JP3595417B2 - Image forming apparatus management system, image forming apparatus, and mode selection method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine.,ItForming Apparatus Management System Connected to a Central Controller via a Data Communication Device and a Communication Line, And aboveImage forming deviceMode selection methodAbout.
[0002]
[Prior art]
imageAs a forming apparatus management system, a number of image forming apparatuses (copiers and the like premised on remote diagnosis) on the side of a number of users (customers) are sold and serviced by using data communication apparatuses and communication lines such as public lines. What is connectable with the central control device (host machine) installed in the etc. is generally known.
[0003]
In such an image forming apparatus management system, the image forming (printing) operation of the customer is given top priority, and when there is a request to start the image forming operation, the image forming apparatus performs any communication with the central control device. Even during execution, the communication is interrupted to start the image forming operation.
This is a matter of course from the viewpoint of the customer (image forming apparatus). The fact that the image forming apparatus continues to communicate with the central control device until the customer inconveniences the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus is controlled by the image forming apparatus management system. Contrary to the original purpose.
[0004]
On the other hand, from the point of view of the central control device, when the communication cannot be completed as described above (that is, when the data communication device is interrupted by the image forming device), the data communication device sends a notification that the communication has failed to the central control device. When the central control unit receives the notification of the failure, the central control unit changes the time again, performs a retry, and repeats this until the communication is completed.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such an image forming apparatus management system, the above-described processing is repeatedly performed until the communication between the central control apparatus and the image forming apparatus is completed. Especially, the communication is interrupted immediately before the completion of the communication (for example, when the time required for the completion of the communication is 30 seconds, when 25 seconds have elapsed from the start of the communication and the remaining 5 seconds have elapsed), the processing time is greatly reduced. Increase.
[0006]
Further, if the interruption of the communication is not absolutely permitted, the operator of the central control device can have the customer wait for a certain period of time to start the image forming operation by telephone or the like so that the communication can be completed. The amount of work increases.
The present invention has been made in view of the above points.,DuringIt is an object to improve the working efficiency of both the central control device and the image forming device.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention achieves the above-mentioned object,An image forming apparatus management system, an image forming apparatus, and a mode selection method are provided.
[0008]
The invention of claim 1 isIn an image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus and a central control device are connected via a data communication device and a communication line,Management data type determining means for determining the type of management data transmitted / received to / from the central control device to the image forming apparatus; and presence / absence of an image formation start request during transmission / reception of management data to / from the central control device A determination unit for determining whether an image formation start request has been made, and interrupting the transmission and reception of the management data in accordance with the type of the management data determined by the management data type determination unit to stop the image forming operation Mode selection means for selecting either a mode in which the start of the image forming operation is prioritized or a mode in which the transmission of the management data is prioritized and the start of the image forming operation is waited.
[0009]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, the mode selecting means is determined by the management data type determining means to be a control program of the image forming apparatus whose management data is downloaded from the central control device. In such a case, the mode in which the start of the image forming operation is waited for with priority given to the transmission and reception of the management data is selected.
[0010]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, the mode selecting means determines the image forming condition of the image forming apparatus in which the management data is rewritten from the central control unit by the management data type determining means. In this case, a mode in which the start of the image forming operation is waited is selected with priority given to the transmission and reception of the management data.
[0011]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus determines whether or not there is an image formation start request while the management data is being exchanged with the central control device, and the image forming apparatus has received the image formation start request. When it is determined, the remaining time calculating means for calculating the remaining time required until the completion of the transfer of the management data, and when the calculation time by the means is a predetermined time or less, giving priority to the transfer of the management data. A mode for waiting for the start of the image forming operation, and a mode selecting means for interrupting the transmission and reception of the management data and selecting a mode in which the start of the image forming operation is prioritized if the mode is not shorter than a predetermined time. .
[0012]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system of the fourth aspect, time setting means for arbitrarily setting the predetermined time is provided.
The invention of claim 6 is the invention of claim 1~ 5In the image forming apparatus management system according to any one of the above, when the mode in which the image forming apparatus waits for the start of the image forming operation by giving priority to the transmission and reception of the management data by the mode selecting means is selected, at least the image forming operation is waited. Display means for displaying the reason and / or the waiting time.
The invention according to claim 7, wherein in an image forming apparatus connectable to the central control device via a communication line and a data communication device, management data type determining means for determining the type of management data transmitted to and received from the central control device. Determining means for determining the presence or absence of an image formation start request during transmission and reception of management data with the central control device; and when the means determines that an image formation start request has been made, management data type determination means. Either a mode in which the transmission and reception of management data is interrupted according to the type of the management data determined as described above, and a mode in which the start of the image forming operation is prioritized, or a mode in which the transmission and reception of the management data is prioritized and the start of the image forming operation is waited And a mode selection means for selecting
In a mode selection method in an image forming apparatus connectable to a central control device via a communication line and a data communication device, the present invention provides a method for selecting a mode of management data transmitted to and received from the central control device. During the transmission and reception of the management data with the central control device, the presence or absence of an image formation start request is determined, and when the image formation start request is made, the management data of the management data is determined according to the type of the management data determined earlier. This mode selects either a mode in which the transfer is interrupted and the start of the image forming operation is prioritized, or a mode in which the transfer of the management data is prioritized and the start of the image forming operation is waited.
[0013]
Claims 1-3, 7,8Invention ofAccording toAfter the image forming apparatus determines the type of management data transmitted / received to / from the central control device, if there is an image formation start request during the transmission / reception of the management data, the type of the management data (important The mode of interrupting the transmission and reception of the management data and giving priority to the start of the image forming operation, or the mode of giving priority to the transmission and receiving of the management data and waiting for the start of the image forming operation according to the degree of emergency or the degree of urgency). Therefore, the working efficiency on both the central control device side and the image forming device (customer) side is improved.
[0014]
Further, in the case where the management data is a control program of the image forming apparatus downloaded from the central control apparatus or in the case of image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus rewritten from the central control apparatus, the image forming operation is performed with priority given to the transmission and reception of the management data. By selecting the mode in which the image forming apparatus waits for the start, the image forming operation is started after the download of the control program of the image forming apparatus or the rewriting of the image forming conditions of the image forming apparatus is completed. A forming operation can be performed.
[0015]
In the image forming apparatus management system according to the fourth and fifth aspects of the present invention, when an image forming start request is made while the image forming apparatus is performing transmission and reception of management data with the central control device, the transfer of the management data is completed. The remaining time required is determined. If the time is less than a predetermined time, a mode for waiting for the start of the image forming operation (customer) with priority given to the transmission and reception of the management data. Since the mode in which the transmission and reception of the management data is interrupted to give priority to the start of the image forming operation is selected, the customer does not have to wait for a certain period of time for the transmission and reception of the management data. The working efficiency of both sides increases.
[0016]
Furthermore, versatility is enhanced by allowing the above-mentioned fixed time to be set arbitrarily. In each of the above-described image forming apparatus management systems, when the image forming apparatus selects a mode of giving priority to transmission and reception of management data and waiting for the start of the image forming operation, at least the reason for waiting for the image forming operation and / or If the waiting time is displayed, the work efficiency on the image forming apparatus side is further improved.
[0017]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018]
This image forming apparatus management system connects five copiers (image forming apparatuses) 1 to 5 on the premise of remote diagnosis and a central control device 6 via a data communication device 7 and a communication line 8, and performs central control. The copying machine 1 to 5 can be centrally managed by the apparatus 6.
[0019]
The data communication device 7 sends a command signal from the central control device 6, for example, a read request signal for copy management data of the copying devices 1 to 5 or a write request signal for a control set value of the copying devices 1 to 5, to the copying devices 1 to 5. Selective transmission, conversely, various reports from the copying apparatuses 1 to 5, for example, an abnormality that makes the copying operation impossible, or the copying operation can be started, but the designated number of replacement parts and the designated time When an event that requires preventive maintenance, such as approaching the sensor or reaching a standard level of the sensor, information indicating the occurrence is transmitted to the central control device 6 via the communication line 8.
[0020]
The data communication device 7 is energized for 24 hours, and enables communication with the central control device 6 even at night when the power of the copying machines 1 to 5 is normally off. The data communication device 7 and the copying devices 1 to 5 are connected in multi-drop by a serial communication interface RS-485, and communicate with each of the copying devices 1 to 5 by polling and selecting from the data communication device 7. I have.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the control unit of the copying apparatus 1. Since the control units of the copying machines 2 to 5 are the same as those in FIG. 2, their illustration and description are omitted.
The control unit of the copying apparatus 1 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as “CPU”) 11, a ROM 12, a RAM 13, an NVRAM 14, an input / output port 15, a clock unit 16, a serial communication control unit 17, an interface 18, a system bus 19, and the like. It is constituted by and.
[0022]
The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that controls the entire control unit by a control program stored in the ROM 12.
The ROM 12 is a read-only memory that stores various fixed data including a control program for causing the CPU 11 to execute various controls.
The RAM 13 is a random access memory used as a work memory used when the CPU 11 performs data processing.
[0023]
The NVRAM 14 is a non-volatile memory that stores the contents of mode instructions from an operation display unit (not shown) and the like.
The input / output port 15 connects output loads such as a motor, a solenoid, and a clutch in the copying apparatus 1 and sensors and switches.
[0024]
The timer unit 16 measures time, and is backed up by a battery (not shown) so that the time can be accurately measured even when the power of the copying apparatus 1 is OFF. Therefore, the CPU 11 can read the current time from the clock unit 16.
Although only one serial communication control unit 17 is shown as a representative for convenience of illustration, in actuality, a plurality of serial communication control units 17 are provided, and an operation display unit (not shown), a document feeding device, a transfer paper post-processing unit, etc. And exchanges signals with them.
[0025]
The interface 18 is a circuit that controls communication with the data communication device 7, and is provided to reduce the load of the CPU 11 for communication processing. Of course, if the processing capacity of the CPU 11 is sufficient, a function equivalent to the interface 18 may be incorporated in the CPU 11. The setting of a device code described later is performed by a dip switch (not shown) of the interface 18.
[0026]
The main functions of the interface 18 are shown in the following (1) to (4).
(1) Monitoring of polling and selecting from the data communication device 7
(2) Positive response, negative response processing
(3) Validity check, parity check of transmitted / received data with the data communication device 7, and retransmission request processing when an error occurs
(4) Header processing of data transmitted / received to / from the data communication device 7
[0027]
The system bus 19 is a bus line including an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus, and interconnects the CPU 11, the ROM 12, the RAM 13, the NVRAM 14, the input / output port 15, the clock unit 16, the serial communication control unit 17, and the interface 18. .
Here, the respective units in the copying apparatus 1 are described in claims 1 to 3, 6, 7Functions as a management data type determining unit, a determining unit, a mode selecting unit, and a displaying unit.
[0028]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the data communication device 7 of FIG. 1, and includes a control unit 21, an autodialer unit 22, and a line control unit 23.
The control unit 21 controls five copying apparatuses 1 to 5 and controls reception of a command signal from the central control device 6 via the communication line 8. The auto dialer unit 22 makes a call to the central control unit 6 based on various reports from the copying machines 1 to 5. The line control unit 23 controls connection with the communication line 8 and switching control with the general telephone 24.
[0029]
Like the general control unit (for example, the control unit of the copying machine 1 shown in FIG. 2), the control unit 21 includes a ROM for storing a control program, a CPU for executing various controls by reading out the control program, and a It consists of a RAM for temporary storage, a non-volatile memory backed up by a battery, a clock unit, a serial communication control unit, and an input / output port. The non-volatile memory includes data transmitted from one of the central control device 6 and the copying devices 1 to 5 to each other, device codes for specifying one of the copying devices 1 to 5, and the central control device 6. , The number of recalls when the line connection is not successful, the recall interval, and the like.
[0030]
Next, a schematic function of the image forming apparatus management system will be described.
The functions of the image forming apparatus management system are roughly classified into the following two types (a) and (b).
(A) Communication from the central control unit 6 to the copying apparatuses 1 to 5
(B) Communication from copiers 1 to 5 to central controller 6 or data communication device 7
[0031]
The communication from the central control unit 6 to the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 in (a) includes reading and writing (including rewriting and downloading) of copy management data.
The copy management data to be read includes, for example, the following (1) to (7).
[0032]
(1) Number of copies of a specific copying machine
(2) Number of copies for each paper feed stage (paper feed cassette)
(3) Number of copies for each paper size
(4) Misfeed count
(5) Number of misfeeds for each paper size
(6) Number of misfeeds for each paper transport position
(7) Adjustment values for control voltage, current, resistance, timing, etc. of each unit constituting the copying machine
[0033]
The copy management data to be written includes, for example, the following (1) to (3).
(1) Each copy mode
(2) Adjustment values (including image forming conditions) for control voltage, current, resistance, timing, etc. of each unit constituting the copying apparatus
(3) Copying device control program
[0034]
This communication control is performed when there is a read request or a write request for copy management data from the central control device 6 via the communication line 8 and the data communication device 7, that is, at the time of selecting by the data communication device 7. The term “selecting” refers to a function of selecting a specific one of the five connected copying apparatuses 1 to 5 for communication.
[0035]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the selecting operation in the data communication device 7.
Each of the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 has a unique device code, and the data communication apparatus 7 serially transmits a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined selecting and a device code of the copying apparatus to be selected. Send it out on the communication interface RS-485.
[0036]
Each of the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 compares the next device code with its own device code using a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating the selection, and when the two codes match, the user is selected. Know that.
Next, the selected copying apparatus determines whether or not it is possible to respond to the selecting (response is possible), and outputs an acknowledgment by a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) if it is available. To start communication with the data communication device 7, and complete the communication between the data communication device 7 and the central control device 6.
[0037]
In the case where the communication is not possible, a negative response with a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) is output to end the communication with the data communication device 7, and the communication between the data communication device 7 and the central control device 6 is terminated. End communication.
If the communication cannot be completed due to the negative response (the data communication device 7 cannot receive data from the copying device), the data communication device 7 sends information indicating that the communication has failed to the central control device 6 via the communication line 8. (Failure report) to shut down the line.
[0038]
If the copying device corresponding to the device code output by the data communication device 7 cannot output an affirmative response or a negative response due to power off or the like, the data communication device 7 performs a selecting operation after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. To end. Also in this case, the data communication device 7 transmits information indicating that the communication has failed to the central control device 6, and cuts off the line.
[0039]
On the other hand, the communication from the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 to the central control device 6 or the data communication device 7 in (b) includes, for example, those shown in (1) and (2).
(1) When an abnormality occurs that makes the copying operation impossible, each of the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 transmits information indicating the occurrence to the central control device 6 via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8.
[0040]
(2) Each of the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 can start a copying operation, but an event requiring preventive maintenance, such as a designated number of replacement parts, approaching a designated time, or reaching a sensor at a standard level, occurs. When this is done, information indicating that fact is transmitted to the central control device 6 via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8.
[0041]
This communication control is performed at the time of polling by the data communication device 7. Polling refers to a function of sequentially designating five connected copying apparatuses 1 to 5 and confirming whether there is a connection request from the designated copying apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the polling operation in the data communication device 7.
[0042]
The data communication device 7 sends out a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined polling and a device code of the copying device to be selected onto the serial communication interface RS-485.
Each of the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 compares the next device code with its own device code using a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating polling, and knows that it has been polled when both codes match. .
[0043]
Next, the polled copying apparatus starts communication with the data communication apparatus 7 if there is responsive transmission data (a transmission request to the central control apparatus 6 or the data communication apparatus 7), and the data communication apparatus 7 and the central The communication with the control device 6 is completed, but if no response is possible or if there is no transmission data, an end response is output with a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) to end the communication with the data communication device 7. Then, the communication between the data communication device 7 and the central control device 6 is terminated.
Upon receiving the end response, the data communication device 7 shifts to polling of the next copying device.
[0044]
If the copying device corresponding to the device code output from the data communication device 7 cannot start communication or output an end response due to power OFF or the like, the data communication device 7 operates for a predetermined period of time. After the elapse, the polling operation ends. This polling is sequentially repeated for the connected copying apparatuses 1 to 5 unless selecting occurs.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation (copy management control) related to selecting in the copying apparatuses 1 to 5.
When each of the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 is selected by the central control unit 6 (data communication apparatus 7) as described with reference to FIG. 4, it determines whether or not it can respond. If not, an acknowledgment is output in response to the selecting to start communication with the data communication device 7 (central control device 6) (transfer of copy management data) and determine the type of copy management data to be transferred. Then, it is stored in the RAM 13 shown in FIG.
[0046]
If a response cannot be made, the following processing is performed. That is, if the control of the copying operation is busy during the copying operation (during the image forming operation) and it is difficult to allocate time to the communication with the central control device 6 in accordance with the selecting operation, a negative response is output and the data is output. The communication with the communication device 7 is terminated, and the communication between the data communication device 7 and the central control device 6 is terminated.
[0047]
After the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 (the central control device 6) is started, it is determined whether the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is being executed (communication end). If it is determined that the communication is not being executed (the communication between the data communication device 7 and the central control device 6 is terminated by the termination of the communication with the data communication device 7), the process is terminated.
[0048]
When the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is being executed, the copy start on the operation display unit (not shown) which is transmitting and receiving the signal to and from the serial communication control unit 17 described with reference to FIG. The presence / absence of a copy start request (image formation start request) by a key is determined, and if there is no copy start request, the transfer (communication) of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is continued.
[0049]
When there is a copy start request, the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is interrupted according to the type of the copy management data stored in the RAM 13 and the copy operation is started. Of the copy operation is prioritized (allowed) or the transfer of the copy management data is prioritized (continued) to wait for the start of the copy operation.
[0050]
Here, the copy management data transmitted to and from the data communication device 7 is of high importance or urgency, for example, a copy device control program downloaded from the central control device 6 (interruption of transfer is not allowed). If the image forming condition of the copying machine rewritten by the central control unit 6 (it is not preferable to start the copying operation before the image forming condition is determined), the transfer of the copy management data is prioritized. Select the mode to wait for the start of.
[0051]
If the copy management data being exchanged with the data communication device 7 is not urgent, the transfer of the copy management data is interrupted so as not to cause inconvenience to the customer's copy operation. Select the mode that gives priority to the start of operation.
[0052]
Thereafter, when the mode of giving priority to the start of the copy operation by interrupting the transfer of the copy management data performed with the data communication device 7 is selected, communication using a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) is performed. The interruption is output, the communication with the data communication device 7 is ended, the copying operation is started, and the processing is ended. In this case, the data communication device 7 transmits information indicating that the communication has failed to the central control device 6, and cuts off the line.
[0053]
Although not particularly described in the flowchart, when a mode in which the start of the copy operation is waited for with priority given to the transfer of the copy management data performed with the data communication device 7 is selected, the copy management data During the transfer, the reason for waiting for the start of the copying operation is displayed in the message display area of the operation display unit, and the lamp on the copy start key can be displayed in red to notify the customer (operator).
[0054]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the present embodiment, the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 transmit the types (importance, emergency, etc.) of the copy management data exchanged with the central control device 6 (data communication device 7). If the copy start request is issued while the copy management data is being exchanged with the central control device 6 after the determination of the copy management data, the exchange of the copy management data is interrupted according to the type of the copy management data. Since either the mode in which the start of the copying operation is prioritized or the mode in which the transfer of the copy management data is prioritized and the start of the copying operation is waited for is selected, the work of both the central control unit and the image forming apparatus (customer) is performed. Increases efficiency.
[0055]
Further, in the case where the copy management data is a control program of the copying machine downloaded from the central control unit 6 or in the case of image forming conditions of the copying machine rewritten by the central control unit 6, the transfer of the copy management data is prioritized. By selecting the mode in which the start of the operation is waited, the copying operation is started after the downloading of the control program of the copying apparatus or the rewriting of the image forming conditions of the copying apparatus is completed. Can do it.
[0056]
If the user selects the mode of waiting for the start of the copying operation by giving priority to the transmission and reception of the copy management data, the customer displays the reason for waiting for the start of the copying operation at least in the message display area of the operation display unit. Thus, the user can know the reason why the copying operation cannot be started immediately, so that unnecessary work such as notifying the serviceman of an abnormality can be avoided.
[0057]
Next, an image forming apparatus management system according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. Since the hardware configuration is the same as that of the above-described embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, reference is made to those figures again.
[0058]
In this image forming apparatus management system, since the communication control in the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 and the data communication apparatus 7 is different from that of the image forming apparatus management system of the above-described embodiment, only different portions will be described.
Here, each unit shown in FIG. 2 functions as the determination means, the remaining time calculation means, the mode selection means, the time setting means, and the display means of claims 4 to 6.
[0059]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation (copy management control) related to selecting in the copying apparatuses 1 to 5.
When each of the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 is selected by the central control device 6 (data communication device 7), it determines whether or not the copying is possible. If the copying is not possible (response is impossible), a negative response is output. Then, the communication with the data communication device 7 is terminated, and the communication between the data communication device 7 and the central control device 6 is terminated.
[0060]
If a response is possible, an acknowledgment is output in response to the selecting to start communication with the data communication device 7 (central control device 6) (transmission / reception of copy management data), and to communicate with the data communication device 7. A time (communication end time) at which the transfer of the copy management data performed between them is completed is calculated and stored in the RAM 13 shown in FIG.
[0061]
Here, since the time required for the transfer is determined according to the type of the copy management data transferred to and from the data communication device 7, the time required from the present time until the transfer of the copy management data is completed is calculated. Further, the time (communication end time) at which the transfer of the copy management data is completed can be obtained based on the calculated time and the current time by the clock unit 16 shown in FIG.
[0062]
After the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 (the central control device 6) is started, it is determined whether the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is being executed (communication end). If it is determined that the communication is not being executed (the communication between the data communication device 7 and the central control device 6 is terminated by the termination of the communication with the data communication device 7), the process is terminated.
[0063]
When the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is being executed, the copy start on the operation display unit (not shown) which is transmitting and receiving the signal to and from the serial communication control unit 17 described with reference to FIG. The presence / absence of a copy start request (image formation start request) by a key is determined, and if there is no copy start request, the transfer (communication) of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is continued.
[0064]
When there is a copy start request, the difference between the communication end time stored in the RAM 13 and the current time by the clock unit 16, that is, the copy management data transmitted to and from the data communication device 7. The remaining time required to complete the transfer (communication end) is calculated, and if the time is shorter than a predetermined time, inconvenience given to the copying work of the customer can be tolerated. A mode in which the image forming operation is to be started (continued) is selected.
[0065]
If the remaining time required to complete the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 is not shorter than a certain time (exceeds a certain time), the customer's copy work is not inconvenienced. Then, a mode in which the transmission and reception of the management data is interrupted and the start of the image forming operation is prioritized (permitted) is selected.
[0066]
Here, the fixed time may be stored in the ROM 12 shown in FIG. 2 or may be stored in the NVRAM 14. When the data is stored in the NVRAM 14, the data can be rewritten. Therefore, the data can be rewritten from the operation display unit of the own device or the central control device 6. Although a detailed description is omitted, when the storage content of the NVRAM 14 is changed from the operation display unit of the own device, it may be performed in a service mode different from a normal copy mode, for example. In addition, when the content stored in the NVRAM 14 is changed from the central control device 6, the change is performed by the selecting shown in FIG.
[0067]
Thereafter, when the remaining time required to complete the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 exceeds a predetermined time, that is, the transfer of the copy management data with the data communication device 7 Is interrupted and the mode in which the start of the copying operation is prioritized is selected, a communication interruption by a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) is output to terminate the communication with the data communication device 7, and the copying is performed. The operation starts and the process ends. In this case, the data communication device 7 transmits information indicating that the communication has failed to the central control device 6, and cuts off the line.
[0068]
Although not specifically described in the flowchart, when giving priority to the transmission and reception of the copy management data performed with the data communication device 7 and waiting for the start of the copy operation, the transfer of the copy management data is performed. During this time, the reason for waiting for the start of the copying operation and the waiting time can be displayed in the message display area of the operation display unit, and the lamp on the copy start key can be displayed in red to notify the customer (operator).
[0069]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the present embodiment, the copying apparatus 1 to 5 receives a copy start request while transmitting and receiving the copy management data to and from the central control apparatus 6 (data communication apparatus 7). If there is, the remaining time required to complete the transfer of the copy management data is obtained. If the time is shorter than a predetermined time, the transfer of the management data is given priority and the start of the image forming operation (customer) is waited. If the mode is not shorter than a predetermined time, the mode in which the transmission and reception of the management data is interrupted and the start of the image forming operation is prioritized is selected. Therefore, the working efficiency on both the central control device side and the image forming device side is improved.
[0070]
Further, since the fixed time can be set arbitrarily, versatility is enhanced.
When a mode in which the start of the copying operation is waited for with priority given to the transfer of the copy management data is selected, at least the reason for waiting the start of the copying operation and the waiting time are displayed in the message display area of the operation display unit. By looking at it, the customer can immediately know why the copying operation cannot be started and when the copying operation can be started. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform useless work such as notifying the serviceman of an abnormality, and it is not necessary to waste time in front of the operation display unit.
[0071]
As described above, the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus management system in which the copying apparatus and the central control apparatus are connected via the data communication apparatus and the communication line has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to various image forming apparatus management systems in which another image forming apparatus and a central control device are connected via a data communication device and a communication line.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
As explained above,ClearlyAccording to this, it is possible to improve the working efficiency of both the central control device and the image forming device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit of the copying apparatus 1 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the data communication device 7;
4 is a flowchart showing an example of a selecting operation in the data communication device 7 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a polling operation.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of an operation relating to selecting in the copying apparatuses 1 to 5 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation related to selecting in a copying apparatus of an image forming apparatus management system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 to 5: Copier 6: Central controller
7: Data communication device 8: Communication line
11: CPU 12: ROM
13: RAM 14: NVRAM
15: I / O port 16: Timing unit
17: Serial communication control unit
18: Interface 21: Control unit
22: Auto dialer unit 23: Line control unit

Claims (8)

In an image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus and a central control device are connected via a data communication device and a communication line,
A management data type determining unit configured to determine a type of management data to be transmitted / received to / from the central control device, and to start image formation while transmitting / receiving management data to / from the central control device. Determining means for determining the presence or absence of a request; and when the means determines that an image forming start request has been made, interrupts transmission and reception of management data according to the type of management data determined by the management data type determination means. And a mode selecting means for selecting either a mode in which the start of the image forming operation is prioritized or a mode in which the transfer of the management data is prioritized and the start of the image forming operation is waited for. system. When the mode selection unit determines that the management data is the control program of the image forming apparatus downloaded from the central control unit by the management data type determination unit, the mode selection unit gives priority to the transmission and reception of the management data to perform the image forming operation. 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein a mode for waiting for the start is selected. When the mode selection unit determines that the management data is the image forming condition of the image forming apparatus in which the management data is rewritten by the central control unit by the management data type determination unit, priority is given to the transmission and reception of the management data to perform the image forming operation. 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein a mode for waiting for the start is selected. In an image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus and a central control device are connected via a data communication device and a communication line,
The image forming apparatus, a determination unit that determines the presence or absence of an image formation start request during the transmission and reception of management data with the central control device, when it is determined that there is an image formation start request by the unit A remaining time calculating means for calculating a remaining time required to complete the transfer of the management data; and starting the image forming operation by giving priority to the transfer of the management data when the calculation time by the means is shorter than a predetermined time. And a mode selecting unit for interrupting the transmission and reception of the management data and selecting a mode in which the start of the image forming operation is prioritized when the mode is not shorter than a predetermined time. Management system. 5. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, further comprising a time setting unit for arbitrarily setting the predetermined time. In claims 1 to 5 image forming apparatus management system according to any one of the image forming apparatus, the mode to wait the start of a priority to the image forming operation exchanges the management data by said mode selecting means When selected, the image forming apparatus management system includes a display unit for displaying at least a reason for waiting for the image forming operation and / or a waiting time thereof.   In an image forming apparatus connectable to a central control device via a communication line and a data communication device,
Management data type determining means for determining the type of management data exchanged with the central control device,
  Determining means for determining the presence or absence of an image formation start request while performing transmission and reception of management data with the central control device;
A mode for interrupting the transmission and reception of management data in accordance with the type of the management data determined by the management data type determining means and giving priority to the start of the image forming operation when the means determines that an image formation start request has been made; A mode selecting means for selecting any one of modes in which the start of the image forming operation is waited with priority given to the transmission and reception of the management data;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   In a mode selection method in an image forming apparatus connectable to a central control device via a communication line and a data communication device,
After determining the type of management data exchanged with the central control device,
Determine the presence or absence of an image formation start request during the transmission and reception of the management data with the central control device,
When there is an image formation start request, the mode of giving priority to the start of the image forming operation by interrupting the transmission / reception of the management data according to the type of the management data determined earlier, or giving priority to the transmission / reception of the management data. A mode selection method characterized by selecting any one of a mode for waiting for the start of an operation.

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