JP3484978B2 - Centralized management device and 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 a centralized management device and a device management system for managing a device connected to each management device based on data transmitted from the management device via a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a system in which management data of a plurality of copying machines is transmitted to a single central processing unit and the central processing unit collectively processes and manages the data is known from JP-A-54-54032. Has been. Moreover, the management data of each copying machine is transmitted to a single central control unit via each terminal device,
A device that manages a plurality of copying machines by processing in the central control unit is known from Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-44522.

Here, in the above-mentioned conventional central processing unit or central control unit, a plurality of copying machine management apparatuses for transmitting data according to different communication systems are connected to one centralized management apparatus to manage each copying machine. I couldn't. Here, the different communication methods are, for example, CCITT method and B
The ell method and the like.

Therefore, in the present invention, in view of the above circumstances,
One management device that sends data using different communication methods
The purpose is to be able to manage with a centralized management device.

[0005]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, there is provided a management device comprising means for collecting various data of connected devices and means for connecting to a communication line. In a centralized management device that manages a device connected to the management device by receiving the various data via the communication line and a terminal adapter, conforms to when transmitting the various data via the communication line It is characterized by further comprising: a terminal adapter capable of receiving data from a plurality of types of management devices having different communication methods, and setting means for setting the communication method of the terminal adapter in accordance with a predetermined priority order. still,
If the communication method set by the setting means fails to receive the various data, the communication method further includes a switching means for switching the communication method to a communication method having a lower priority.

Further, a plurality of management devices having means for collecting various data of the connected devices and a connection means for connecting to the communication line, and the management devices from the management devices via the communication line and the terminal adapter. In a device management system including a central management device that manages devices connected to the management device by receiving various data, the central management device transmits the various data via the communication line. In this case, a terminal adapter capable of receiving from a plurality of types of management devices having different communication methods according to the above, and setting means for setting the communication method of the terminal adapter according to a predetermined priority order are provided. . It should be noted that, when the communication system set by the setting unit fails to receive the various data, a switching unit for switching the communication system to a communication system having a lower priority is further provided.

The centralized management device and the device management system described above are characterized in that the device is managed for each communication system based on various data received.

[0008] Then, in the centralized management device and device management system, the priority when successfully receiving the data communication method is not the highest, the priority and returning to the communication method of the uppermost .

[0009] Then, in the centralized management device and device management system, the order in busy communication system a plurality of management apparatuses that transmits various data, and sets the priority of the communication method of the terminal adapter .

Therefore, as a function, the centralized management device first sets the terminal adapter to the first priority communication system (for example, the CCITT system) and waits for the data to be transmitted from the management device. When the terminal adapter succeeds in receiving the data when the data starts to be transmitted to the centralized management device, it continues to receive the data to be subsequently transmitted in the same communication method. On the other hand, in the first priority communication method, when the terminal adapter fails to receive data, the communication method of the terminal adapter is switched to the second priority communication method (Bell method), and the management is performed again. Wait for data to be sent from the device. Hereinafter, similarly, the communication method of the terminal adapter is switched according to the priority order until the data is successfully received.

Therefore, it is possible to manage a plurality of types of management devices that transmit data in accordance with different communication systems with one centralized management device.

Then , when the data is successfully received by the communication method in which the priority of the terminal adapter is not the highest, the communication method is switched back to the communication method in which the priority is the highest, or a plurality of devices transmitting various data are transmitted. Since the communication method of the terminal adapter is set in descending order of the communication method of the management device, in addition to the above-described effect, the possibility that the data transmission can be completed at one time without causing the management device to retransmit the data is increased. to bring out the effects.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A copying machine management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First of all, copy machine, data terminal (DT), communication network,
The configuration of a system that embodies the copier management system consisting of a center will be described.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the configuration of this system, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are block diagrams of the circuit configuration of this system. This system consists of a device on the user side, a device on the center side (centralized management device) that is an administrator, and a telephone network that connects these. In this system, many user-side devices can be connected to one center-side device. However, in order to simplify the description, in the description of the present embodiment, one user-side device is used. explain.

As a user side device, a copying machine 4 is used.
(A, B, C), the data terminal 1 is installed. The data terminal 1 has a built-in modem (terminal adapter) having a function as a communication terminal device. On the other hand, as a device on the center side, a modem (terminal adapter) 7 having a function as a communication terminal device
2. A computer 90 is installed, a CPU 91 is mounted on the computer 90, and a display 92 and a keyboard 93 are connected.

The data terminal 1 is a device for taking in various kinds of information of the copying machine 4, performing a predetermined process, and then transmitting it to the computer 90 on the center side. The center-side device makes various diagnoses of the copying machine 4 based on the data transmitted from the data terminal 1. That is, the state of the copying machine, the cause of failure, the method of treatment, and the certainty factor are calculated. In addition, the data for managing the copying machine is aggregated.

Next, the respective devices on the user side and the center side will be described. First, the copying machine 4 is a device that reads a document image and forms a copied image on a sheet. still,
The specific internal structure of the copying machine is a well-known technique, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. (Embodiments of the present invention will explain the main points of this case.) In the CPU 41 of the copying machine 4, a counter (a total counter indicating the number of paper discharges, a paper counter) that serves as a basis for the copy charge amount calculated on the center side. Paper size counters that indicate the number of sheets used by size, counters that serve as a guideline for maintenance (location-specific jam counters that indicate the number of jams at each location, location-specific trouble counters that indicate the number of troubles at each location, and each part A counter that counts the number of times the PM is used, and counts each counter value such as a PM counter that uses the count value as a guideline for performing regular maintenance.
Via serial I / F 42 and serial I / F 12,
It is transmitted to the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1.

Further, in the copying machine 4, various element data affecting the image forming process (for example, required time for sheet conveyance, surface potential of the photosensitive drum, toner concentration in developer, photosensitive drum exposure amount, developing bias voltage). , The toner adhesion amount on the photosensitive drum, the grid voltage of the charging charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups 45 arranged in various places in the machine, and are taken into the CPU 41 for processing, and then serial I / O F42 and serial I /
It is transmitted to the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 via F12.

Next, the data terminal will be described.
The data terminal 1 is connected to the serial I / F 4 from the copying machine 4.
2 and the data transmitted via the serial I / F 12 are received, and when a predetermined transmission condition (condition for setting the transmission flag to ON) described later is satisfied, the modem is activated to communicate with the center side. Data for managing the copier by connecting the line (element data and count data mentioned above)
Is a device for transmitting to the CPU 91 of the center.

The CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 includes a ROM 14 in which a control program is stored, a non-volatile memory 16 for storing data such as a telephone number of a center,
Battery-backed working system RAM
15. A battery-backed clock IC 17 is connected. The CPU 11 receives data transmitted from the CPU 41 of the copying machine 4 via the serial I / F 42 and the serial I / F 12, and executes a predetermined process. Further, according to operation inputs from various operation switches (push switch 21, four dip switches DIP.SW1 to DIP.SW4), a predetermined operation / mode is set.

The DIP switch DIP SW1 is a center telephone number input mode, and the DIP switch DIP
SW2 sets the input mode of the identification number (DT) of the data terminal 1, DIP switch DIP SW3 sets the input mode of the identification number of the center (center), and DIP switch DIP SW4 sets the initial setting mode. It is a switch for. The push switch 21 is a switch for commanding execution of initial transmission and the like.

Here, 8-bit data b7-b input from the serial I / F 12 to the data terminal 1
0 is configured as shown in FIG.

That is, the paper discharge code indicating the discharge of the paper is represented by the falling edge of bit b0 (change from 1 to 0), and the jam code indicating the occurrence of paper jam is bit b7 = 1, and It is represented by b6 = 0. The trouble code indicating the occurrence of various troubles is represented by bit b7 = 1 and bit b6 = 1. The above 8-bit data is periodically input to the data terminal 1 and also when a paper jam or trouble occurs in the copying machine 4.

On the other hand, the control CPU 1 of the data terminal 1
1 is configured so as to control the call of the center side modem 72 to the modem 52. This allows
A communication line with the center-side modem 72 can be connected to perform communication with the center-side CPU 91. C above
From the PU 11 via the communication line to the CPU 9 on the center side
The content of the data (data for management of the copying machine 4) transmitted to 1 is determined by the type of the transmission flag set to ON, as described later.

Next, the device on the center side will be described. The device on the center side has a modem 72 and an interface RS232CI so that it can be connected to each user's data terminal 1 (plurality) via a telephone line network.
This is a computer with built-in / F71, 98. The CPU 91 of this computer manages the copying machine 4 corresponding to each of the plurality of data terminals 1.

Next, the operation control of this embodiment will be described using a flow chart. Prior to this description, the terms "on edge" and "off edge" are defined. The state change when the state of the switch, sensor, signal, etc. changes from the off state to the on state is defined as “on edge”, and the state change when the state changes from the off state to the on state is defined as “on edge”.

The operation control of the copying machine 4 (processing by the CPU 41) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in the CPU 41, the processing is started by turning on the power, and the initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode are performed (step S41). Then, step S43
And the copy control process of step S45. Here, step S43 is a step of performing acceptance processing for various input signals. The input signal is, for example, an input signal from a key switch group on the operation panel 40 of the copying machine, a sensor group 45 at various places in the copying machine, or the like. Further, step S45 is a step of performing processing necessary for copying operation and the like. The processing required for the copying operation and the like is, for example, control of various operation unit groups 44 such as paper feed control, operation control, photosensitive drum control, and developing device control.

Then, when troubles such as paper conveyance failure (jam), machine control and operation failure occur (step S
If YES in 47), a signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the CPU 11 (step S4).
9). Furthermore, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by the operator or the like (YES in step S51).
In the case of), a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the CPU 11 (step S53). Corresponding to this, CP
In U11, the process described below is executed.

Next, the operation control of the data terminal 1 (C
(Processing in PU11) will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. First, the outline of the processing will be described based on the main routine of FIG. The CPU 11 starts the process when the power is turned on. If the initial setting mode is set (YES in step S11), the initial setting process (step S13) is executed.
After that, a copy permission signal is transmitted to the CPU 41 of the copying machine (step S15). If the initial setting mode is not set (NO in step S11),
Immediately after the copy permission signal is transmitted (step S1
5), the processes of steps S17 to S31 are repeatedly executed.

Here, the initial setting in step S13 is
It is executed when the DIP switch DIP SW4 is set to the ON state at the start of the process in the data terminal 1, that is, when the initial setting mode is set (YES in step S11). In the initial setting process, the center telephone number, the data terminal number (DT), the center number (center) are set, and the initial setting is transmitted.

When the copy permission signal is transmitted in step S15, the data reception process of step S17 is performed. In step S17, a process of receiving various data regarding the state of the copying machine transmitted from the CPU 41 is performed.
The contents of data are a paper discharge code, a jam / trouble code, a jam / trouble count value, a paper size count value, a PM count value, and an element data value. The CPU 11 always holds the latest values for these data.

Next, in step S17, emergency call determination processing is performed. Although details of step S17 will be described later, it is determined whether or not trouble data and trouble recovery data should be transmitted to the center side.

Next, the process proceeds to step S21, and a closing date transmission determination process is performed. In this step S21, when the predetermined closing date transmission time comes, the closing date transmission flag is set to ON, whereby the total count value and the count value for each paper size which are the basis for calculating the copy charge amount are transmitted to the center. It After the transmission of the total count value and the count value for each paper size is completed, the center side returns the date and time of the next closing date transmission.

Next, the routine proceeds to step S23, and the scheduled transmission determination processing is performed. That is, at a predetermined scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to ON, and the above-mentioned various data regarding the state of the copying machine is transmitted to the center.
After the transmission of various data, the center side returns the current time data and the next scheduled transmission date / time data.

Next, in step S25, a warning transmission determination process is performed. This step S25 is, as described later, the element data, the count value of the jam counter,
The count value of the PM counter is compared with a predetermined threshold value. Then, based on the comparison result, it is determined whether or not the warning data and the warning cancellation data should be transmitted to the center.

Next, in step S27, a user call origination determination process is performed. That is, when the push switch 21 is pressed in the case where the initial setting mode is not set, the user transmission flag is set to ON, whereby various data relating to the state of the copying machine described above is transmitted to the center. Next, in step S29, PM transmission determination processing is performed. Although this step S29 will also be described later, it is a process of transmitting the count value before clearing of the PM counter, the count value of which has been cleared to 0 by component replacement, to the center.

Next, the process proceeds to step 31, and a call process is performed. As will be described later, when any one of the outgoing flags is set to ON, the modem 52 is activated and the connection processing of the communication line with the center side is executed. After the connection of the communication line is completed, data communication with the CPU 91 on the center side is executed.

Next, the details of each subroutine will be described with reference to FIGS. First, the emergency call determination process of step S19 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. In this processing, emergency call and emergency recovery call are managed. For example, when the trouble flag is OFF (step S1
If YES in 01), trouble code b from the copying machine
When an on-edge of 6 is detected (Y in step S111)
In the case of ES), the trouble flag and the emergency call flag are set to ON (step S113).

When the trouble flag is ON (NO in step S101), the off edge of the paper discharge code b0 from the copying machine is detected (step S101).
If YES in 121), the trouble flag is reset to OFF, and the emergency recovery call flag is set to ON (step S123). The reason why the above process is performed is
This is because it is considered that the trouble is recovered when the paper is ejected from the copying machine.

When the emergency call flag or the emergency recovery call flag is set to ON, a call process described later (see FIG. 1).
1 (see FIG. 12) is executed, and trouble data or trouble recovery data is transmitted to the CPU 91 of the center.

Next, the warning transmission determination process of step S25 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this processing, warning transmission and warning cancellation transmission are managed. Steps S201 to S227 are processing for executing the warning transmission when the value of the element data is out of the peculiar allowable range, or processing for executing the warning cancellation transmission when the value returns to the allowable range.

First, an initial value "1" is set to the item number i indicating the type of element data (step S2).
01). Next, in step S211, a warning flag regarding the element data designated by the item number i (the element data of the first item for the first time) is determined. As a result, the warning flag related to the element data is OFF.
If so (YES in step S211), whether or not the value of the element data is within the allowable range peculiar to the element data, in other words, the upper limit value iU or less,
Further, it is determined whether or not it is within the range of the lower limit threshold iL or more, and if it is outside the above-mentioned allowable range (step S21
If YES in step 3 or YES in step S215), the warning flag Fi and the warning transmission flag relating to the element data are set to ON (step S21).
7). As a result, the call processing (FIGS. 11 and 12) is executed, and the warning data is transmitted to the center.

On the other hand, in step S211, if the warning flag of the element data designated by the item number i is ON (NO in step S211), it is determined whether or not the value of the element data has returned to the above allowable range. If it is determined that the return has been made (YES in S221, and S2
If YES in 23), the warning flag Fi relating to the element data is reset to OFF, and the warning cancellation transmission flag is set to ON (step S22).
5). As a result, the call processing (FIGS. 11 and 12) is executed, and the warning cancellation data is transmitted to the center.

When the above processing is performed for all the element data (YES in step S227), the processing of step S231 and thereafter is executed.

Steps S231 to S245 are processes for executing a warning transmission when the count values of the jam counter and the PM counter exceed a specific threshold value, and a warning cancellation transmission when the count values return to below the threshold value. is there.

First, the initial value i (the value of the last item number of the element data + 1) is set to the item number m indicating the types of the jam counter and the PM counter (step S231). Next, in step S233, the jam flag designated by the item number m or the warning flag regarding the PM counter is determined. As a result, the warning flag related to the jam counter or the PM counter becomes O.
If it is FF (YES in step S233), it is determined whether or not the count value is within the permissible range peculiar to the counter, that is, whether or not the threshold value m is exceeded. If yes),
The warning flag Fm and the warning transmission flag for the counter are set to ON (step S23).
7). In response to this, the call processing (FIGS. 11 and 12) is executed, and the warning data is transmitted to the CPU 91 of the center.

On the other hand, in step S233, the item number
If the warning flag related to the jam counter specified by m or the PM counter is ON (step S233)
In the case of NO), it is determined whether the count value has returned to the threshold value or less, and if it has returned (step S241).
YES), the warning flag F for the counter
m is reset to OFF, and the warning release call flag is set to ON. Corresponding to this, the call processing (Fig. 1
1, FIG. 12) is executed, and the warning cancellation data is transmitted to the CPU 91 of the center.

The above processing is performed for all jam counters,
And, when it is performed for the PM counter (step S2
If YES at 45), the procedure returns to the main routine. As described above, the warning transmission and the warning cancellation transmission are managed.

Next, the PM transmission determination processing in step S29 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. In this process, P
M transmission is managed. First, an initial value “1” is set to the item number i indicating the type of PM counter (step S
301). Next, the processes of steps S303 to S311 are executed, after which the value of i is incremented (step S313), and the above processes are repeated. That is, the type of PM counter is changed and the above process is repeated.

Steps S303 to S311 are executed when the PM counter is cleared (YES in step S305).
S and YES in step S307), the PM
This is a process for storing the count value immediately before clearing the counter (step S309) and setting the PM transmission flag to ON (step S311). It should be noted that the PM counter is cleared by a service person when the parts corresponding to the PM counter are replaced.

When the PM transmission flag is set to ON (step S311), the call processing (FIGS. 11 and 1) is performed.
2) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part and count value immediately before replacement) is transmitted to the center.

Next, the call processing in step S31 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIGS. In this processing, the call processing of the center is performed corresponding to the case where any of the outgoing flags is ON, and after connecting the communication line, the data corresponding to the outgoing flag is transmitted. Further, data communication with the center side CPU 91 is performed.

First, when any one of the outgoing flags is set to ON (YES in step S401), the redial standby is not in progress (NO in step S403), the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected. To the modem 52 on the condition that it has not been performed (NO in step S405) and that the modem 52 is not in a standby state after commanding the call of the center side modem 72 (NO in step S407). , The call of the center-side modem 72 is commanded (step S40).
9).

As a result of the processing in step S409, if the telephone set or the like attached to the communication line is in use and the center side modem 72 cannot be called (YES in step S411), redialing is performed. The time after a certain period of time is set as the time (step S41).
3). As a result, the determination in step S403 is "YES" until the redial time. That is, the process of step S409 is not executed. At the redial time, the center side modem 72 is called again to the modem 52 (step S409).

As a result of the center selection signal being sent from the modem 52 to the telephone network in accordance with the processing of step S409, the center side modem 72 is busy (modem 72).
Even if the connection with the connection is made, it is determined that it is the case where there is no response from the CPU 91) (step S415).
If YES, the redial time is set in the same manner as described above (step S413), and when the set redial time is reached, the process of step S409 is executed again.

As a case of YES in step S415, the data terminal transmits data after a center selection signal is sent from the modem 52 to the telephone line network in accordance with the process of step S409. The communication method conforming to the above does not match the communication method set by the center side modem 72, and the modem 5
2 or the case where the data transmission is abnormally terminated by the modem 72 on the center side.

In response to the processing of step S409, a center selection signal is sent from the modem 52 to the communication line network, and as a result, the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected (YES at step S405). Modem 52
After waiting for the ready (YES in step S421), the data corresponding to the transmission flag set to ON is transmitted to the center side (step S425).

Next, when there is no data to be transmitted to the center side (NO in step S423), the data transmitted from the center side is received (step S).
431, for data transmission processing of the center, see step S725 in FIG.

The received data may be, for example, a command for changing the setting conditions of the copying machine (setting change command), a command for requesting the operation of the copying machine (operation command), the current time, or the next scheduled transmission date and time. , The date and time when the next closing date is sent, etc.
If a communication error occurs, a data resend command is received (see step S711 in FIG. 15).

In step S431, the setting change command,
Alternatively, when the operation command is received, the command and the parameter corresponding to the command are transmitted to the CPU 41 via the serial I / F 12 and the serial I / F 42 (step S433). As described above, the processing corresponding to the above command is executed on the copying machine 4 side in step S43 of FIG. Further, as described above, when the data is received from the center side and the data is the data that needs to wait for the processing in the copying machine 4 (YES in step S435), it is as it is. , The communication line is maintained.

Here, when it is necessary to wait for the end of processing in the copying machine 4, for example, by operating the developing device,
This is the case when the result can be obtained immediately, as in the case where it is desired to detect the toner density. After the above waiting, when the transmission data is given from the copying machine side (step S423).
If YES, the data is transmitted again to the center side (step S425). On the other hand, if it is not necessary to wait for the end of the processing of the copying machine (NO in step S435).
In the case of), the transmission flag is reset to OFF (step S441), and then the communication line is disconnected (step S443). As described above, the call processing allows communication with the center.

Next, the operation control of the computer of the device on the center side (processing by the CPU 91) will be described with reference to FIG. The CPU 91 starts the process when the power is turned on, and first executes environment setting for the modem, printer, etc. (step S61). In the environment setting of the modem 72, for example, the communication method is set to the communication method of the priority 1 together with the initial setting such as dial mode and automatic incoming / outgoing. Here, as the communication method, for example, CCIT
In this embodiment, the CCITT method is used as the communication method with the priority 1 and the priority 2 is used.
The communication method of is the BeLL method. After that, F1 described later
The following modes are set or CCITT processing is executed according to each key input operation of F7 to F7.

If the F1 key is selected (step S
If YES in 63), the acceptance mode for model registration is set (step S65). That is, new registration of the model name, the number of items of element data, the name of each element data, the standard threshold value of each element data, the standard threshold value of each count data, etc. is accepted.

If the F2 key is selected (step S
If YES in 67), the registration acceptance mode of the user master is set (step S69). That is, new registration of user name, address, telephone number, model name, machine number, scheduled call date and time, etc. is accepted. Also, the (DT) of the data terminal is automatically set.

If the F3 key is selected (step S
If YES at 71), the trouble situation is displayed (step S73). That is, the user information (user name, address, telephone number, model name) of the copying machine that made the emergency call, the date and time when the trouble occurred, and the like are displayed on the display 92 together with the trouble content. The number of troubles is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 regardless of the operation of the F3 key.

If the F4 key is selected (step S
If YES in 75), the warning status is displayed (step S77). That is, the user information of the copying machine that issued the warning is displayed on the display 92 together with the warning content. Note that the number of warnings is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 regardless of the operation of the F4 key.

If the F5 key is selected (step S
If YES in 79), the unreceived status is displayed (step S81). That is, the user information of the copying machine that does not perform the scheduled transmission after the predetermined scheduled transmission time is displayed on the display 92. The number of unreceived items is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 regardless of the operation of the F4 key.

If the F6 key is selected (step S
If YES in 83), the display mode of the user data is set (step S85). That is, when the user is selected, the user information is displayed on the display 92.
When the submenu is selected, count values of various counters (total counter, paper size counter, jam counter, trouble counter, PM counter) of the user copying machine and element data are displayed by month,
Or, it is displayed for each item.

If the F7 key is selected (step S
If YES at 87), the bill is printed out (step S89). The printer connected to the computer 90 is activated, and the copy charge amount calculated based on the count value of the total counter and a predetermined calculation formula is printed out.

Next, the interrupt processing that is generated when the modem 72 receives a call from the data terminal will be described with reference to FIG.
A description will be given with reference to FIGS. When an incoming call interrupt occurs, first, it is checked whether the communication method used by the data terminal to transmit data matches the communication method set in the modem 72 at that time (step S601). Then, if the communication method used by the data terminal to transmit the data does not match the communication method set in the modem 72 at that time (YES in step S601),
Communication disconnection processing is immediately executed (step S60).
3) Set the modem 72 to the communication system of the next priority.

On the other hand, if the communication method used by the data terminal to transmit data matches the communication method set in the modem 72 at that time (NO in step S601), the CPU 91 causes the data terminal to send data. The transmitted data is sequentially received, and the received data is subjected to predetermined processing (step S700).

First, DT and data reception processing is performed (step S701). If a communication error occurs (YES in step S703), the data terminal is requested to retransmit the data (step S7).
11). When the receiving process ends (Y in step S705)
In the case of ES), tabulation by item / month is performed, and screen display data is created by operator selection (see step S85 in FIG. 13) (step S721).

Subsequently, if the communication is based on the scheduled transmission, the next scheduled transmission date and time, the deadline transmission date and time, and the current time are transmitted to the data terminal (step S725).
If no data is sent back from the data terminal in step S725 (step S7).
If NO in step 27), the communication line disconnection process is executed (step S731), and the interrupt process ends. On the contrary, if the data is sent back from the data terminal (YES in step S727),
Data reception processing is performed (step S701).

After that, when the data transmission / reception with the data terminal is normally completed (YES in step S611).
In this case), it is detected whether the communication method currently set in the modem 72 is the highest priority communication method. If it is not the highest priority (NO in step S621), the setting of the modem 72 is returned to the communication method of the highest priority (step S623).

Next, among the copying machine management apparatuses connected to the copying machines managed by the centralized management apparatus, according to the number of copying machines managed to transmit data to the centralized management apparatus according to each communication system. The process of switching the priority order of communication methods will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the number of copying machines managed by the center is counted according to the communication system for transmitting data by the copying machine management device installed in the copying machine (step S80).
1). Next, the communication systems are given priority in descending order of the number of copying machines counted (step S803). Finally, if the newly determined highest priority communication method is different from the highest priority communication method used so far (step S
If YES in step 805), the modem 72 is set to the new highest priority communication method (step S807).

In the above description, the centralized control device of the copying machine and its system are described, but the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, the stock status of the juice and cigarettes in the vending machine (the remaining It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a centralized management device and its system capable of managing the status) via a communication line or the like.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a system to which an embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a part of a block showing a circuit configuration of the system.

FIG. 3 is the rest of the block showing the circuit configuration of the system.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a code transmitted from a copying machine in the above system to a connected data terminal.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing of the CPU of the copying machine.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a main routine of processing of the CPU of the data terminal.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an emergency call determination process of the flowchart of FIG.

8 is a flowchart showing a warning transmission determination process of the flowchart of FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a warning transmission determination process of the flowchart of FIG.

10 is a flowchart showing a PM transmission determination process of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a call process of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a call processing of the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the processing in the CPU of the center in the above system.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a process in the CPU of the center in the system.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a process in a CPU of a center in the system.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process of determining a priority order of communication methods in the system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Data terminal 4 Copier 52 modem 72 modem 90 computers

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Masasumi Ito 2-3-13 Azuchi-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, Osaka International Building Minolta Co., Ltd. (56) Reference JP-A-3-235567 (JP, A) JP-A-1-270445 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04M 11/00-11/10 H04N 1/00 H04N 1/32-1/36 H04N 1 / 42-1/44

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. By receiving the various data through a communication line and a terminal adapter from a management device having a means for collecting various data of a connected device and a connection means for connecting to a communication line, In a centralized management device that manages a device connected to the management device, it is possible to receive from a plurality of types of management devices that differ in a communication method conforming to when transmitting the various data via the communication line. The terminal adapter and setting means for setting the communication method of the terminal adapter according to a predetermined priority order are provided, and the data is transmitted by the communication method whose priority order is not the highest.
If the communication is successfully received, the communication method with the highest priority
Centralized control device characterized by returning to the formula . 2. Collecting various data of connected devices
Management device including a means for connecting and a means for connecting to a communication line
From the front via the communication line and terminal adapter
By receiving various data, the management device can be accessed.
In the central management device that manages the following devices, When transmitting the various data through the communication line,
Receiving from multiple types of management devices that use different communication methods
A terminal adapter that enables communication, Communication method of the terminal adapter according to the predetermined priority
Setting means for setting the expression, Communication between multiple management devices that are equipped with
Communication method of the terminal adapter
Centralized management device characterized by setting the priority order of. 3. Collecting various data of connected devices
A plurality of pipes provided with a means for connecting and a means for connecting to a communication line.
Management device and the communication lines and terminals from the management devices.
Receiving the above various data via the null adapter
Manages devices connected to the management device by
In a device management system equipped with a centralized management device, The central control device, When transmitting the various data through the communication line,
Receiving from multiple types of management devices that use different communication methods
A terminal adapter that enables communication, Communication method of the terminal adapter according to the predetermined priority
Setting means for setting the expression, And the data is transmitted by a communication method whose priority is not the highest.
If the communication is successfully received, the communication method with the highest priority
A device management system characterized by returning to a formula. 4. Collecting various data of connected devices
A plurality of pipes provided with a means for connecting and a means for connecting to a communication line.
Management device and the communication lines and terminals from the management devices.
Receiving the above various data via the null adapter
Manages devices connected to the management device by
In a device management system equipped with a centralized management device, The central control device, When transmitting the various data through the communication line,
Receiving from multiple types of management devices that use different communication methods
A terminal adapter that enables communication, Communication method of the terminal adapter according to the predetermined priority
Setting means for setting the expression, Communication between multiple management devices that are equipped with
Communication method of the terminal adapter
Device management system characterized by setting the priority of
Mu.