JP3354222B2 - Remote control device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote control device in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is connected to a management device via a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system has been developed in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine can be connected to a management apparatus installed in an online service or the like using a public line. In this case, a plurality of copiers installed in remote
Centralized management by the host machine installed in the location, it can be used for counting the usage status of each copier,
Used for maintenance of copiers. As specific contents of the maintenance, automatic calling to the management apparatus by self-diagnosis of the copying machine and access to the copying machine from the management apparatus side to adjust each unit are performed. In addition, by developing such a system, a counter value (generally the number of copies) for billing for a maintenance contract for a copying machine, which was conventionally confirmed by visiting a service engineer or calling a customer, Can be read out by remote control.

The following is a specific example of remote control. Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 1-103950 and Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 1-100561 disclose a "copying machine capable of remote telephone automatic meter reading", and Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 1-100562 discloses a "network controller for automatic meter reading of copy number". There is something. These are all related to telephone remote control systems,
By communicating the current value of the number of copies of the copying machine with the main computer of the other party using the telephone network, remote automatic meter reading by telephone is enabled.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2-257155 and 2-259666 disclose an "information collection system for an image forming apparatus". These are all related to a system for collecting error information and the like of an electronic copier, and the former is for transmitting various information of the copier, receiving and storing it,
The latter is for periodically transmitting various information of the copying machine. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-196053 discloses an "image forming apparatus" which relates to an image forming apparatus which can be connected to an external centralized management apparatus or the like via a communication line. In such a case, a remote control signal is received via a communication line, and a process corresponding to the signal is performed.

[0005]

As described above, various remote control systems have been developed. For example, when a copier and a management device are connected via a communication line, the copier is not used. When the power is turned off, the data on the copying machine side cannot be read from the management apparatus, so that the timing at which the data can be read is limited. That is, even if data is read out at night when communication costs are low, traffic is low, and connection rate is high, the copying machine is often turned off, and data cannot be read out.

[0006]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an interface device connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine via a communication line, and a management device connected to the interface device via a public line. A specific data storage means for storing specific data periodically transmitted from the image forming apparatus is provided in the interface device, and initial setting data transmitted from the interface device is provided. and initial setting data storage means for storing, when the initial setting is made
When the initial setting completion means to be set and the initial setting data are received, the password in the initial setting data is stored and the initial setting completion means is set if the initial setting completion means is not set. The initial setting data validity determination means for validating the initial setting data only when the password in the initial setting data is compared with the password stored in the management device and the password matches. Provided in the management device.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, a password comparison means for comparing passwords regardless of transmission / reception is provided in the management device.

[0008]

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a second password changing means for changing the change of the password stored in the management device using the second password is provided.

[0010]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the password can be individually set as an internal parameter of data.
In addition, it is possible to increase confidentiality by providing a password to the communication system.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, confidentiality can be further enhanced by comparing passwords.

[0012] In the invention of claim 3 Symbol placement, the password can not be easily changed in from another system on the communication, it is possible to increase even more the confidentiality.

[0013]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, the configuration of an image forming apparatus management system as a remote control device will be described with reference to FIG. A management device 1 is installed at a service base, and the management device 1 is connected to a user area 3 via a public line network 2 (hereinafter, called a public line).
It is connected to a communication control device 4 as an interface device inside. The communication control device 4 is connected to a copier (PPC) 5 as an image forming apparatus, a telephone (TEL) 6 and a facsimile (FAX) 7 as external communication devices. In addition, the management device 1
It is connected to a host machine 8 that performs overall management.

In this case, the communication control device 4 includes:
A plurality of copiers 5 can be connected, but a single unit may be used. These models do not need to be all the same type, and may be different models, even if devices other than the copier are connected. Good. Here, one communication control device 4
, A maximum of five copying machines 5 can be connected, and the communication control device 4 and the plurality of copying machines 5 are connected in a multi-drop manner according to the RS-485 standard. The communication control between the communication control device 4 and each copying machine 5 is performed according to a basic data transmission control procedure. That is, by establishing a data link by a polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 4 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary copying machine 5 is possible. Each copying machine 5 can be set to a unique value by an address setting switch 29 (see FIG. 4), whereby the polling address and the selecting address of each copying machine 5 are determined.

Next, a detailed configuration of each unit of the above-described image forming apparatus management system will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of the communication control device 4. In this communication control device 4,
A CPU 9 is installed at the center thereof. The CPU 9 has a switching unit 10 for switching to the public line 2 or TEL 6 or FAX 7, a modem 11, and an RS connected to the copying machine 5.
A communication interface 12 using a transceiver for -485, a RAM 13 connected to a battery (BATT) 13a, a ROM 14, a clock 15, and a self-calling permission SW 16 are connected. As a result, a signal from the public line 2 is first input to the switching unit 10. Then, communication from the public line 2 is performed by the communication control device 4.
The telephone line 6 (or the facsimile 7) is connected to the telephone line 6 (or the facsimile 7) if it is addressed to the telephone 6 (or the facsimile 7). Connect to modem 11. Further, communication with the copying machine 5 can be performed by the communication interface 12. These controls and processes are performed mainly by the CPU 9 according to a control program in the ROM 14. RAM 13
Is used to temporarily store a communication text, in addition to storing an intermediate result of the processing. That RA
M13 includes a communication control device 4 from the management device 1 side.
The various parameters necessary for the operation of are also written. Normal,
The communication control device 4 is continuously energized for 24 hours so that it can always communicate with the management device 1. However, in order to prevent the contents of these parameters and communication text from being lost due to accidental power-off, etc. The backup is performed by 13a.

FIG. 3 shows the internal configuration of the management device 1. A host computer 17 for executing various processes is arranged in the center. The host computer 17 has an external storage device 18 such as a magnetic disk for storing management data and the like, a display 19 for display, A keyboard 20, a printer 21, a modem 22 for connecting to the public line 2, and a host machine 8
Is connected to the LAN 23. The host machine 8 is a computer that comprehensively manages the plurality of management devices 1 and performs various daily tasks in addition to the data of the present system.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the control unit 24 of the copying machine 5. The control of the copying machine main body is performed by the CPU 25.
The process is performed based on control programs and data stored in the ROM 26, and the RAM 27 is used to store intermediate results of the processing. Also, the CPU 25
Are connected to various devices as described below.
The communication interface unit 28 communicates with the communication control device 4, and an address unique to the copying machine can be set by an address setting switch 29 in the range of 〜 to 〜. Communication permission switch 30
Sets permission / prohibition of communication with the communication control device 4. The operation unit 31 includes a keyboard or the like, and can perform an input operation from the outside. The optical system control unit 32 controls the driving of the exposure lamp. The high-voltage power supply unit 33 supplies power to a charging charger, a separation charger, a transfer charger, a pre-transfer charger (PTC), and a developing bias.
The motor control unit 34 controls the main motor. The heater control unit 35 controls the driving of the fixing heater. The sensor sensitivity control unit 36 is used to change the light receiving gain of the P sensor, the light emitting voltage of the P sensor LED, the light receiving gain of the ADS sensor, the light receiving gain of the lamp light amount sensor, and the like. The A / D converter 37 includes a lamp voltage, a P sensor emission voltage, a P sensor light reception voltage, a potential sensor output, an ADS sensor output, a lamp light quantity sensor output,
Used to input drum current sensor output and fixing thermistor voltage. The configurations described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 greatly relate to the configuration of the main part of the present embodiment described later.

FIGS. 5 to 9 show mechanical structures of an exposure optical system, a developing unit, a paper feeding unit, and an operation unit of the copying machine 5. The description here will be made later. It is not directly related to the structure of the main part of the example. First, FIG. 5 shows a configuration of an exposure optical system of the copying machine 5. An ADF (automatic document feeder) 39 is placed on the surface of the contact glass 38. Below the contact glass 38, a first scanner 42 including an exposure lamp 40 and a first mirror 41, a second scanner 45 including a second mirror 43 and a third mirror 44, a lens 46, A third scanner 49 including a fourth mirror 47 and a fifth mirror 48, and a sixth mirror 50 are arranged. The light from the sixth mirror 50 is guided to the photosensitive drum 51 in the developing section.

FIG. 6 shows the structure of the developing section of the copying machine 5. The light from the sixth mirror 50 is guided onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Around the photosensitive drum 51, an eraser 52, a potential sensor 53, a developing unit 54, a toner cartridge 55, a PTC 56,
A TL 57, a pair of registration rollers 58, a transfer charger 59, a separation charger 60, a separation claw 61, a cleaning unit 62, and a charging charger 63 are provided. In the cleaning unit 62, a P sensor 64, a cleaning blade 65, a cleaning brush 66, and a quenching lamp 67 are arranged.

FIG. 7 shows the configuration of the paper feed unit of the copying machine 5. Inside the housing, first to fourth paper feeding units 68 are provided.
To 71 and the first to fourth trays 72 to 75, respectively. Also, the first and second paper feeding units 6
A right vertical transport unit 76 is provided on the side of the 8, 69, and a left vertical transport unit 77 is provided on the third and fourth paper feed units 70, 71 side. A horizontal transport unit 78 is provided above the right vertical transport unit 76 and the left vertical transport unit 77 so that they merge.
A double-sided paper feeding unit 79a and a double-sided tray 79b are provided at positions connected to the horizontal transport unit 78.
A manual feed table 80 is mounted on the outer side surface of the housing, and this table is connected to a manual feed unit 81. A conveyance belt 82 is provided at a position close to the registration roller 58 and the photosensitive drum 51.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the operation unit 31 of the copying machine 5.
FIG. 4 shows the configuration (see FIG. 4). The symbols A to A in FIG. 8 show the configuration of the panel unit 83 representing various keys and displays, and FIG. 9 shows the names 84 and the functions 85 of the A to A. A guidance display unit 86 for notifying an operation and a warning is provided at the upper center of the panel unit 83. Here, in particular, it is characterized in that a remote report key B and a remote report display W are provided. The remote report key (b) is for the user to make a report when a service request is made, and the remote report display (a) is for lighting up that the remote report is being performed.
In this example, the remote notification key for remote use is provided, but without such a key, the remote control function is realized by using other keys and pressing order, pressing time, pressing combination, etc. You may make it do.

The operation of the copying machine 5 shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 will now be described. The photosensitive drum 51 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft (not shown) and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy command or the like. The original 87 fed onto the contact glass 38 by the ADF 39 is
Are scanned and exposed. The reflected light image from the contact glass 38 passes through the first mirror 41 to the sixth mirror 50 sequentially and is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. The photoconductor drum 51 is charged by the charging charger 63,
A latent image is formed on the drum surface by the reflected light image. This latent image is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 54. During development, a dark or light image can be obtained depending on the bias voltage. On the other hand, the transfer papers 88 stored in the first to fourth trays 72 to 75 and the double-sided tray 79b are supplied to the respective paper feed units 68 to 71 and 79a.
The paper is fed at a predetermined timing by the
The toner image is sent to the registration roller 58 via the transfer roller 8 and to the photosensitive drum 51 having a toner image. Then, the toner image is transferred to the transfer paper 88 by the transfer charger 59. By lowering the potential of the transfer paper 88 by the separation charger 60, the adhesion between the photosensitive drum 51 and the transfer paper 88 can be reduced. Thereafter, the separated transfer paper 88 is sent to a fixing unit (not shown) by a transport belt 89, where it is fixed and discharged out of the apparatus. After the transfer, the toner image that has not been completely transferred adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 51. Therefore, the cleaning unit 62 cleans the surface of the drum, and the quenching lamp 67 keeps the uneven surface potential constant.

Next, the configuration of the main part of this embodiment will be described. As shown in the block diagrams of FIGS. 1 to 3, a communication control device 4 connected to a copying machine 5 (also including a telephone 6 and a facsimile 7) via a communication line,
In the image forming apparatus management system including the communication control device 4 and the management device 1 connected via the public line 2, a specific data storage unit for storing specific data periodically transmitted from the copying machine 5 is communicated. Initial setting data storage means provided in the control device 4 for storing initial setting data sent from the communication control device 4, initial setting completion means for indicating whether initial setting is performed for the first time, When the data is received, the password in the initial setting data is stored when the initial setting completion means is not set, and the password in the initial setting data is stored when the initial setting completion means is set. Initial setting data that makes the initial setting data valid only when the password matches the password stored in the management device 1 and matches. Provided with effective discrimination means to the management apparatus 1 (corresponding to the invention of claim 1 wherein). The present invention is also characterized in that various means described below are provided.

A password comparison means for comparing passwords irrespective of transmission / reception is provided in the management device 1 and the communication control device 4 (corresponding to the second aspect of the invention). In addition, a password changing means for changing the password stored in the management device 1 after turning off the power supply to both the inside and the outside of the management device 1 is provided (corresponding to the invention according to claim 3). In this case, a second password changing means for changing the change of the password stored in the management device 1 using the second password may be provided (corresponding to the invention of claim 4).

The various means according to the present invention (specific data storage means, initial setting data storage means, initial setting completion means, initial setting data validity determining means, password comparing means, password changing means, second password Specific means of changing means will be sequentially described.

First, an outline of a method for processing a remote notification operation of the copying machine 5 according to the present invention will be described. In general, a counter value such as the total number of copies is used to make a maintenance contract or maintenance of the copying machine 5. As a method of performing maintenance using such a counter value, by using the present image forming apparatus management system,
The counter value of the total number of copies is periodically transmitted from the copying machine 5 to the communication control device 4, and even if the copying machine 5 is in a communication disabled state such as when the power of the copying machine 5 is turned off, the management device 1 Side can know the count value. That is, as a first method, the remote notification key (b) of the copying machine 5 is pressed to transmit the data of the remote notification from the copying machine 5 to the communication control device 4, and the communication control device 4 further transmits the management device 1 A telephone number to send remote report data.

As a second method, there is a method in which the communication control device 4 reads information inside the copying machine 5 and holds data inside the communication control device 4. In this case, when the total counter value collection time in the parameters set in the communication control device 4 is reached with reference to the clock in the communication control device 4, all the copying machines 5 connected to the device 4 , A request for total copy number information is sequentially made every day. Copy machine 5 that responded
The new total copy number information is updated in the communication control device 4 with the value read the previous day including the date when the total copy number was acquired, and stored in the communication control device 4. Further, when the power of the copying machine 5 for which the total copy number information is requested is turned off and the communication is not possible, the reception of the data response from the copying machine 5 is postponed to the next copying machine 5. The processing is performed for this. Then, at the time when the request to all the copying machines 5 is made, the request is made again only to the copying machines 5 which cannot be received. Normally, the total counter value collection time is set at night when it is considered that the power of the copying machine 5 is turned off, and the power of the copying machine 5 is turned on as time passes. Such data communication is performed while idling or adjustment of each unit is performed immediately thereafter.

As a third method, there is a method of transmitting and receiving data between the communication control device 4 and the management device 1 by using information on the total number of copies stored and held in the communication control device 4. is there. That is, a method of periodically reading by access from the management device 1 such as a closing date of every month, and a method of managing the communication control device 4 when the automatic call date and time of the total counter value set in the communication control device 4 is reached. There are two methods, that is, a method of automatically transmitting data to the device 1. Such a method is set by a total counter value automatic call permission SW 16 (see FIG. 2) provided in the communication control device 4. In this case, when the total counter value automatic call permission SW 16 is ON, when the date and time indicated by the parameter set in the communication control device 4 is reached,
A call is made to the report destination telephone number indicated by the parameters set in the communication control device 4, and the counter value of the total number of copies is transmitted to the management device 1. If the total counter value automatic call permission SW 16 is OFF, automatic call is not made and the access from the management device 1 is waited. In this example, the data to be communicated periodically is set to the counter value of the total number of copies. However, other data or another data may be added to perform communication. In this system, the communication control device 4 can shorten the access time by not issuing a data request to an unconnected copier.

Next, a specific example of the above-described remote notification operation processing method (first to third methods) will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a remote notification function will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10A shows an example of a remote report using the remote report key (b). Copier 5
When the upper remote report key (b) is pressed, remote report data is transmitted to the communication control device 4. With this reception, a call is made from the management device 1 to the telephone number of the management device 1 set in the communication control device 4 via the public line 2 in advance, and remote report data is transmitted. At this time, data transmitted to the management device 1 is transmitted to the communication control device 4.
Transmits only data of a preset type to the management device 1 from data of a plurality of models received from the copying machine 5. When the communication control device 4 finishes transmitting predetermined data to the management device 1, the communication control device 4
Transmits a notification result report indicating the result of communication between the communication control device 4 and the management device 1 to the copying machine 5 that is the transmission source. As a result, the copy machine 5 of the transmission source can know whether the communication has been completed in a normal state or communication has not been performed due to some abnormality.

FIG. 10 (b) shows an example of a remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality. Normally, the copying machine 5 is provided with a self-diagnosis function, and the copying machine 5 is in a dangerous state or in an unusable state, for example, when an abnormality in the fixing temperature is detected or when the adjustment of each adjustment portion by the electronic volume cannot be performed. In such a case, the user or serviceman is notified in the form of an error or a serviceman call. Even when an abnormality is detected by such a self-diagnosis function of the copying machine 5, the data of the remote notification due to the self-diagnosis abnormality is transmitted from the copying machine 5 to the communication control device 4.
The communication control device 4 that has received the remote notification data,
As in the case where the remote report key (b) is pressed, the remote report data is transmitted to the management device 1, and a report of the report is transmitted to the copy machine 5 at the end of the communication.

FIG. 10C shows an example of a remote report based on a prior report. When the copying machine 5 determines that it is preferable to perform maintenance such as when the abnormal state has not been reached due to the self-vibration function but is very close to the abnormal state, remote warning data of an advance warning is transmitted to the communication control device 4 as a warning. . In the case of a remote notification due to a self-determination abnormality, the copying machine 5 is inevitably in an unusable state. When the original is set and the start key is pressed, the copying operation is performed. At this time, the communication may be interrupted when the load on the controller is heavy due to the copying process, or when there is a possibility that the content included in the transmission data is changed by the copying operation to make it inconsistent. Since such remote warning data of the advance warning is of low urgency, the communication control device 4 that has received the data does not immediately transmit the data to the management device 1 but the telephone 6 or facsimile connected to the communication control device 4. 7 is transmitted at a time convenient for communication, such as a time zone in which the frequency of use of the network 7 is low or a time zone in which the traffic volume of the public line 2 is small. Such setting of the time is performed by the management device 1
Can be set for the communication control device 4. The remote warning of the advance warning is different from the other remote reports in that the report of the report result is not transmitted to the copying machine 5.

On the basis of FIG.
The case of accessing is described. This access method is roughly classified into a read request, a write
Request and execute request. FIG.
(A) shows a read process, which is a process of reading logging data, various set values, output values of various sensors, and the like in the copying machine 5. FIG. 11B shows Write.
It indicates processing, and refers to processing for rewriting various setting values and the like by transmitting data from the management device 1. FIG.
(C) shows an Execute process, which is a process for causing the copying machine 5 to perform a test operation or the like. In either case, the management device 1 dials the communication control device 4 to which the target copying machine 5 is connected, and the communication control device 4 receives the request data. Communication control device 4 that has received the request data
Transmits the request data to the target copying machine 5. Upon receiving the request, the copier 5 processes the content of the request and transmits a response to the request to the communication control device 4. The communication control device 4 transmits this to the management device 1, thereby terminating one processing unit.

Referring to FIG. 12, a case where the management device 1 accesses the communication control device 4 will be described.
This access method is roughly classified into three types: a read request, a write request, and an execute request. FIG. 12A shows a read process, in which a setting parameter or status in the communication control device 4 is read out, or the communication control device 4 reads out information in the copying machine 5 in advance and stores the information in the communication control device 4. Means a process of reading out the information stored in the memory. FIG. 12B shows a write process, in which parameters of the communication control device 4 are stored in the management device 1.
This is the process of sending data from and setting. FIG.
(C) shows an Execute process, which is a process of causing the communication control device 4 to perform a test operation such as a function check.

Based on FIG. 13, without using the management device 1,
A case where the communication control device 4 accesses the copying machine 5 will be described. FIG. 13 shows the case of the read process. In this access, the communication control device 4 reads out the information inside the copying machine 5, reserves the data inside the communication control device 4, and thereafter, if necessary, Means a reading process for enabling reading from the management device 1.

Next, the configuration of the data parameters and the data format used when performing the access processing of the remote notification operation will be described with reference to FIGS. First,
FIG. 14 shows a list of various parameters stored in the communication control device 4. A model number 90 and a serial number 91 of the copying machine 5 are registered for each of the copying machines 5 having the address (1) to (5). 1 is used to determine the address of the copying machine 5 to be selected when accessing from 1. In addition, a function of the checksum 92 is added, so that when a parameter value is rewritten or lost due to a malfunction of the communication control device 4 or an error in the consumption communication of the backup battery, this can be detected. Further, a report destination telephone number 93, a number of redials 94 and a redial interval time 95, and a type of data (number of times of occurrence of jam, number of copies, etc.) 96 to be transmitted to the management device 1 are set for each remote report reason. These parameters are written from the management apparatus 1 side through the public line 2, and are written by directly connecting a parameter setting portable device to the communication control apparatus 4, or set by providing operation means on the communication control apparatus 4. It may be configured.

In this case, since setting of parameters is important, confidentiality is enhanced by adding an ID (password) to communication data. This ID is not uniquely determined for each communication control device 4, but is determined when the first parameter is specified. After that, it cannot be changed in communication or the like, and the communication control device 4 must be manually initialized. Becomes possible. The ID is checked every time communication is performed, so that incorrect data cannot be entered from a different system. When a different ID is received a predetermined number of times, this error is stored internally and automatically notified to the management device 1 to notify the system administrator. It checks every time such ID communication is performed to prevent hackers and the like. In this example, the ID cannot be changed by communication, but the content may be changed using a second change password.

FIG. 15 shows a configuration example of the format of communication data at the time of remote notification. FIG. 15 (a)
The data format sent from the copying machine 5 to the communication control device 4 is shown. The first field is a report reason code 97, which is a remote report using a remote report key (b),
The type of remote notification due to self-diagnosis error or remote notification of advance warning is performed. The copier status 98 includes information such as the status of consumables such as toner, oil, and copy paper, output values of various sensors, set values of various adjustment locations, and unit connection status. FIG. 15B shows a configuration example of a data format sent from the communication control device 4 to the management device 1. In addition to the data from the copying machine 5, fields for a model number 90 and a serial number 91 are added at the top to specify the copying machine 5 that has been the information generation source. At the rear, a clock 99 in the communication control device 4 is provided with an occurrence time 99 at which the notification factor occurred. In the data area, the type of data to be transmitted to the management device 1 changes depending on the parameters installed in the communication control device 4. Here, only the self-diagnosis error occurrence frequency 100 and the copying machine status 98 are transmitted to the management device 1. This is an example in which parameters are set in the communication control device 4 as described above. FIG. 15C shows a configuration example of a data format sent from the communication control device 4 to the copying machine 5. When the report from the communication control device 4 to the management device 1 is completed, the content of the report result transmitted to the copying machine 5 is shown. The report result includes a report result report code 101 and a report result report content 102. .

FIG. 16 shows a configuration example of a data format when the management apparatus 1 accesses the copying machine 5. FIG. 16A shows a data format at the time of the Read processing. Following the model number 90 and the serial number 91 of the target copying machine 5, a read request code 103 representing a read process and an item code 104 for performing a read are transmitted from the management device 1 to the communication control device 4. You. The transmission from the communication control device 4 to the copying machine 5 is performed with the fields of the model number 90 and the serial number 91 removed. The copier 5 that has received this data replaces the requested read data 105 with the read data.
d The message is transmitted to the communication control device 4 together with the response code 106. Then, the communication control device 4 adds the model number 90 and the serial number 91 again to the management device 1.
Send data to. FIG. 16B shows a configuration example of a data format at the time of a Write process. Copier 5 from management device 1 via communication control device 4
In the communication while heading to, write data 107 for writing
Is sent together with the write request code 108. In the communication from the copying machine 5 to the management apparatus 1, the write data 109 actually written in the copying machine 5 is written.
e Sent with the response code 110. In the normal case, the write data 107 received by the copying machine 5 matches the write data 109 transmitted by the copying machine 5, but if the received data is out of the effective range, the data is rounded to a boundary value. May be written, and in such a case, they do not match. FIG.
FIG. 6C shows a configuration example of a data format at the time of execute processing. Management device 1 to copier 5
In the communication toward, when the operation target cannot be performed only by the item code 104, the operation content supplementary code 111 for supplementing the operation content is added and sent together with the Execute request code 112. Then, the copying machine 5 that has executed the requested operation changes the operation result information code 113 to Exec.
This is transmitted to the management device 1 together with the ute response code 114.

FIG. 17 shows a configuration example of a data format when the management device 1 accesses the communication control device 4. FIG. 17A shows a read process, and FIG.
7 (b) Write processing, FIG. 17 (c) Execu
In this case, the data format is almost the same as that at the time of accessing the copying machine 5 in FIG. 16 described above. However, here, the communication control device 4 is replaced with the model number 90 and the serial number 91. Is provided. FIG.
Shows a configuration example of a data format when the communication control device 4 accesses the copying machine 5. This process has the same configuration as the data format between the communication control device 4 and the copying machine 5 in the read process when the management device 1 accesses the copying machine 5 shown in FIG. In this case, the copying machine 5 does not need to distinguish between access from the management device 1 and access from the communication control device 4, and can handle them in the same manner.

The operation of the remote notification will be described based on the configuration of the data parameters and the data format as shown in FIGS. Now, in the data format shown in FIG. 15, the data from the copying machine 5 is sent with the report reason code 97 added thereto. The communication control device 4 identifies the report reason code 97 and classifies it into the following contents.

1. 1. Data by remote notification key (b) 2. Data due to self-diagnosis abnormality 3. Pre-warning data Data based on the total counter value The data classified in this manner is stored in the communication control device 4, and a report destination telephone number 93 in the parameter of FIG. 14 corresponding to these data is selected and selected. To the given number. In this case, centralized management can be performed by making the report destination telephone numbers 93 of the classification destination the same, and management can be performed at individual locations by making individual. In the configuration of FIG. 1, there is only one management device 1, but in actual work, the management device installed in another place is used to manage the number of copies, etc. Or go.

Next, the operation of the remote notification control of the copying machine 5 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, FIG. 19 shows a state of the notification control of the copying machine 5. When the communication permission switch 30 (see FIG. 4) is ON, whether the remote notification key (b) is pressed,
It determines whether an abnormality has been detected by the self-diagnosis function or whether it is in a state that requires advance warning.If a remote report is necessary, the remote report key is used to process the remote report, The remote report process and the remote report process based on the advance warning are performed. 20 to FIG.
Shows the contents of each of the remote notification processes.

FIG. 20 shows a remote report key (b) of the copying machine 5.
1 shows a state of control of a remote notification by the user. The remote report data is transmitted to the communication control device 4 using the remote report key (b). When the notification cannot be performed normally, such as no response from the communication control device 4, a notification to that effect is displayed on the operation unit 31 to notify the user. If the data has been transmitted to the communication control device 4 normally, the timer for time-out determination is reset and a report of the report result from the communication control device 4 is waited. In this example, the time-out period is set to 3 minutes, and the case where the notification result is not received within 3 minutes is set as the time-out, and the notification of the notification failure is displayed and notified on the operation unit 31.
If the report is received within the timeout period,
When the content of the report is a success of the report, the completion of the report is displayed. When the content of the report is a failure, the fact is displayed.

FIG. 21 shows a state of controlling a remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality of the copying machine 5. This is the same as the remote report using the remote report key (b) except that the data to be transmitted to the communication control device 4 is data due to a self-determination abnormality and the timeout time is 20 minutes. FIG. 22 shows a state of control of a remote notification based on a preliminary report of the copying machine 5. The communication control device 4 waits for the transmission of the remote notification data by the advance warning.

Next, the operation of the copying machine 5 when accessed from the communication control device 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 23 shows the overall flow of the operation. When the communication permission switch 30 is ON, if there is received data in the communication interface unit 28, the received data is received, the processing requested by the first field is determined, and any one of Read processing, Write processing, and Execute processing is performed. Is performed. If not, return an error code.
FIG. 24 shows a state of the Read process. If the item code received by the copying machine 5 is correct, the requested data is transmitted, and if not, an error code is returned. FIG. 25 shows the state of the write process. If the received item code is not correct, an error code is returned. If the item code is correct, it is checked whether the value to be written is within the valid range. If it is within the valid range, the received data value is written as it is. If the item is outside the valid range, it is determined for each item code whether the item can be written with data rounded to the boundary value of the effective range, and if the data can be written with the data rounded, the boundary value is written. Put in. For example, if the temperature is within the effective range, such as the setting of the fixing temperature, and the effect of rewriting is large, or the telephone number of a service center that has no meaning in the numerical value, rounding to the boundary value is prohibited, and automatic reset is performed. For items such as time that do not affect image quality, rounding to a boundary value is permitted for convenience. In order to make the auto reset time as long as possible, the copying machine 5 automatically selects the maximum value by setting the value to be written to the maximum value of the number of digits. FIG.
It shows the state of the e processing. If the received item code is incorrect, an error code is returned. If the item code is correct, it is determined whether supplementation of the operation content is necessary for the item. If not, the specified operation is performed, and the operation result information is returned. In the case of an item that requires supplement of the operation content, the operation according to the supplemented information is performed, but if the supplement of the operation content is out of the valid range, an error code is transmitted and the process ends.

Next, the communication control device 4 and the copying machine 5
The communication procedure between and will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 27 shows a state of a communication sequence in an idle state when five copiers 5 are connected to the communication control device 4. The communication control device 4 executes a polling cycle for sequentially transmitting a polling sequence using the polling address of each copying machine 5. The copying machine 5 polled by the polling address transmits a negative response to the communication control device 4 with the transmission text. The communication control device 4 repeats the polling cycle when there is no other communication process. FIG.
Shows an example in the case where a remote report transmission text is stored in the copying machine 5 at the address. After the polling sale by the own address, the transmission text is transmitted on the RS-485 line. FIG. 29 shows an example in which the text of the report report is transmitted from the communication control device 4 to the copying machine 5 at the address. After the current polling is completed, a selecting sequence is transmitted using the target copier 5 selective address, and the text is transmitted to the copier 5. After the text transmission, the process returns to the original polling cycle.

FIG. 30 shows a communication sequence between the communication control device 4 and the copying machine 5 when the management device 1 or the communication control device 4 accesses the copying machine 5 of the address. The communication control device 4 selects the target copying machine 5 and sends a read request and a write request.
Send the text of either the request or the execute request. Immediately after this, the same copying machine 5 is polled, and a response to the request is received. In practice, this sequence is inserted during the polling cycle shown in FIG.

FIG. 31 shows an example of a routine data processing, that is, an example of a transfer sequence of a counter value of the total number of copies that is periodically performed. Now, the communication control device 4
Inserts a selecting cycle for sequentially selecting the copying machines 5 at the addresses between the polling cycles when the total copy number counter value collection time is reached. If a response is received during the selecting cycle, the same copying machine 5 is polled immediately thereafter to receive data, and no selecting is performed on the copying machine 5 in the next selecting cycle. To do. In this case, in the first selecting cycle, there is also a response from the copying machine 5 at the address,, and in the next selecting cycle, only the copying machine 5 at the address at which data could not be received last time is selected. I have. Then, in the next selecting cycle, data reception of all the copying machines 5 is completed,
The state returns to the state where only the normal polling cycle shown in FIG. 27 is performed.

FIG. 32 shows another example of the scheduled data processing. When the collection time of the counter value of the total number of copies has been reached, selecting is performed instead of polling at the timing of polling each copying machine 5. Polling is immediately performed on the copying machine 5 that has responded to the selecting, and data is received.
The first cycle for the copying machine 5 from the address immediately after the collection time of the total copy number counter value is the same as in FIG. 31, but no polling cycle is inserted next. In the second cycle, polling is performed for the copying machine 5 that has already received data, and selecting for the counter value request is performed again for the copying machine 5 that has failed to receive data. When the data of all the copying machines 5 can be received, the state returns to the normal state in which only the polling is performed. Also in this case, as in FIG. 31, first, a response is received from the copying machine 5 at the address,. Then, in the next cycle, data of all copying machines 5 can be received.

Further, the following processing is further performed on the regular data processing as shown in the above two examples. When the date and time indicated by the parameters set in the communication control device 4 are reached, a call is made to the report destination telephone number indicated by the parameters set in the communication control device 4, and the counter value of the total number of copies Is transmitted to the management device 1. However, if the host machine 8 or the communication control device 4 accidentally loses power at the internally set date and time, or if the set date and time is set to only a leap year such as February 29, the total There is a year in which the counter can be processed and a year in which the counter cannot be processed, causing operational inconvenience. Therefore, in the present system, as shown in FIG. 33, when the processing is not completed at the date and time indicated by the parameter, monitoring is performed subsequently, and this operation is performed until the processing is completed. If there is no February 29, the processing is performed on March 1. In this system,
The data of a plurality of copiers 5 is controlled, but the present copiers 5 are advanced in color, digitization, etc., and a total counter is connected to a plurality of copiers 5 instead of one. Some devices may be connected, and up to three devices may be connected to this unit. At this time, when the data is sent to the host machine 8, if the individual counters are divided into the individual copying machines 5 and sent to the host machine 8, an extra transmission cost will be required.

Finally, other functions of the communication control device 4 used in this embodiment will be described. When data transmission is performed using the public line 2, a communication fee is required depending on the use time, distance, and the like. At present, personal computer communication and the like, which are frequently used, employ a system in which a line is connected each time communication is performed, so there is a disadvantage that a basic fee is charged every time even for short communication. Therefore, the present apparatus has a function of temporarily storing data of each copying machine 5, a function of making a self-call to the other party, and the like. In this case, the provision of the function of temporarily storing allows the communication control device 4 to send the internal information that can be sent at once at a time. In addition, as shown in FIG. 34, by providing a function of a calling process for making a self-call to the other party, when new data to be sent to the same destination comes while a specific destination is waiting for a recall, the destination for that destination is This makes it possible to initialize the number-of-recalls counter and increase the possibility of connection with the other party. In this case, the recall number counter may be incremented for each BUSY, or an initial value may be set at the time of the first call, and thereafter, the count may be DOWN for each BUSY and the recall number counter becomes zero. Error processing may be performed upon detection of this.

The present system also has the following functions. In an existing line, which is often a telephone 6 and a facsimile 7, the line used in the present system is used by utilizing the existing idle time. In this case, a DTMF signal as a line selection signal is transmitted to determine whether this data communication is performed or not. FIG.
Indicates the timing of the line connection. FIG.
FIG. 37 shows the operation of the transmission side of the line connection.
Shows the operation on the receiving side of the line connection. In this case, the transmitting side transmits the dial signal 115, and the receiving side receives the ringing tone 116 and connects the line. If the polarity of the line is reversed, the transmitting
(Password) is transmitted, and when the ID is detected, the receiving side shifts to the present system and activates the modem 11 to receive data. When the ID is not detected, the receiving side processes as normal communication. In this state, since in ID detection becomes silent Against answer signal after a predetermined time (t ₁₎ 11
7 may be returned to the transmitting side to notify the other party that processing is in progress.

As described above, the communication control device 4
Provided therein is a specific data storage means for storing specific data periodically transmitted from the copying machine 5, and an initial setting for storing the initial setting data sent from the communication control device 4 in the management device 1. Data storage means, initial setting completion means for indicating whether the initial setting is the first time, and a password (I) in the initial setting data when the initial setting completion means is not set when the initial setting data is received.
D) is stored, and when the initial setting completion means is set, the password in the initial setting data is compared with the password stored in the management device 1 and the initial setting data is validated only when the password matches. Since the initial setting data validity determination means is provided, a password can be individually set as an internal parameter of data, and confidentiality can be enhanced by providing a password to the communication system. Further, by providing a password comparison unit for comparing passwords regardless of transmission / reception in the management device 1, confidentiality can be further enhanced.

Also, a password changing means which can change the password stored in the management device 1 after turning off the power of both the inside and the outside of the management device 1 is provided, or the password stored in the management device 1 is changed. The second password changing means for changing the change of the password using the second password is provided, so that the password cannot be easily changed from another system through communication, thereby further increasing the confidentiality. Can be further increased.

[0055]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an interface device connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine via a communication line, and a management device connected to the interface device via a public line. In the remote control device, specific data storage means for storing specific data periodically transmitted from the image forming apparatus is provided in the interface device, and initial setting data for storing initial setting data transmitted from the interface device is provided. Setting data storage means, initial setting completion means to be set when initial setting is performed, and, when receiving the initial setting data, the initial setting data if the initial setting completing means is not set. When the initial setting completion means is set, the password in the initial setting data and the password The initial setting data validity determining means for validating the initial setting data only when the password matches the password stored in the storage device is provided in the management device, so that the password is used as an internal parameter of the data. It can be set individually, and confidentiality can be increased by giving a password to the communication system.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a password comparison means for comparing passwords irrespective of transmission and reception is provided in the management device. This can further enhance the confidentiality.

[0057]

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, a second password changing means for changing the change of the password stored in the management device using the second password is provided. The password will not be
This cannot be changed easily from the system
In which confidentiality even more it can enhance Rukoto by.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a remote control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a communication control device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a management device.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the copying machine.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional front view showing a configuration of an exposure optical system of the copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional front view showing a configuration of a developing section of the copying machine.

FIG. 7 is a vertical sectional front view showing a configuration of a sheet feeding unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a configuration of an operation unit of the copying machine.

FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram showing operation contents of various key units of the copying machine.

10A is a schematic diagram showing a remote report process using a remote report key, FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a remote report process due to a self-diagnosis abnormality, and FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram showing a remote report process using a pre-warning. It is.

FIGS. 11A and 11B show how a management apparatus accesses a copying machine, where FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram of a read process, and FIG.
Is a schematic diagram of the Write process, and (c) is a schematic diagram of the Execute process.

FIGS. 12A and 12B show how a management device accesses a communication control device. FIG. 12A is a schematic diagram of a read process, FIG. 12B is a schematic diagram of a write process, and FIG.
It is a schematic diagram of an Xecute process.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a read process as an example of access from the communication control device to the copying machine.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of various parameters.

FIGS. 15A and 15B show an example of a data format of a remote report, in which FIG. 15A is a schematic diagram showing the contents of report data from a copying machine to a communication control device, and FIG. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the report data, and FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram showing the contents of the report report from the communication control device to the copying machine.

16A and 16B show the configuration of a data format when a management apparatus accesses a copying machine. FIG.
Schematic diagram of d processing, (b) Schematic diagram of write process,
(C) is a schematic diagram of the Execute processing.

FIG. 17 shows a configuration of a data format when the management device accesses the communication control device;
(A) is a schematic diagram of a read process, (b) is a schematic diagram of a write process, and (c) is a schematic diagram of an execute process.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a read process which is a configuration of a data format when a communication control device accesses a copying machine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a state of the notification control of the copying machine.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a state of remote report control using a remote report key of the copying machine.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a state of remote notification control due to a self-diagnosis abnormality of the copying machine.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing a state of remote report control based on a preliminary report of the copying machine.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating a communication process of the copying machine when accessed from the communication control device.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating a state of a Read process in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a state of the Write process of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a state of an Execute process in FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a communication sequence in an idle state when five copiers are connected to the communication control device.

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a remote report transmission text is present in a copying machine.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a text of a report report is transmitted from the communication control device to the copying machine.

FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a communication sequence between the communication control device and the copier when the copier is accessed from the management device or the communication control device.

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a transfer sequence of a counter value of the total number of copies in the regular data processing.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing another example of the transfer sequence of the counter value of the total number of copies in the regular data processing.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a case where another process is added to the transfer sequence of the total copy number counter value in the regular data process.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a state of a calling process in the communication control device.

FIG. 35 is a schematic diagram showing timing for performing line connection using a line selection signal.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the operation of the transmission side of the line connection.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing the operation of the line connection receiving side.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Management device 2 Public line 4 Interface device 5 Image forming device 8 Host machine

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 15/00 G03G 15/36 G03G 21/00-21/04 G03G 21/14 G03G 21/20 H03J 9 / 00-9/06 H04M 11/00-11/10 H04Q 9/00-9/16

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A remote control device comprising: an interface device connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine via a communication line; and a management device connected to the interface device via a public line. An initial setting data storage unit for storing, in the interface device, a specific data storage unit for storing specific data periodically transmitted from the forming apparatus; and an initial setting data storage unit for storing initial setting data sent from the interface device. set the name of
An initial setting completion means is set when the when subjected to initial setting data, the initial case where setting completion unit is not set to store the password in the initial setting data complete the initial setting When the means is set, the password in the initial setting data is compared with the password stored in the management device, and the initial setting data is valid only when the password matches. And a means provided in the management device. 2. The remote control device according to claim 1, wherein a password comparison means for comparing passwords irrespective of transmission / reception is provided in the management device. 3. A remote control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the change of the password stored in the management unit is provided with second password changing means for changing with the second password.