 98, and an automatic density key 99 are provided in front of the central portion. Note that the remote report key 8
During the remote notification by turning on 3, LE of the remote notification display 83a
D lights up.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the pattern display section 72, in which a set number display D1 and a copy number display D are shown.
2, running display D3, density adjustment display D4, misfeed position display D5, paper supply display D6, misfeed display D7, remote communication abnormality display D8, toner supply display D9,
Paper remaining amount display D10, paper selection / size / direction display D1
1, a magnification display D12 and the like are respectively displayed in a pattern.

The guidance display section 71 shown in FIG. 3 displays messages for operation and warning. Further, the operation unit 70 is characterized in that a remote report key 83 for the user to report when a service is requested and a remote communication abnormality display D8 displayed when an abnormality occurs in the report. However, instead of providing a dedicated remote notification key as in this example, a function corresponding to the remote notification key may be realized by the pressing order, pressing time, or combination of pressed keys of other keys.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system to which the present invention is applied. A management apparatus 16 installed at a service base and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine (shown as “PPC”) 1 installed at each user are connected via a public line network 17 as a communication line. are doing.

A communication control device 18 for controlling communication with the management device 16 is installed on the user side, and each copying machine 1 as a user is connected to the communication control device 18. This communication control device 18
, A telephone 19 and a facsimile machine 20 can be connected, and can be installed by inserting into a user's existing line.

A plurality of copiers 1 can be connected to this communication control device, but there may be a single copier. These copiers 1 need not be of the same type and may be of different models, and may be image forming apparatuses such as printers other than copiers. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five copying machines 1 can be connected to one communication control device 18. The communication control device 18 and the plurality of copying machines 1 are connected in a multi-drop manner according to the RS-485 standard.

Communication control between the communication control device 18 and each copying machine 1 is performed by a basic data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by a polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 18 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary copying machine is enabled. Each copier can set a unique value by the address setting switch,
Thus, the polling address and the selecting address of each copying machine are determined.

FIG. 6 shows the communication control device 18 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. A signal from the public network 17 is first input to the switching unit 180. here,
If the communication from the public line is addressed to the telephone 19 (or the facsimile machine 20 in FIG. 5) connected to the communication control device 18, the public line is
(Or the facsimile machine 20 in FIG. 5), and if the communication is from the management device 16, the modem 18 on the public line side
Connect to 1.

Communication with the copier 1 is performed by a communication interface 183 using an RS-485 transceiver. These controls and processes are performed mainly by the CPU 184 according to a control program in the ROM 185. The RAM 186 stores intermediate results of processing and the like, and is also used to temporarily store communication text. Also, the communication control device 1 is transmitted from the management device 16 side.
Various kinds of parameters necessary for the operation of Step 8 are also written in the RAM 186.

Normally, the communication control device 18
The power is continuously supplied for 4 hours so that the communication with the management device 16 is always possible. However, the battery 18 is used so that the contents of these parameters are not lost due to accidental power-off or the like.
7, the RAM 186 is backed up. Furthermore, a clock 188 and a total counter value automatic call permission switch 189 (use of which will be described later) are also provided.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the management device 16 shown in FIG. The management device 16 includes a host computer 160 that executes various processes, an external storage device 161 such as a magnetic disk for storing management data and the like, a display 162 for display, and a keyboard 163 as operation means. , A printer 164 for outputting management data, and a modem 165 for connecting to the public network 17.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of copying machine 1 shown in FIG. The control of the copying machine body 2
The processing is performed based on a control program and data stored in the ROM 101 mainly by the CPU 100. Also,
The RAM 102 is used to store intermediate results of the processing.

The A / D converter 103 includes an exposure lamp 22
Supply voltage, the light emission voltage and light reception voltage of the P sensor 45, the output of the potential sensor 39, the output of the original set (ADS) sensor 8, the output of the lamp light amount sensor for detecting the light amount of the exposure lamp 22, and the photosensitive drum 35. It is used to input an output of a drum current sensor for detecting a flowing current, a thermistor voltage in the fixing unit 65, and the like.

The optical system control unit 104 controls the scanner unit 10 shown in FIG. High voltage power supply unit 105
Supplies a high voltage applied to the charger 37, the separation charger 44, the transfer charger 43, and the pre-transfer charger (PTC) 42, respectively, and a developing bias voltage applied to the developing roller in the developing unit 40.

The motor control unit 106 controls the main motor that drives the photosensitive drum 35, the paper feed units, the rollers of the transport unit, and the like. The heater control unit 107 controls energization to a fixing heater that heats the fixing roller of the fixing unit 65, and maintains the surface temperature of the fixing roller within a predetermined range. Sensor sensitivity control unit 10
8 is a light receiving gain of the lamp light intensity sensor, and an ADS sensor 8
Light receiving gain of P sensor 45, P sensor 4
5 is used to change the light emission voltage and the like of the LED.

The communication interface unit 109 includes:
This unit communicates with the communication control device 18. An address unique to the copying machine can be set in the range of 1 to 5 by the address setting switch 110. The communication permission switch 111 can be used to set permission / prohibition of communication with the communication control device 18.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIGS. First, the function of the remote notification will be described with reference to FIGS.

In the case of a remote report using the remote report key, when the remote report key 83 provided on the operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1 is pressed, as shown in FIG.
Transmits remote report data to the communication control device 18 using the remote report key. Upon receiving this, the communication control device 18 sets the management device 1 that has been set inside in advance.
A call is made to the telephone number 6 and remote report data is transmitted by the remote report key.

The management device 16 is usually installed at a service base or the like. At this time, the data transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the management device 16 is only the data of the type previously set in the communication control device 18 from the plurality of types of data received by the communication control device 18 from the copying machine 1. And This setting can be set from the management device 16 to the communication control device 18 through the public network 17.

When the communication control device 18 finishes transmitting predetermined data to the management device 16, the communication control device 18 instructs the copying machine 1 of the transmission source to perform communication between the communication control device 18 and the management device 16. The report result report indicating the result is transmitted. Thereby, the copy machine 1 of the transmission source
Can determine whether communication has been completed normally or communication has failed due to some abnormality.

In addition, the copying machine is usually provided with a self-diagnosis function. When the abnormality of the fixing temperature is detected, or when the adjustment by the electronic volume of each adjustment portion is impossible, the copying machine is in a dangerous state or cannot be used. If the situation becomes
It is common practice to notify a user or serviceman in a form such as "error" or "serviceman call".

Even when an abnormality is detected by such a self-diagnosis function of the copying machine, as shown in FIG.
The copier 1 transmits data of a remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality to the communication control device 18. The communication control device 18 having received the remote notification data transmits the remote notification data due to the self-diagnosis abnormality to the management device 16,
At the end of communication, a report of the report is transmitted to the copy machine of the transmission source.

Further, when the copier determines that it is preferable to perform maintenance, for example, when the self-diagnosis function diagnoses that an abnormal state has not been reached but is very close to the abnormal state, FIG. As shown in ()), remote notification data of an advance warning is transmitted to the communication control device 18. In the case of a remote notification due to this self-diagnosis abnormality, the copier is inevitably disabled, but in the case of a remote warning by a prior warning, the copier is left in an available state,
If a document is set and the start key is pressed even during communication, a copying operation is performed.

At this time, if the load on the controller of the copying machine 1 is heavy due to the copying process, or if there is a possibility that the contents included in the transmission data may be changed by the copying operation to make the data inconsistent, the communication is interrupted. May be. Since the remote alert data of the advance warning is of low urgency, the communication control device 18 that has received this data immediately sends the management device 1
6 and is transmitted at a time convenient for communication, such as a time zone in which the telephone 19 or the facsimile device 20 connected to the communication control device 18 is used less frequently or a time zone in which the traffic volume of the public network 17 is small. It is good to transmit.

This time can be set from the management device 16 to the communication control device 18, and the transmission time can be determined based on the coincidence with the current time by the clock 188 shown in FIG. In the case of this remote warning of the advance warning, a report of the report result is not transmitted to the copying machine 1 unlike other remote reports.

Next, a case where the management apparatus accesses the copying machine will be described with reference to FIG. The access from the management apparatus 16 to the copying machine 1 is roughly classified into three types, namely, a read request, a write request, and an execute request. A read request is a process of reading logging data, various set values, output values of various sensors, and the like in the copying machine 1, and a write request is a process of rewriting various set values and the like by sending data from the management device 16 and rewriting them. is there. The execute request is a process for causing the copying machine 1 to perform a test operation or the like.

FIGS. 10A, 10B and 10C show the procedure of the communication process between the management device 16, the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1 at the time of each request. The management device 16 dials the communication control device 18 to which the target copying machine 1 is connected, and transmits each request data. The communication control device 18 receives these request data from the management device 16. The communication control device 18 that has received the request data transmits the request data to the target copier 1.

Upon receiving the request, the copier 1 processes the request content and then sends a response to the request to the communication control device 1.
Send to 8. The communication control device 18 transmits this to the management device 16 and ends one processing unit.

Referring to FIG. 11, a case where the management apparatus accesses the communication control apparatus will be described. The access from the management device 16 to the communication control device 18 is also roughly classified according to the purpose, and is categorized into a read (Read) request, a write (write) request, and an execute (Execute).
There are three types of requests. The procedure of each process at this time is shown in FIG.
(a), (b), and (c).

The read request is the communication control device 1
The process of reading the setting parameters and status in 8;
If the communication control device 18 reads out information inside the copying machine 1 and stores the information in the communication control device 18 in advance, the communication control device 18 reads out the information. The write request is a process of setting parameters of the communication control device 18 by sending data from the management device 16 or the like. The execute request is processing for causing the communication control device 18 to perform a test operation such as a function check.

Referring to FIG. 12, a description will be given of a process in a case where the communication control device accesses the copying machine without using the management device. When the communication control device 18 accesses the copying machine 1, the communication control device 18 reads out information inside the copying machine 1, reserves the data inside the communication control device 18, and later manages the management device 16.
This is a reading process for enabling reading from the.

Generally, a counter value such as the total number of copies is used for maintenance and maintenance of a copying machine. Using this system, the counter value of the total number of copies is transmitted from the copying machine 1 to the communication control device 18 periodically, and when the power of the copying machine 1 is cut off, the copying machine 1 is in a communication disabled state. Even in this case, the management device 16 can know the value of this counter.

For this purpose, as described above, the function of the communication control device 18 reading out the information inside the copying machine 1 and retaining the data inside the communication control device 18 is used. The communication control device 18 is connected when the total counter value collection time in the parameters set in the communication control device 18 is reached with reference to the clock 188 (FIG. 6) in the communication control device 18. A request for total copy number information is sequentially made every day to all copying machines.

The new total copy number information of the copying machine to which the response has been sent is updated with the value read out the day before and the backup RA in the communication control device 18 is updated.
It is stored in M186 (FIG. 6). If the communication of the copier is disabled, such as when the power of the copier for which the total copy number information is requested is turned off, the reception of the data response from the copier is postponed, and the next copier is Process.

At the time when a request has been made to all copying machines, the request is made again only to the copying machines that have not been able to receive. Normally, the total counter value collection time is set at night when it is considered that the power of the copier is turned off, and the power of the copier is turned on as time passes. This communication is performed during the adjustment of each unit.

RAM 18 in communication control device 18
The transfer of the information on the total number of copies stored and held in the storage device 6 to the management device 16 includes a method of periodically reading out the information from the management device 16 on the closing day of each month, and a method set in the communication control device 18. There are two methods in which the communication control device automatically transmits the total counter value to the management device when the automatic call date and time has reached.

The selection of this method is set by a total counter value automatic call permission switch 189 (FIG. 6) provided in the communication control device 18. When this switch 189 is ON, when the date and time indicated by the parameter set in the communication control device 18 is reached, the call is sent to the report destination telephone number indicated by the parameter set in the communication control device 18. Then, the counter value of the total number of copies is transmitted to the management device 16. When the switch 189 is turned off, an access from the management apparatus 16 is waited without performing an automatic call.

In this example, the data to be communicated periodically is used as the counter value of the total number of copies. However, other data or another data may be added to perform communication.

FIG. 13 is a list of parameters set in the communication control device 18. A model number and a serial number of the copying machine are registered for each copying machine of each address, and are added to the information when the notification from the copying machine 1 is transmitted to the management device 16 or transmitted when the management device 16 accesses. This is used to determine the address of the copying machine 1 to be selected.

Further, for each remote reporting reason, a reporting destination telephone number, the number and interval of redials, and the type of data to be transmitted to the management device 16 are set. The reporting time to the management device 16 is also set in the remote warning of the advance warning. A checksum is added to each parameter block, and when a parameter value is rewritten or lost due to malfunction of the communication control device 18 or consumption of the backup battery 187, this can be detected. .

These parameters are written from the management device 16 through the public network 17, and are written by directly connecting a portable device for setting parameters to the communication control device, or by providing operating means on the communication control device 18. It may be configured to set.

FIG. 1 shows an example.
(A) shows an example of the appearance in the case where a command switch group as an operating means is provided in the communication control device 18, and (B) shows an example of the appearance in which a portable device for parameter setting is connected to the communication control device 18. In FIG. 1A, 20
Reference numeral 1 denotes a command switch group for setting the limited contents of data transmitted from the copying machine 1 to the management device 16, and a switch is provided for each transmission data content of each copying machine 1. Whether or not each transmission data from the copying machine 1 is transmitted to the management device 16 can be set.

In FIG. 1B, the communication control device 18 is provided with a connector 203 for connecting a portable device 202 for setting the limited contents of data transmitted from the copying machine 1 to the management device 16. The connector 203 has a connector cable 20 from the portable device 202.
4 are connected. Therefore, by operating the keyboard 205 of the portable device 202 by the serviceman, it can be set whether or not each transmission data from the copying machine 1 is transmitted to the management device 16.

FIG. 14 shows an example of the format of communication data at the time of remote notification. (A) is a data format from the copying machine to the communication control device. The first field is a report reason code, which indicates the type of remote report using a remote report key, remote report due to self-diagnosis abnormality, or remote report of prior warning. This is followed by information inside the copier. Copier status includes toner, oil,
Information such as the status of consumables such as copy paper, the output values of various sensors, the set values of various adjustment locations, and the connection status of units.

(B) is a data format from the communication control device 18 to the management device 16. In addition to the data from the copier 1, fields for a model number and a serial number are added at the top to specify the copier that has been the information source. A communication control device 18 is provided at the rear.
The time at which the notification factor occurred is added by the clock 188 inside. In the data portion, the type of data to be transmitted to the management device 16 changes depending on parameters set in the communication control device 18. In this example, only the number of times of self-diagnosis abnormality occurrence and the copying machine state are transmitted to the management device 16. Is set to the communication control device 18 in the first step.

(C) is a data format of a report result report transmitted to the copying machine when the report from the communication control device to the management device is completed.

FIG. 15 shows a data format at the time of read processing during access from the management apparatus 16 to the copying machine 1. The management device 16 transmits to the communication control device 18 a request code indicating a read process and a code of an item to be read, following the model number and the serial number of the target copying machine 1.

The communication control device 18 removes the model number and serial number fields from the copying machine 1 and sends only the read request code and the item code. Upon receiving this, the copying machine 1 transmits the requested data to the communication control device 18 following the read response code and the received item code. The communication control device 18 adds the model number and the serial number again and transmits the result to the management device 16.

FIG. 16 shows a data format at the time of write processing. In this case, in the communication toward the copying machine 1, data to be written is added following the item code as compared with the case of the read processing. In the communication toward the management device 16, the data actually written in the copying machine 1 is transmitted following the item code field. Normally, the data to be written received by the copier and the data to be transmitted transmitted by the copier match.However, when the received data is out of the valid range, the data may be rounded to a boundary value and the data may be written. In such a case, they do not match.

FIG. 17 also shows Execute.
This is the data format at the time of processing. In this case, in the communication toward the copying machine 1, when the operation target cannot be specified only by the item code, a code for supplementing the operation content follows the item code. Copier 1 that has performed the requested operation
Transmits the operation result information to the management device 16 side.

FIG. 18 shows a data format when the management device 16 accesses the communication control device 18, wherein FIG. 18A shows a read process, FIG.
(C) is a format at the time of execute processing.
These have almost the same data format as when the copy machine 1 is accessed, but have a code indicating the communication control device 18 instead of the model number and the serial number.

FIG. 19 shows a data format when the communication control device 18 accesses the copier 1.
The data format between the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1 when the copying machine 1 is accessed from the management device 16 shown in FIGS. There is no need to distinguish between accesses, and it can be handled in the same way.

FIG. 20 shows the CPU of the copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the notification control by the control unit 100. When the communication permission switch 111 provided outside the operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1 is ON, the remote notification key 83 (FIG. 3) of the operation unit 80 is pressed or an abnormality is detected by the self-diagnosis function. , Or when it is determined that advance warning is required, the respective remote notification processing is performed.

FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the remote notification subroutine using the remote notification key in FIG. First, remote report data is transmitted to the communication control device 18 using the remote report key. If the notification cannot be performed normally, such as no response from the communication control device 18, the remote communication abnormality display D on the operation unit 70
8 (FIG. 4) is lit or blinked to notify the user of this.

When the data has been normally transmitted to the communication control device 18, the timer for judging the timeout is reset and the report of the report result from the communication control device 18 is waited. In this example, the time-out period is set to 3 minutes, and when the report of the report is not received within 3 minutes, the time-out is set as the time-out.
It is displayed by lighting or flashing of the remote communication abnormality display D8 on 0 to notify the user.

If the report is received within the time-out period, it is determined whether or not the report is normally made based on the report, and if the report is made normally, the fact that the automatic report has been completed is displayed as a diagram ( If not, the remote communication abnormality display D8 is lit or flashed to indicate the failure, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flow chart showing the contents of a subroutine for remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality in FIG. The processing of this subroutine is the same as the remote notification by the remote notification key described with reference to FIG. 21 except that the data to be transmitted to the communication control device 18 is data due to a self-diagnosis abnormality and the timeout time is 20 minutes. Therefore, the description is omitted.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for remote notification by prior warning in FIG. In this routine, remote notification data is transmitted to the communication controller device 18 by a prior warning.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a main routine of processing by CPU 100 of copying machine 1 when accessed from communication control device 18. When the communication permission switch 111 shown in FIG. 8 is ON and there is received data in the communication interface unit 109,
Upon receiving the request, the process requested by the first field is determined, and one of a read request, a write request, and an execute request is determined, and a process corresponding to the determination result is performed. If the request is neither of the above, an error code is returned, and the process ends.

FIG. 25 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the subroutine of the read processing of FIG. In this routine, if the item code received by the copying machine 1 is correct and readable, the requested data is returned, and if not, an error code is returned.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine of the write process in FIG. In this routine, if the received item code is not a writable correct one, an error code is returned. If it is correct, the value to be written is checked, and if it is within the valid range, the value of the received data is written as it is. If the item is out of the valid range, if the item can be written with data rounded to the boundary value of the valid range, the boundary value is written. Otherwise, return an error code and return.

Whether or not the data can be written rounded to the boundary value is determined for each item code. Even if the temperature is within the effective range like the setting of the fixing temperature,
For service center phone numbers that have no meaning in the numerical value, rounding to the boundary value is prohibited, and items that do not affect image quality, such as auto reset time, are rounded to the boundary value for convenience. To give permission. For example, if the auto reset time is to be as long as possible, the maximum value is automatically selected on the copying machine side by setting the value to be written to the maximum value that is full of digits.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine of the execute process in FIG.
In this routine, an error code is returned if the received item code is not readable and correct. If the item is correct, it is determined whether the item needs to be supplemented, and if not, the specified operation is performed.
Returns operation result information. If the operation content supplementation is required for the item, the operation according to the supplemented information is executed. If the operation content supplementation is out of the valid range, an error code is transmitted and the process returns.

Next, a communication procedure between the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 28 shows an idle communication sequence in a case where five copiers are connected to the communication control device 18.

The communication control device 18 executes a polling cycle for sequentially transmitting a polling sequence using the polling address of each copying machine 1. The copier 1 polled by its own polling address sends a negative acknowledgment to the communication control unit 18 if there is no transmission text.
Send to The communication control device 18 repeats this polling cycle in a normal state where there is no other communication processing.

FIG. 29 shows an example of a communication sequence in the case where the copy message at address 2 has a transmission text for remote notification. RS-48 after polling with own address
Send outgoing text on 5 lines.

FIG. 30 shows an example of a communication sequence in the case where the text of the report report is transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the copying machine at address 5. After the current polling is completed, a selecting sequence is transmitted using the selecting address of the target copying machine, and the text is transmitted to the copying machine. After sending the text, it returns to the original polling cycle.

FIG. 31 shows a communication sequence between the communication control device 16 and the copying machine 1 when the management device 16 or the communication control device 18 accesses the copying machine of the address 3.

In this case, the communication control device 18 selects a target copying machine, and transmits any one of a read request, a write request, and an execute request. Immediately thereafter, polling is performed for the same copying machine, and a response to the request is received. Actually, this sequence is inserted during the polling cycle shown in FIG.

[0096]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, since the data transmitted to the management apparatus is limited by the communication control apparatus, only the minimum necessary data required for the management apparatus is provided. Can be transmitted, the management of transmission data can be simplified, and the amount of data can be reduced, so that communication costs can be reduced.
Communication efficiency can be improved.

If the communication control device is provided with means for setting the limited contents of the transmission data,
The limited contents of the transmission data can be changed by a service person. Further, it is not necessary for the service person to carry means for setting the limited contents.

Further, even if the communication control device can be connected to means for setting the limited contents of the transmission data, the limited contents of the transmission data can be changed by a service person. In addition, it is not necessary to provide a means for setting the limited contents in each communication control device, and the cost can be reduced.

Further, even if the management device is provided with means for setting the limited contents of the transmission data, and the limited contents of the transmission data can be set from the management device through the communication line, the limited contents of the transmission data are also set. It can be changed by service personnel. In addition, the serviceman does not need to go to the location where the communication control device is installed.

Further, if the management device is provided with means for requesting the communication control device to transmit data before being limited by the communication control device, it is possible to obtain the data before being limited by the communication control device. The transmission of the data can be requested from the management device to the communication control device. Further, when transmission data is erroneously limited by the communication control device, a request can be made from the management device side.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of an external appearance of a communication control device 18 shown in FIG. 6 which can be connected to a device provided with means for setting limited contents of transmission data.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram illustrating an example of an operation unit of the copying machine illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing display contents of a pattern display section 72 of the operation section shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system to which the present invention is applied.

6 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a communication control device 18 shown in FIG.

7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a management device 16 shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control system of the copying machine 1 shown in FIGS. 2 and 5;

FIG. 9 is a communication sequence diagram at the time of remote notification in the image forming apparatus management system of this embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a communication sequence diagram when the management apparatus accesses the copier.

FIG. 11 is a communication sequence diagram when the management device accesses the communication control device.

FIG. 12 is a communication sequence diagram when the communication control device accesses the copier without using the management device.

FIG. 13 is a list of parameters set in a communication control device 18 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format of communication data at the time of remote notification.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a data format at the time of a read process when the management apparatus shown in FIG. 5 accesses the copying machine.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a data format at the time of write processing.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a data format at the time of an execute process.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format when the management device accesses the communication control device.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format when a communication control device accesses a copying machine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a main routine of notification control by the CPU of the copying machine.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a remote report subroutine using a remote report key in FIG. 20;

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a processing content of a subroutine for remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality in FIG. 20;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the processing content of a subroutine for remote notification by prior warning in FIG. 20;

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a main routine of processing by the CPU of the copying machine when accessed from the communication control device.

25 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of a read process in FIG. 24;

26 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of a write process in FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of an execute process in FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 is an idle communication sequence diagram when five copiers are connected to the communication control device.

FIG. 29 is a communication sequence diagram in a case where a text of a remote report is present in the copying machine at address 2;

FIG. 30 is a communication sequence diagram when a text of a report result report is transmitted from the communication control device to the copying machine at address 5;

FIG. 31 is a communication sequence diagram between the communication control device and the copier when the copier of address 3 is accessed from the management device or the communication control device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier 2 Copier main body 3 Automatic document feeder (ADF) 10 Scanner unit 11 Image forming unit 12
Paper feed unit 13 Fixing / discharge unit 14 Reversing unit 15 Double-sided unit 16 Management device 17 Public network 18 Communication control device 19 Telephone 20 Facsimile device 70
Operation unit 71 Guidance display unit 72 Pattern display unit 83 Remote notification key D8 Remote communication error display 180 Switching unit 181 Modem 183 Communication interface 184 CPU of communication control device 185 ROM 186 RAM 187 Battery 188 Clock 189 Total counter value automatic call permission switch 160 Host computer of management device 161 External storage device 162 Display 1
63 Keyboard 164 Printer 165 Modem 100 Copier control CPU 101 ROM 102 RAM 103 A
/ D converter 104 Optical system control unit 105 High voltage power supply unit 106 Motor control unit 107 Heater control unit 108 Sensor sensitivity control unit 109 Communication interface unit 110 Address setting switch 111 Communication permission switch 201 Command switch group 202 Portable device
203 connector 204 connector cable 205 keyboard

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Osamu Kizaki 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Company, Ltd. (72) Inventor Tomofumi Harada 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Ricoh Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-60-263163 (JP, A) JP-A-4-47747 (JP, A) JP-A-4-50958 (JP, A) (58) Fields surveyed ( Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 G03G 15/00 303 G03G 21/00 370-540

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus management system for connecting an image forming apparatus and a management apparatus via a communication line, comprising: a communication control apparatus for transmitting data received from the image forming apparatus to the management apparatus; An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: a communication control device including transmission data limiting means for limiting data to be transmitted to the management device. 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein said communication control device further comprises means for setting the transmission data restriction contents by said transmission data restriction means. system. 3. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein said communication control device is provided with means for connecting means for setting contents of limitation of transmission data by said transmission data limitation means. Image forming apparatus management system. 4. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein said management device is provided with a means for setting contents of transmission data restriction by a transmission data restriction means of said communication control device, and said transmission data restriction means. An image forming apparatus management system, wherein the limited content of transmission data according to (1) can be set from the management apparatus through a communication line. 5. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein:
An image forming apparatus management system, comprising means for requesting the communication control device to transmit data before being limited by the transmission data limiting means.