JP4719405B2 - Monitoring system, monitoring method, monitoring server, and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a monitoring server.,And a monitoring system, a monitoring method, and a monitoring method, each comprising one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming device and a monitoring server for monitoring the operation status of the communication device connected via a network. server,And the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, many electronic devices including home appliances that are connected to a network and can exchange information with the outside have appeared. Among them, in particular, the use environment of OA equipment is a situation where it is not possible to consider construction without a network. Similarly, in the maintenance environment of OA equipment, a monitoring center installed at a remote location can monitor the OA equipment via a network and realize maintenance services.
[0003]
For example, an image forming apparatus in which the functions of each device such as a printer, a copy machine, a facsimile machine, and a scanner are housed in one housing is equipped with many advanced functions at the same time as digitization, and an abnormal event may occur. Since it is high, the merit of being able to receive maintenance services by remote monitoring via a network is great for users.
[0004]
Such a remote monitoring system uses each image forming apparatus by centrally managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses installed in an office of an unspecified number of users by a monitoring center provided in one place. The status is totaled and the usage status information is used for maintenance of the image forming apparatus. For example, the usage status information includes the number of copies in the image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).
[0005]
On the other hand, there is a method of sending a life / death monitoring packet to a computer connected to a network for life / life confirmation and confirming the life / death of the computer (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 11-225239 A
[0007]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2000-287016 A
[0008]
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2002-215476 A
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the conventional remote monitoring system described above, when an event that becomes a notification factor such as an abnormality occurs in the image forming apparatus, the notification information indicating the event is processed by a communication adapter connected to the image forming apparatus. And sent to the monitoring center via the network.
[0010]
Therefore, when an abnormality occurs in the connection between the image forming apparatus and the communication adapter, an abnormality occurs in the communication adapter itself, or the communication adapter is turned off, the operation status of the communication adapter cannot be monitored in the conventional system. Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the image forming apparatus, the situation cannot be transmitted to the monitoring center, and there is a problem that a situation occurs in which the failure of the image forming apparatus is left for a long time. In addition, the information on the number of copies counted by the image forming apparatus cannot be transmitted to the monitoring center, and there is a problem that it is not possible to charge the customer for usage fees.
[0011]
Moreover, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, there is a problem that a specific method is not disclosed for the process of knowing in advance that the computer is incapable of communication.
[0012]
In fact, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 3, since the life / death monitoring packet including the table having the management order, the address, and the check flag is transmitted / received between the managed host computers, There was also a problem that the process of confirming the life and death of the computer was finished, and the life and death could not be confirmed correctly.
[0013]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it effectively monitors operation information of a communication adapter connected to an image forming apparatus.
[0014]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  Accordingly, in order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 monitors one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming apparatus and the operation status of the communication device connected via a network. A monitoring system comprising a monitoring server, wherein the monitoring server includes a plurality of communication devices as one group, a flag indicating a priority order of the communication devices in the group, an operation status of the communication device, and the communication device An operation information list creating means for creating an operation information list including an item of a telephone number for calling, and an operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list as a communication device with the highest priority in the group. A transmission means for transmitting toWhen there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. Re-transmission means for transmittingThe communication device is in the groupcommunicationReceiving means for receiving the operation acquisition request including the operation information list from the communication device having a higher priority than the device;In the group, when the operation information acquisition request is received from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request is received is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request. Response information reply means for replying to,First flag value setting means for setting a value to a flag representing the operation status of the communication device in the operation information list, andcommunicationAn acquisition request transmitting means for transmitting the operation acquisition request including the operation information list to the communication device of the next priority of the device;communicationWhen there is no reply indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the device, the communication of the transmission destination in the operation information list that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request A second flag value setting means for setting a value in a flag representing the operation status of the apparatus, and an operation information acquisition request for the communication apparatus of the next priority of the communication apparatus that has not received the reply in the group With the acquisition request retransmission means to sendHaveThe communication device with the highest priorityOr a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyReceiving means for receiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server;When the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list is received from the monitoring server, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received, information return means for transmitting to the monitoring server;Transmitting means for transmitting operation information of the communication devices in the group to the monitoring server;HaveThe communication device with the lowest priority in the groupcommunicationThe operation information list of the device is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyAnd transmitting means for transmitting to.
[0015]
  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the monitoring system includes one or more communication devices each connected to the image forming device, and a monitoring server that monitors the operation status of the communication device connected via the network. The monitoring server includes, as a group, a plurality of communication devices, a priority order of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. An operation information list creating means for creating an operation information list including: a transmission means for transmitting an operation information acquisition request of the communication apparatus including the operation information list to a communication apparatus with the highest priority in the group;When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. Re-transmission means for transmittingThe communication device is in the groupcommunicationReceiving means for receiving the operation acquisition request including the operation information list from the communication device having a higher priority than the device;In the group, when the operation information acquisition request is received from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request is received is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request. Response information reply means for replying to,First flag value setting means for setting a value to a flag representing the operation status of the communication device in the operation information list, andcommunicationAn acquisition request transmitting means for transmitting the operation acquisition request including the operation information list to the communication device of the next priority of the device;communicationWhen there is no reply indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the device, the communication of the transmission destination in the operation information list that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request A second flag value setting means for setting a value in a flag representing the operation status of the apparatus, and an operation information acquisition request for the communication apparatus of the next priority of the communication apparatus that has not received the reply in the group With the acquisition request retransmission means to sendHaveThe communication device with the highest priorityOr a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyReceiving means for receiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server;When the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list is received from the monitoring server, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received, information return means for transmitting to the monitoring server;Transmitting means for transmitting operation information of the communication devices in the group to the monitoring server;HaveThe communication device with the lowest priority in the groupcommunicationThe operation information list of the device is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyTherefore, the operation information of the communication device connected to the image forming apparatus can be effectively monitored.
  Further, the transmission means transmits the operation information acquisition request to the communication device with the highest priority in the group, whereby the communication device with the highest priority in the group that wants to acquire operation information. Operation information can be acquired.
  In addition, when the communication device receives the operation information acquisition request from the communication device having a higher priority than the device in the group, the communication device receives information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received. The communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list is further configured so that the destination communication device is operating. Can be confirmed.
  In addition, the communication device further includes first flag value setting means for setting a value to a flag representing the operation status of the communication device in the operation information list, so that the operation status of the communication device is included in the operation information list. A value representing can be set in the flag.
  In addition, the communication device further includes an acquisition request transmission unit that transmits an operation information acquisition request including the operation information list to the communication device of the next priority of the device in the group. The operation information acquisition request including the operation information list can be transmitted in order based on the priority order of the communication devices in the group.
  In addition, when there is no reply indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the communication device By further including second flag value setting means for setting a value in the flag representing the operation status of the communication apparatus as the transmission destination that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request in the list, communication with a lower priority order than the apparatus. When the device is not operating, the information can be acquired, and a value can be set in a flag indicating the operation status of the communication device that is the transmission destination that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request.
  In addition, when there is no reply indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the device that transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the communication device In the group, the communication apparatus that is not operating is further provided with an acquisition request retransmission means that transmits an operation information acquisition request to the communication apparatus of the next priority of the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. It is possible to acquire the operation information of the lower priority communication device.
  Further, when the communication device with the highest priority receives the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server, the communication device receives information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the monitoring server. By further including an information return means for transmitting, it is possible to notify the monitoring server that the communication device that has received the operation information acquisition request is operating.
  The communication device with the highest priority further includes a transmission unit that transmits operation information of the communication device in the group to the monitoring server, so that the monitoring server is not operating in the group. Can be specified.
[0018]
  Claims2The described invention is characterized in that the operation information list creating means creates the operation information list by using the communication device that has not transmitted a notification for a predetermined period as a candidate for transmission of the operation information acquisition request.
[0019]
  Claim2According to the described invention, the operation information list creation means operates by creating the operation information list by using the communication device that has not transmitted notification for a predetermined period as a candidate for transmission of the operation information acquisition request. However, it is possible to efficiently acquire the operation information of the communication adapter without transmitting an operation information acquisition request to the reliable communication adapter.
[0034]
  Claims3In the described invention, when the monitoring server obtains information that one or more of the communication devices are not operating, the information is transmitted to the communication device connected to the monitoring server via a network and / or The image forming apparatus further includes an information notifying unit for notifying an information processing apparatus installed at a service providing base that provides a maintenance management service for the image forming apparatus.
[0035]
  Claim3According to the described invention, when the monitoring server acquires information indicating that one or more of the communication devices is not operating, the monitoring device is connected to the monitoring server via the network, and In addition, by further comprising information notifying means for notifying the information processing apparatus installed at the service providing base that provides the maintenance management service of the image forming apparatus, the service base is notified of information regarding the communication apparatus that is not operating. Immediately, a service person can be dispatched to an office or the like where the communication device in which the failure has occurred.
[0036]
  Claims4The described invention is a monitoring method using one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming device, and a monitoring server for monitoring an operation status of the communication device connected via a network. The monitoring server includes a plurality of communication devices as a group, and an operation information list including, as items, a priority order of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. An operation information list creation stage for creating the operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group,When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. And a retransmission stage for transmittingThe communication device is in the groupcommunicationReceiving the operation acquisition request including the operation information list from the communication device having a higher priority than the device; andIn the group, when the operation information acquisition request is received from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request is received is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request. Response information reply stage to reply to,A first flag value setting stage for setting a value to a flag representing an operation status of the communication device in the operation information list;communicationAn acquisition request transmission step of transmitting the operation acquisition request including the operation information list to the communication device of the next priority of the device, and the transmission of the operation information acquisition requestcommunicationWhen there is no reply indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the device, the communication of the transmission destination in the operation information list that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request A second flag value setting step of setting a value in a flag representing the operation status of the device, and an operation information acquisition request for the communication device of the next priority of the communication device that has not received a reply in the group Send request to send resend phase andHaveThe communication device with the highest priorityOr a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyReceiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server;When receiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server, an information reply step of transmitting information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received to the monitoring server;A transmission step of transmitting operation information of the communication devices in the group to the monitoring server;HaveThe communication device with the lowest priority in the groupcommunicationThe operation information list of the device is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyA transmission stage for transmitting to the network.
[0037]
  Claim4According to the described invention, there is provided a monitoring method that uses one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming apparatus and a monitoring server that monitors an operation status of the communication device connected via a network. The monitoring server includes, as items, a plurality of the communication devices as a group, a priority order of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. An operation information list creating step of creating an information list, and a transmission step of transmitting an operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group;When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. And a retransmission stage for transmittingThe communication device is in the groupcommunicationReceiving the operation acquisition request including the operation information list from the communication device having a higher priority than the device; andIn the group, when the operation information acquisition request is received from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request is received is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request. Response information reply stage to reply to,A first flag value setting stage for setting a value to a flag representing an operation status of the communication device in the operation information list;communicationAn acquisition request transmission step of transmitting the operation acquisition request including the operation information list to the communication device of the next priority of the device, and the transmission of the operation information acquisition requestcommunicationWhen there is no reply indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the device, the communication of the transmission destination in the operation information list that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request A second flag value setting step of setting a value in a flag representing the operation status of the device, and an operation information acquisition request for the communication device of the next priority of the communication device that has not received a reply in the group Send request to send resend phase andHaveThe communication device with the highest priorityOr a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyReceiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server;When receiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server, an information reply step of transmitting information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received to the monitoring server;A transmission step of transmitting operation information of the communication devices in the group to the monitoring server;HaveThe communication device with the lowest priority in the groupcommunicationThe operation information list of the device is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyTherefore, the operation information of the communication device connected to the image forming apparatus can be effectively monitored.
  In the transmission step, the operation information acquisition request is transmitted to the communication device having the highest priority in the group, thereby obtaining the operation information of the communication device having the highest priority in the group in which operation information is to be acquired. Operation information can be acquired.
[0038]
  Claims5The described invention is characterized in that, in the operation information list creation stage, the operation information list is created by using the communication device that has not transmitted a notification for a predetermined period as a candidate for transmission of the operation information acquisition request.
[0039]
  Also,The invention described in claim 6When the monitoring server acquires information indicating that one or more of the communication devices are not operating, the monitoring server uses the information of the communication device and / or the image forming device connected to the monitoring server via a network. The information processing apparatus further includes an information notification step of notifying an information processing apparatus installed at a service providing base that provides a maintenance management service.
[0040]
  Claims7The invention described is a monitoring server in a monitoring system that includes one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming device and a monitoring server that monitors the operation status of the communication device connected via a network. An operation information list including, as items, a plurality of the communication devices as a group, priority of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. Operation information list creation means to create, transmission means for sending the operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to the communication device with the highest priority in the group,When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. Re-transmission means for transmittingAn operation information list in which a flag indicating an operation state related to all the communication devices in the group is set is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyAnd receiving means for receiving.
[0041]
  Claim7According to the described invention,A monitoring server in a monitoring system, each of which includes one or more communication devices connected to an image forming device and a monitoring server that monitors the operation status of the communication device connected via a network, An operation information list for creating an operation information list including, as items, priority of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device as a group. A transmission means for transmitting the operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group;When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. Re-transmission means for transmittingAn operation information list in which a flag indicating an operation state related to all the communication devices in the group is set is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyTherefore, it is possible to effectively monitor the operation information of the communication apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus.
  Further, the transmission means transmits the operation information acquisition request to the communication device with the highest priority in the group, whereby the communication device with the highest priority in the group that wants to acquire operation information. Operation information can be acquired.
[0046]
  Claims8The described invention includes, as items, a plurality of communication devices as a group, and items of priority of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication devices, and a telephone number for calling the communication devices. An operation information list creation procedure for creating a list, and a transmission procedure for transmitting an operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group,When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. A resend procedure to sendAn operation information list in which a flag indicating an operation state related to all the communication devices in the group is set is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyThe receiving procedure is received by a computer.
[0047]
  Claim8According to the described invention, a plurality of communication devices are grouped into one group, and the priority order of the communication devices in the group, the flag indicating the operation status of the communication device, and the telephone number for calling the communication device are included as items. An operation information list creation procedure for creating an operation information list, a transmission procedure for transmitting an operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group,When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. A resend procedure to sendAn operation information list in which a flag indicating an operation state related to all the communication devices in the group is set is used as the communication device with the highest priority.Or a communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that did not replyThus, the operation information of the communication device connected to the image forming apparatus can be effectively monitored by causing the computer to execute the reception procedure to be received.
  In the transmission procedure, the operation information acquisition request is transmitted to the communication device having the highest priority in the group, so that the communication device having the highest priority in the group in which operation information is desired to be acquired. Operation information can be acquired.
[0052]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of a monitoring system according to the present invention.
[0053]
In FIG. 1, a configuration necessary for the description is shown, and a configuration not necessary for the description is omitted. The same applies to the following drawings.
[0054]
FIG. 1 includes a monitoring center 100, one or more customer destinations 200, and a service providing base 300.
[0055]
In the monitoring center 100, the monitoring server 1 is installed.
[0056]
The monitoring server 1 receives information for notifying the abnormality of the image forming apparatus 3 transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 via a communication adapter 2 installed at a customer 200, which will be described later. Various control signals are transmitted to the device 3.
[0057]
In addition, the monitoring server 1 creates an operation information list 190 to be described later, and sends an operation information acquisition request of the communication adapters 2 (for example, 10 units) in the same group including the operation information list 190 to 1 in the same group. It is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority. Note that any number of communication adapters 2 in the same group may be used.
[0058]
When the monitoring server 1 acquires from the returned operation information list 190 information indicating that one or more of the communication adapters 2 in the same group is not operating from the communication adapter 2, the service providing base described later The data is transmitted to a personal computer (hereinafter referred to as PC) 4 installed in 300.
[0059]
When the monitoring server 1 acquires from the returned operation information list 190 information indicating that one or more of the communication adapters 2 in the same group is not operating from the communication adapter 2, the serviceman receives the information. You may make it notify to a holding | maintenance mobile phone etc. by telephone and / or an email.
[0060]
In addition, the monitoring server 1 has a predetermined response that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group as the transmission destination to which the operation information acquisition request has been transmitted. If it has not been reached (for example, 15 seconds), the operation information acquisition request is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 having the second highest priority in the same group.
[0061]
The customer 200 is provided with a communication adapter 2, one or more image forming apparatuses 3 connected to the communication adapter 2, and a telephone 6 and / or FAX 7 connected to the communication adapter 2.
[0062]
The communication adapter 2 transmits an abnormality or the like of the connected image forming apparatus 1 to the monitoring server 1 via the public line network 5 or various image formations transmitted from the monitoring server 1 via the public line network 5. A control signal of the apparatus 1 is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1.
[0063]
Further, the communication adapter 2 receives the operation information acquisition request of the communication adapter 2 and the communication adapter 2 in the same group as the communication adapter 2 transmitted from the communication server 1. The communication adapter 2 sets a flag indicating the operation status of the communication adapter in a column of a predetermined item of the operation information list 190 described later included in the received operation information acquisition request, and copies the operation information list 190. The operation information acquisition request including the copied operation information list 190 is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 having the next priority.
[0064]
In addition, the communication adapter 2 that has received the operation information acquisition request from the communication server 1 transmits information indicating that the request has been received to the communication server 1. In addition, the communication adapter 2 that has received the operation information acquisition request from the communication adapter 2 having a higher priority than the communication adapter transmits the information indicating that the request has been received and has transmitted the request having a higher priority than the communication adapter. Transmit to the communication adapter 2.
[0065]
The communication adapter 2 that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request to the communication adapter 2 having a lower priority than the communication adapter in the same group has predetermined information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication adapter 2 of the transmission destination. If it is not transmitted even after a specified time (for example, 15 seconds), the destination communication adapter 2 is not operating in the predetermined item column of the operation information list 190 stored in the storage area of the communication adapter 2 The data indicating that is set in the flag, and similarly, the operation information list 190 is duplicated and the operation information acquisition request is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 of the next priority.
[0066]
A communication adapter 2 that cannot send an operation information acquisition request to a communication adapter 2 with a lower priority than the communication adapter 2 has the operation information list 190 held by the communication adapter 2 in the same group with the highest priority. 2 to send.
[0067]
The communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group transmits the operation information list set in the flag of the column of the predetermined item corresponding to the operation information of the communication adapter 2 in the same group to the monitoring server 1. To do.
[0068]
A PC 4 is installed in the service providing base 300. When the PC 4 receives a notification from the monitoring server 1 that one or more of the communication adapters 2 installed at the customer 200 are not operating, the PC 4 displays the information on the screen of the PC 4 and the communication adapter. Communicate information that is not working.
[0069]
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a customer. As shown in FIG. 1, a communication adapter 2 as an interface device that controls communication between the image forming apparatus 3 and the monitoring center 100 is installed at the customer. The communication adapter 2 can be connected to an external communication device such as a telephone 6 or a FAX 7 and can be installed by being inserted into a user's existing line.
[0070]
The communication adapter 2 is configured to be connectable to one or more image forming apparatuses 3. The image forming apparatus 3 connected to the same communication adapter 2 may not be the same type of image forming apparatus 3. In the following, for simplification of description, it is assumed that a maximum of five image forming apparatuses 3 can be connected to one communication adapter 2, but this does not limit the implementation of the present invention. The communication adapter 2 and the one or more image forming apparatuses 3 are multidrop connected according to the RS-485 standard.
[0071]
In addition, communication control between the communication adapter 2 and each image forming apparatus 3 is performed by a basic data transmission control procedure (Binary Synchronous Communications). That is, the communication adapter 2 establishes a data link by using the centralized control polling / selecting method with the communication adapter 2 as a control station, thereby enabling communication with an arbitrary image forming apparatus 3. The image forming apparatus 3 sets a unique value using an address setting switch. As a result, the polling address and selecting address of each image forming apparatus 3 are determined.
[0072]
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the monitoring server according to the present invention. The hardware configuration shown in FIG. 3 includes an input device 10, a display device 11, a drive device 12, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 14, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) that are mutually connected by a bus B. 15, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 16, an interface device 17, and an HD (Hard Disk) 18.
[0073]
The input device 10 includes a keyboard and a mouse that are operated by a user of the monitoring server 1, and is used to input various operation signals to the monitoring server 1.
[0074]
The display device 11 includes a display operated by a user of the monitoring server 1.
[0075]
The interface device 17 is an interface for connecting the monitoring server 1 to the public line network 5.
[0076]
In the monitoring server 1, the monitoring server control program for monitoring the communication adapter 2 is provided to the monitoring server 1 by a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or downloaded through a network. The recording medium is set in the drive device 12, and the monitoring server control program is installed in the ROM 14 via the drive device 12 from the recording medium.
[0077]
The ROM 14 stores a monitoring server control program. The RAM 15 reads and stores the monitoring server control program from the ROM 14 when the monitoring server 1 is activated. The CPU 16 executes processing in accordance with the monitoring server control program that is read into the RAM 15 and stored.
[0078]
The HD 18 stores data, necessary files, tables to be described later, and the like. The HD 18 may be built in the monitoring server 1 or may be externally attached to the monitoring server 1.
[0079]
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the communication adapter according to the present invention. The hardware configuration shown in FIG. 4 includes a switching device 21, a modem 22, an RS-485 interface device 23, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 24, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 25, and a RAM (Random Access Memory). ) 26, BATT (Battery) 27, and clock 28.
[0080]
The switching device 21 receives a signal transmitted to the communication adapter 2 via the public line network 5. When the received signal is addressed to the telephone set 6 connected to the communication adapter 2, the switching device 21 connects the public line network 5 and the telephone set 6 and transmits the received signal to the telephone set 6 to receive the received signal. Is addressed to FAX 7 connected to the communication adapter 2, the public line network 5 and FAX 7 are connected and the received signal is transmitted to FAX 7. When the received signal is transmitted from the monitoring center 100, the switching device 21 connects the public line network 5 and the modem 22 and passes the received signal to the modem 22.
[0081]
The RS-485 interface device 23 communicates with the image forming apparatus 3 using a transceiver for RS-485. The ROM 25 stores a communication adapter control program. The RAM 26 temporarily stores data of intermediate results of processing in the communication adapter 2 and communication text, and reads and stores the communication adapter control program from the ROM 25 when the communication adapter 2 is activated. The CPU 24 executes processing in accordance with the communication adapter control program that is read into the RAM 26 and stored.
[0082]
In the RAM 26, various parameters necessary for the operation of the communication adapter 2 are transmitted from the monitoring center 100 and stored.
[0083]
The communication adapter 2 is continuously energized for 24 hours and is always communicable with the monitoring center 100, but the contents of various parameters and communication text stored in the RAM 26 are lost due to accidental power off. The RAM 26 is backed up by the BATT 27 so as not to be damaged. The clock 28 manages time.
[0084]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a list of parameters stored in the RAM of the communication adapter.
[0085]
The communication adapter 2 holds, as one of the parameters, the model number, serial number, and their checksum of the image forming apparatus 3 for each address of each image forming apparatus 3 connected to the communication adapter 2. .
[0086]
When the communication adapter 2 receives a signal from the image forming apparatus 3 connected to the communication adapter 2 and transmits the received signal to the monitoring server 1, the model number or serial number of the image forming apparatus 3 is transmitted. Is used to determine the address of the image forming apparatus 3 to be connected when the monitoring server 1 accesses the image forming apparatus 3.
[0087]
A checksum is added to each parameter block, and the communication adapter 2 detects when the parameter value is rewritten due to malfunction of the communication adapter 2 or exhaustion of the backup BATT 27. Can be done.
[0088]
In addition, the communication adapter 2 determines the telephone number of each report destination and the number of redials for each remote report reason related to the image forming apparatus 3 such as remote report by a remote report key, remote report by a self-diagnosis abnormality, and remote report by a prior warning. Holds redial intervals, backup contact phone numbers, etc.
[0089]
For example, when the communication adapter 2 receives from the image forming apparatus 3 a signal indicating that an abnormality has been detected by self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus 3, the communication adapter 2 stores the signal in the telephone number of the contact address stored in the parameter. Make a call at the number of redials you have and the redial interval you have, and notify the received signal.
[0090]
In addition, the communication adapter 2 holds the total copy number count value collection time, the contact telephone number of the count value, the report date and time, etc., related to the automatic report processing of the total count value.
[0091]
For example, the communication adapter 2 acquires the total count value of the number of copies of the connected image forming apparatus 3 when the collection time of the count value held in the parameter comes. Moreover, it is good also as a structure which dials the telephone number of a contact number and notifies the said collected count value when it becomes a report date.
[0092]
The above parameters are written from the monitoring server 1 via the public line network 5. However, the parameter setting configuration device is connected to the communication adapter 2 and written, or the communication adapter 2 is provided with an input means for setting. Also good. Further, parameters may be set in the communication adapter 2 via the image forming apparatus 3.
[0093]
Since such parameter setting is important, a password is added to communication data related to parameter setting. Such a password is not determined uniquely for the communication adapter 2. For example, the password is determined when the parameter is first written from the monitoring server 1 via the public line network 5 and cannot be changed by communication thereafter. And
[0094]
Since the password is checked every time the communication adapter 2 communicates with another device, it is possible to prevent incorrect data, parameter values from different systems being set, or parameter values being changed. it can. When the communication adapter 2 receives the data with the wrong password added a predetermined number of times (for example, three consecutive times), the communication adapter 2 stores the information in the internal RAM 26 and transmits the information to the monitoring server 1. The administrator of the monitoring center is notified that there has been unauthorized access.
[0095]
The password may be configured so as not to be changed by communication as described above, or may be configured to be changed using a password for an administrator, for example.
[0096]
Hereinafter, an outline of basic functions of the communication adapter 2 in the monitoring system will be described. The communication adapter 2 has the following three controls as basic processing other than acquiring the operation information of the communication adapter 2 in the same group and notifying the monitoring server 1 based on the request of the monitoring server 1.
(1) Processing related to control signals from the monitoring server 1
(2) Processing related to a notification signal from the image forming apparatus 3
(3) Processing by communication adapter 2 itself
The processing related to the control signal from the monitoring server 1 in (1) includes the control voltage, current, resistance, etc. of each unit of the specific image forming apparatus 3 connected to the communication adapter 2 transmitted from the monitoring server 1. There is a process in which the communication adapter 2 receives signals for controlling the setting and reading of adjustment values, the reading and initialization of counter values such as the total number of copies, the number of misfeeds, and the change of a predetermined timer value set in advance.
[0097]
The communication adapter 2 receives the signal transmitted from the monitoring server 1 and performs selection from the communication adapter 2 to the image forming apparatus 3 connected to the communication adapter 2. Note that selecting means a function of selecting and communicating one of a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses 3.
[0098]
Each of the image forming apparatuses 3 has a unique device code, and the communication adapter 2 places a specific code indicating a preset selection and a device code of the image forming apparatus 3 to be selected on the serial communication interface RS-485. Send. Each image forming apparatus 3 compares the subsequent device code with its own device code by a specific code indicating the selection, and knows that it has been selected when the two codes match.
[0099]
The processing related to the notification signal from the image forming apparatus 3 in (2) includes processing due to the occurrence of a service man call that is a self-diagnosis abnormality notification of the image forming apparatus 3, and processing due to the occurrence of a prior warning notification that requires preventive maintenance. There is a remote notification key call process for calling the monitoring center 100 when the user of the image forming apparatus 3 performs a specific operation such as pressing a manual switch.
[0100]
These processes are performed at the time of polling from the communication adapter 2. Note that the polling means that the communication adapter 2 sequentially designates the image forming apparatus 3 connected to the communication adapter 2 and confirms the presence / absence of a communication request from the designated image forming apparatus 3. .
[0101]
The communication adapter 2 transmits a specific code indicating predetermined polling and a device code of the image forming apparatus 3 to be selected to the serial communication interface RS-485. Each image forming apparatus 3 compares the device code that follows with the specific code indicating polling, and knows that the apparatus has been polled when the two codes match.
[0102]
The communication adapter 2 selects whether to shift to a selecting operation to the image forming apparatus 3 or to polling to the next image forming apparatus 3 according to a response from the image forming apparatus 3 to polling.
[0103]
The processing by the communication adapter 2 itself in (3) includes a total counter value reading process. This processing is performed by selecting from the communication adapter 2 to the image forming apparatus 3 once a day at a fixed time (for example, 0:00). However, if the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is turned off at 0:00, selecting is performed when the power is turned on for the first time after 0:00.
[0104]
The communication adapter 2 prepares two memory areas for the total counter (hereinafter referred to as a memory area A and a memory area B) for each image forming apparatus 3 connected to the communication adapter 2 and performs the above once a day. The total counter value read by selecting is written in the memory area A. Therefore, the value of the previous day is rewritten in the memory area A every day. Note that the case where the power of the image forming apparatus 3 is not turned on throughout the day, such as a holiday, is excluded.
[0105]
Also, once every month, when the total copy number count value collection time described in FIG. 5 is reached, the communication adapter 2 copies the total counter value stored in the memory area A to the memory area B, and the value in the memory area A To clear.
[0106]
The communication adapter 2 prepares a plurality of areas in which the memory area A and the memory area B are combined for each image forming apparatus 3 connected to the communication adapter 2. This is to cope with various total counter values such as for black-and-white copying, application copying, and color copying.
[0107]
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an example of the monitoring server according to the present invention. The functions of the monitoring server 1 are a transmission / reception unit 101, a storage unit 102, a table registration unit 105, a table storage unit 106, an operation information storage unit 108, an operation information list creation unit 110, and an activation request call unit 111. And a communication unit 112.
[0108]
The transmission / reception unit 101 receives notification information indicating an abnormal event and notification information indicating an abnormal prior event transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 of the customer 200 via the public line network 5. Also, an operation information acquisition request for the communication adapter 2 including an operation information list 190 to be described later is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group, or operation information for the transmitted operation information acquisition request is transmitted. get.
[0109]
The accumulation unit 102 accumulates the notification information received by the transmission / reception unit 101 for each image forming apparatus 3 and updates the date item data in the customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 (described later) stored in the table storage unit 106. I do.
[0110]
When the communication unit 112 determines that the notification information received by the transmission / reception unit 101 is information indicating an abnormal event, the communication unit 112 transmits the information to the PC 4 of the service providing base 300 that performs the maintenance service of the communication adapter 2 and / or the image forming apparatus 3. Transmit via the network 5. Note that the service providing base 300 may install a FAX or the like in addition to the PC 4 and transmit information related to the maintenance service from the monitoring server 1 using a FAX document.
[0111]
Further, when the communication unit 112 acquires information indicating that at least one of the communication adapters 2 is not operating from the operation information holding unit 108 described later, the communication unit 112 connects the information to the monitoring server 1 via the public line network 5. Notified to the PC 4 or the like.
[0112]
The table registration unit 105 registers, changes, adds, or deletes data input by the user from the input device 10 of the monitoring server 1 and / or the touch panel of the image forming apparatus 3 in each table in the table storage unit 106. Or
[0113]
The operation information list creation unit 110 is activated based on a command input by the user and / or setting data of an automatic request table 180 described later, and condition items of the automatic request table 180 described later stored in the table storage unit 106. An operation information list 190 to be described later is created for each management group from each entry of the operation information table 170 to be described later relating to the communication adapter 2 that matches the above.
[0114]
The operation information list creation unit 110 creates an operation information list 190 described later, and then moves the process to the activation request call unit 111.
[0115]
The activation request calling unit 111 acquires the operation information of the communication adapter 2 including the operation information list 190 for the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the operation information list 190 created by the operation information list creation unit 110. Send a request.
[0116]
When the operation information holding unit 108 receives the response message of the operation information acquisition request transmitted by the activation request calling unit 111, the operation information holding unit 108 updates the operation information table 170 in the table storage unit 106 based on the received response message.
[0117]
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the customer-specific image forming apparatus table.
[0118]
The customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 includes a model number (A1), a customer name (A2), a communication adapter telephone number (A3), a date and (A4), a group ID code (A5), and a pointer (A6). , Terminal type (A7), service providing base telephone number (A8), and SSID code (A9) are included as item names.
[0119]
In the model number (A1), the model number and serial number of the image forming apparatus 3 installed at the customer 200 are stored. The customer name is stored in the customer name (A2).
[0120]
The communication adapter telephone number (A3) stores a telephone number for calling the communication adapter 2 installed at the customer 200.
[0121]
In the date (A4), a date when a report is transmitted from the image forming apparatus 3 installed in the customer 200 is stored.
[0122]
The group ID code (A5) stores a group ID code for identifying the management group of the communication adapter 2 installed at the customer 200.
[0123]
The pointer (A6) stores a physical pointer of an operation information table 170 described later.
[0124]
The terminal type (A7) stores the PC4 or FAX type of the service providing base 300 in charge of maintenance and / or repair of the image forming apparatus 3 installed at the customer 200.
[0125]
In the service providing base phone number (A8), the PC4 or FAX calling phone number of the service providing base 300 is stored.
[0126]
The SSID code (A9) stores an identification code for identifying the service providing base 300 in charge of maintenance and / or repair of the image forming apparatus 3 stored in the model number.
[0127]
The customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 is input via the input device 10 of the monitoring server 1 when the image forming apparatus 3 is installed at the customer 200.
[0128]
The customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 is used when the monitoring server 1 receives notification information, when notification of reception confirmation of notification information is performed, when notification is performed to the PC 4 of the service providing base 300, and the like. This is referred to when the operation information list 190 for confirming the operation status of the communication adapter 2 that does not transmit a notification within the period is created.
[0129]
Further, the monitoring server 1 can determine the customer 200 and the image forming apparatus 3 by searching the customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 from the model number and serial number as the ID code of the received report information.
[0130]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of the report information accumulation table.
[0131]
The report information accumulation table 160 includes the model number (B1), accumulation time (B2), elapsed time (B3), pointer (B4), and identification code (B5) as item names.
[0132]
The model number (B1) stores the model number and serial number of the image forming apparatus 3 that has transmitted the report information. The storage time (B2) stores the date and time when the report information is stored in the report information storage file.
[0133]
The elapsed time (B3) stores the time elapsed since the report information was stored in the report information storage file, that is, the untreated elapsed time corresponding to the report information.
[0134]
The pointer (B4) stores a physical pointer of a notification information storage file storing the contents of the notification information.
[0135]
In the type code (B5), an identification code for identifying the type of the report information is stored.
[0136]
Each entry in the report information accumulation table is created by the monitoring server 1 every time report information is received.
[0137]
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation information table.
[0138]
The operation information table 170 includes a group ID code (C1), a priority (C2), a calling telephone number (C3), and an operation information flag (C4) as item names.
[0139]
The group ID code (C1) stores a group ID code for identifying the management group of the communication adapter 2 installed at the customer 200.
[0140]
The priority (C2) stores the priority of the communication adapters 2 in the same management group.
[0141]
The calling telephone number (C3) stores the calling telephone number of the communication adapter 2 installed at the customer 200.
[0142]
In the operation information flag (C4), a value indicating the operation status of the communication adapter 2 installed at the customer 200 is stored.
[0143]
The monitoring server 1 refers to the operation information table 170, creates an operation information list 190 to be described later, and includes a group of operation information lists 190 created for the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in each management group. A request for transmission of operation information of the communication adapter 2 is made, and the operation information flag (C4) value of the operation information table 170 is set when the operation information which is response information of the request is acquired.
[0144]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the automatic request table 180.
[0145]
The automatic request table 180 includes a group ID code (D1), a request activation condition (D2), and a time (D3) as item names.
[0146]
The group ID code (D1) stores a group ID code for identifying the management group of the communication adapter 2 installed at the customer 200.
[0147]
The request activation condition (D2) stores a condition for making a transmission request for operation information. For example, daily, weekly, monthly, etc. are stored. The time (D3) stores the time at which the operation information transmission request is made.
[0148]
When the monitoring server 1 refers to the request activation condition (D2) and time (D3) stored in the automatic request table 180 and determines that the current time is a corresponding time, the group of the automatic request table 180 The group ID code stored in the ID code (D1) is acquired, and the customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 is searched using the acquired group ID code as a key.
[0149]
The monitoring server 1 acquires the date (A4) of the entry that matches the group ID code as a key, and compares it with the request activation condition (D2) and time (D3) in the automatic request table 180.
[0150]
For example, the current date is November 2, 2002, one request activation condition (D2) of an entry that matches the key group ID code is daily, and the time is 7:00. When the value of the date (A4) in the table 150 is 2002/11/1, the monitoring server 1 determines that the communication adapter 2 is a candidate for the operation information acquisition request, and the pointer of the customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 Referring to (A6), the value of the motion information flag (C4) in the motion information table 170 is cleared (0 is substituted).
[0151]
By repeating the same processing, the monitoring server 1 acquires the data of the items C2, C3, and C4 of the operation information table 170 in which the value of the operation information flag (C4) of the operation information table 170 is cleared, and the operation described later An information list 190 is created.
[0152]
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation information list.
[0153]
The operation information list 190 includes the priority (E1), the calling telephone number (E2), and the operation information flag (E3) as item names.
[0154]
The priority (E1) stores the priority of the communication adapters 2 in the same management group.
[0155]
The calling telephone number (E2) stores the calling telephone number of the communication adapter 2 installed at the customer 200.
[0156]
In the operation information flag (E3), a value indicating the operation status of the communication adapter 2 installed in the customer 200 is stored.
[0157]
The monitoring server 1 creates the operation information list 190, and requests the operation information acquisition of the communication adapter 2 including the operation information list 190 to the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority stored in the priority (E1). Send.
[0158]
For example, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group that has received the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list 190 indicates the corresponding communication adapter in the corresponding flag in the item E3 column of the operation information list 190. A value (for example, 0) indicating that is operating is set.
[0159]
The communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group stores the operation information list 190 in which the value is set in the RAM 26 of the communication adapter 2, and acquires an operation information acquisition request including the copied operation information list 190. Is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 having the next priority (second highest priority in the same group).
[0160]
The communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group has a predetermined time (for example, 15) indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication adapter 2 having the second highest priority in the same group. 2 seconds), the second communication adapter 2 having the second highest priority in the same group is stored in the corresponding column of the item E3 of the operation information list 190 in the RAM 26 of the communication adapter 2. Sets a value (for example, 1) indicating that it is not operating.
[0161]
The communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group stores the operation information list 190 in which the value is set in the RAM 26 of the communication adapter 2, and includes the copied operation information list 190. The acquisition request is transmitted to the communication adapter 2 having the next priority (the third highest priority in the same group).
[0162]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example of the operation information acquisition request process.
[0163]
In step S10, the monitoring server 1 determines whether there is a request by a command or whether the current time satisfies the activation conditions (D2 and D3) of the automatic request table 180.
[0164]
If the monitoring server 1 determines that there is a request by a command or that the current time satisfies the activation condition (YES in step S10), the process proceeds to step S11, where there is no request by a command and the current time is the activation condition. Is determined not to be satisfied (NO in step S10), the process of step S10 is repeated.
[0165]
Progressing to step S11 following step S10, the monitoring server 1 acquires the ID code of the corresponding management group from the parameter by the command or the item D1 of the automatic request table 180.
[0166]
Progressing to step S12 following step S11, the monitoring server 1 uses the group ID code acquired in step S11 as a key, and sets the communication adapter 2 that has not transmitted a report for a certain period (for example, one week or more) as a customer-specific image forming apparatus table. Search from 150.
[0167]
Progressing to step S13 following step S12, the monitoring server 1 compares the item A4 of the customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 acquired as a result of the search in step S12 with the activation conditions (D2 and D3) of the automatic request table 180. To determine whether it is a motion information request candidate.
[0168]
If it is a motion information request candidate (YES in step S13), the process proceeds to step S14. If it is determined that it is not a motion information request candidate (NO in step S13), the process proceeds to step S16.
[0169]
For example, the monitoring server 1 searches for the communication adapter 2 that has not transmitted a report for one week or more in step S12, but the communication adapter 2 whose activation condition is stored in the activation condition D2 of the automatic request table 180 is It is determined not to be a motion information request candidate. On the contrary, the monitoring server 1 is a candidate for the operation information request because the communication adapter 2 stored in the activation condition D2 of the automatic request table 180 as daily or weekly has not transmitted a report for more than one week. judge.
[0170]
In step S14, the monitoring server 1 acquires the pointer of the operation information table 170 from the item A6 of the customer image forming apparatus table 150.
[0171]
Progressing to step S15 following step S14, the monitoring server 1 clears the value of the operation information flag of the item C4 of the operation information table 170 indicated by the pointer acquired in step S14.
[0172]
In step 16, the monitoring server 1 determines whether or not all entries in the customer-specific image forming apparatus table 150 have been searched using the group ID code acquired in step S <b> 11. If it is determined that all have been searched (YES in step S16), the process proceeds to step S17. If it is determined that no search has been performed (NO in step S16), the processing from step S12 is repeated.
[0173]
In step S17, the monitoring server 1 creates the operation information list 190 shown in FIG. 11 for confirming the operation information of the communication adapter 2.
[0174]
For example, the monitoring server 1 copies the data of the items C2, C3, and C4 of the operation information table 170 whose flag is cleared in step S15 to the operation information list creation area. The monitoring server 1 creates the operation information list 190 by repeating the process.
[0175]
Progressing to step S18 following step S17, the monitoring server 1 sends the operation information acquisition request of the communication adapter 2 including the operation information list 190 created in step S17 to the same group stored in E1 of the operation information list 190. To the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority.
[0176]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example of the operation information acquisition process.
[0177]
In step S20, the monitoring server 1 determines whether or not the notification indicating that the operation information acquisition request transmitted in step S18 of FIG. 12 has been received is from the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group. If it is determined that there is a notification (YES in step S20), the process proceeds to step S21. If it is determined that there is no notification (NO in step S20), the process proceeds to step S23.
[0178]
In step S21, the monitoring server 1 acquires the operation information corresponding to the operation information acquisition request transmitted in step S18 of FIG.
[0179]
Progressing to step S22 following step S21, the monitoring server 1 has a communication adapter 2 that is not operating in the same group based on the values of the flags of the operation information list 190 included in the operation information acquired in step S21. Determine whether to do.
[0180]
If it is determined that there is a communication adapter 2 that is not operating (YES in step S22), the process proceeds to step S23. If it is determined that there is no communication adapter 2 that is not operating (NO in step S22), the process is terminated.
[0181]
In step S23, the monitoring server 1 sends information related to the communication adapter 2 that is not operating to the PC 4 installed in the service providing base 300 (for example, the model number or telephone number of the communication adapter 2, the communication adapter 2). The customer ’s name, etc.).
[0182]
In addition, if the monitoring server 1 has not received a notification that the operation information acquisition request transmitted in step S18 of FIG. 12 has been received in step S20 from the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group, An operation information acquisition request is transmitted to the second communication adapter 2 in the same group with the highest priority (not shown).
[0183]
In the following description, for simplification of description, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the group is assumed to be operating.
[0184]
Further, in the following, for simplification of description, the processing of the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority and the other communication adapters 2 in the same management group will be described separately with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15. To do. The communication adapter 2 knows the rank of the communication adapter 2 in the same group from the data stored in the items E1 and E2 of the operation information list 190 transmitted from the monitoring server 1.
[0185]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an example of operation information transmission / reception processing in a communication adapter having the highest priority in the same group.
[0186]
In step S <b> 30, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group determines whether data has been received from the monitoring server 1.
[0187]
If it is determined that data has been received (YES in step S30), the process proceeds to step S31. If it is determined that data has not been received (NO in step S30), the process ends.
[0188]
In step S31, the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group obtains the operation information of the communication adapter 2 in the same group including the operation information list 190 in which the acquired data is transmitted from the monitoring server 1. Determine if it is a request.
[0189]
If it is determined that the request is an operation information acquisition request (YES in step S31), the process proceeds to step S33. If it is determined that the request is not an operation information acquisition request (NO in step S31), the process proceeds to step S32.
[0190]
In step S32, the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group performs processing based on the received data.
[0191]
In step S33, the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group checks the operation status of the communication adapter 2 itself.
[0192]
Following step S33, the process proceeds to step S34. If the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group is determined to be normal based on the result checked in step S33 (YES in step S34), the process proceeds to step S35. If it is determined that the process is not normal (NO in step S34), the process is terminated.
[0193]
In step S35, the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group sets 1 (normal) in the operation information flag of the entry storing the telephone number of the communication adapter 2 in the operation information list 190.
[0194]
Progressing to step S36 following step S35, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group sends information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received to the monitoring server 1 that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request. Send.
[0195]
Proceeding to step S37 following step S36, the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group determines whether or not the information related to the communication adapter 2 with the next priority is stored in the operation information list 190. .
[0196]
If it is determined that the information related to the communication adapter 2 with the next priority is stored in the operation information list 190 (YES in step S37), the process proceeds to step S39, and the communication adapter 2 with the next priority is added to the operation information list 190. If it is determined that such information is not stored (NO in step S37), the process proceeds to step S38.
[0197]
The communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group refers to the item E1 storing the priority in the operation information list 190 and the item E2 storing the calling telephone number, and then sets the next priority. It is determined whether or not information related to the communication adapter 2 of the rank is stored.
[0198]
In step S38, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group transmits operation information including the operation information list 190 to the monitoring server 1.
[0199]
In step S39, the communication adapter 2 with the highest priority in the same group operates in accordance with the priority order with respect to one communication adapter 2 that has not been transmitted yet at a lower priority order than the communication adapter 2. An operation information acquisition request including a copy of the information list 190 is transmitted.
[0200]
The communication adapter 2 holds the original operation information list 190 received from the monitoring server 1 in the storage area of the communication adapter 2 and transmits the copied operation information list 190 to the lower communication adapter 2.
[0201]
As will be described later, when there is no reply from the communication adapter 2 having a lower priority than the communication adapter 2 that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request including the copied operation information list 190, the communication adapter 2 A value indicating that the communication adapter 2 that is the transmission destination of the operation information acquisition request is not operating is set in the corresponding flag of the operation information list 190 stored in the second storage area.
[0202]
Progressing to step S40 following step S39, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group transmits the operation information acquisition request including the copy of the operation information list 190 in step S39. Thus, it is determined whether or not a signal indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received is received.
[0203]
If it is determined that the information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received has been received (YES in step S40), the process ends. If it is determined that the information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received has not been received, the process proceeds to step S41. .
[0204]
In step S41, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group is stored in the RAM 26 of the communication adapter 2 assuming that the destination communication adapter 2 that transmitted the operation information acquisition request in step S39 is not operating. The operation information flag of the corresponding entry in the operation information list 190 that has been set is set to 0 (abnormal), and the processing from step S37 is repeated.
[0205]
In step S <b> 42, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group acquires operation information including a copy of the operation information list 190 from the communication adapter 2 having a lower priority than the communication adapter 2.
[0206]
Proceeding to step S43 following step S42, the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group transmits to the monitoring server 1 an operation information list 190 in which the operation information of the communication adapter 2 in the same group is set.
[0207]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example of operation information transmission / reception processing in a communication adapter having the second or lower priority in the same group.
[0208]
In step S50, the communication adapter 2 having the second or lower priority in the same group determines whether data is received from the communication adapter 2 having a higher priority in the same group than the communication adapter.
[0209]
If it is determined that data has been received (YES in step S50), the process proceeds to step S51. If it is determined that data has not been received (NO in step S50), the process ends.
[0210]
In step S51, the communication adapter 2 having the second or lower priority in the same group uses the operation information list 190 in which the acquired data is transmitted from the communication adapter 2 having a higher priority in the same group than the communication adapter. It is determined whether or not it is an operation information acquisition request for the included communication adapter 2.
[0211]
If it is determined that the request is an operation information acquisition request (YES in step S51), the process proceeds to step S53. If it is determined that the request is not an operation information acquisition request (NO in step S51), the process proceeds to step S52.
[0212]
In step S52, the communication adapter 2 with the second or lower priority in the same group performs processing based on the received data.
[0213]
In step S53, the communication adapter 2 with the second or lower priority in the same group checks the operation status of the communication adapter 2 itself.
[0214]
If the communication adapter 2 having the second or lower priority in the same group is determined to be normal based on the result checked in step S53 (YES in step S54), the process proceeds to step S54 following step S53. If it is determined that the process is not normal (NO in step S54), the process ends.
[0215]
In step S55, the communication adapter 2 with the second or lower priority in the same group sets 1 (normal) in the operation information flag of the entry storing the telephone number of the communication adapter 2 in the operation information list 190. .
[0216]
Progressing to step S56 following step S55, the communication adapter 2 having the second or lower priority in the same group has the same information that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication adapter that has transmitted the operation acquisition request. It transmits to the communication adapter 2 with a high priority in a group.
[0217]
Proceeding to step S57 following step S56, the communication adapter 2 with the second or lower priority in the same group determines whether or not the information related to the communication adapter 2 with the next priority is stored in the operation information list 190. To do.
[0218]
If it is determined that the information related to the communication adapter 2 with the next priority is stored in the operation information list 190 (YES in step S57), the process proceeds to step S59, and the communication adapter 2 with the next priority is added to the operation information list 190. If it is determined that such information is not stored (NO in step S57), the process proceeds to step S58.
[0219]
The communication adapter 2 with the second or lower priority in the same group refers to the priority E1 and the calling telephone number E2 in the operation information list 190, and stores information related to the communication adapter 2 with the next priority. Determine whether or not.
[0220]
In step S58, the communication adapter 2 having the second or lower priority in the same group transmits the operation information including the operation information list 190 to the communication adapter 2 having the highest priority in the same group.
[0221]
In step S59, the communication adapter 2 with the second or lower priority in the same group operates in accordance with the priority with respect to one communication adapter 2 that has not yet transmitted with a lower priority than the communication adapter 2. An operation information acquisition request including a copy of the information list 190 is transmitted.
[0222]
Progressing to step S60 following step S59, the communication adapter 2 having the second or lower priority in the same group receives the operation information acquisition request from the communication adapter 2 of the transmission destination that transmitted the operation information acquisition request in step S59. It is determined whether or not information indicating that it has been received has been received.
[0223]
If it is determined that the information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received has been received (YES in step S60), the process ends. If it is determined that the information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received has not been received, the process proceeds to step S61. .
[0224]
In step S61, the communication adapter 2 having the second or lower priority in the same group assumes that the destination communication adapter 2 that transmitted the operation information acquisition request in step S59 is not operating, and stores it in the RAM 26 of the communication adapter 2. The operation information flag of the corresponding entry in the stored operation information list 190 is set to 0 (abnormal), and the processing from step S57 is repeated.
[0225]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to effectively monitor the operation information of the communication adapter connected to the image forming apparatus.
[0226]
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of an example of a monitoring system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a customer in detail.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of a monitoring server according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a hardware configuration of a communication adapter according to the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of a list of parameters stored in a RAM of a communication adapter.
FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of an example of a monitoring server according to the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of a customer-specific image forming apparatus table;
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an example of a report information accumulation table;
FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation information table;
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of an automatic request table;
FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation information list;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an example of operation information acquisition request processing;
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of an example of operation information acquisition processing.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of operation information transmission / reception processing in a communication adapter having the highest priority in the same group;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart of an example of operation information transmission / reception processing in communication adapters with the second or higher priority in the same group;
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Monitoring server
2 Communication adapter
3 Image forming device
4 PC (personal computer)
5 Public network
6 Telephone
7 FAX (facsimile)
10 Input device
11 Display device
12 Drive device
14 ROM (Read Only Memory)
15 RAM (Random Access Memory)
16 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
17 Interface device
18 HD (Hard Disk)
21 Switching device
22 Modem
23 RS-485 interface device
24 CPU (Central Processing Unit)
25 ROM (Read Only Memory)
26 RAM (Random Access Memory)
27 BATT (Battery)
28 Clock
100 Monitoring center
101 transceiver
102 Accumulator
105 Table registration section
106 Table storage unit
108 Operation information holding unit
110 Operation information list creation unit
111 Activation Request Calling Unit
112 Liaison Department
150 Customer image forming device table
160 Report information storage table
170 Operation information table
180 Automatic request table
190 Operation information list
200 customers
300 Service provider

Claims (8)

A monitoring system comprising one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming device, and a monitoring server for monitoring an operation status of the communication device connected via a network,
The monitoring server is
An operation for creating an operation information list including, as items, a plurality of communication devices as a group, a priority order of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. Information list creation means;
Transmission means for transmitting an operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group;
When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. Re-transmission means for transmitting
The communication device
Receiving means for receiving the operation acquisition request including the operation information list from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device in the group;
In the group, when the operation information acquisition request is received from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request is received is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request. Response information reply means for replying to,
First flag value setting means for setting a value to a flag representing the operation status of the communication device in the operation information list;
An acquisition request transmitting means for transmitting the operation acquisition request including the operation information list to the communication device of the next priority of the communication device in the group;
When there is no reply that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information in the operation information list Second flag value setting means for setting a value to a flag indicating the operation status of the communication device of the transmission destination that has transmitted the acquisition request;
Within said group, and a retrieval request retransmission means for transmitting the operation information acquisition request to the communication device the next priority of the reply was not the communication device,
The communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device with the highest priority or the communication device without the reply is
Receiving means for receiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server;
When the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list is received from the monitoring server, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received, information return means for transmitting to the monitoring server;
And a transmitting means for transmitting the operation information of the communication device in the group to the monitoring server,
The lowest priority communication device in the group is
A monitoring system comprising: a transmission unit configured to transmit the operation information list of the communication device to the communication device with the highest priority or the communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device that has not received the reply. . The operation information list creating means, the monitoring system according to claim 1, wherein the creating the operation information list the communication device no transmission for a predetermined period notification as transmission candidates of the operation information acquisition request. When the monitoring server acquires information indicating that one or more of the communication devices are not operating, the monitoring server uses the information of the communication device and / or the image forming device connected to the monitoring server via a network. monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by further comprising information notifying means for notifying the information processing apparatus that is installed in the service providing base for providing maintenance services. A monitoring method that uses one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming device and a monitoring server that monitors the operation status of the communication devices connected via a network,
The monitoring server is
An operation of creating an operation information list including, as items, a plurality of communication devices as a group, priority of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. The information list creation stage,
Transmitting the operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group;
When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. And a retransmission stage for transmitting
The communication device
Receiving the operation acquisition request including the operation information list from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device in the group; and
In the group, when the operation information acquisition request is received from the communication device having a higher priority than the communication device, information indicating that the operation information acquisition request is received is transmitted to the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request. Response information reply stage to reply to,
A first flag value setting stage for setting a value to a flag representing the operation status of the communication device in the operation information list;
An acquisition request transmission step of transmitting the operation acquisition request including the operation information list to the communication device of the next priority of the communication device in the group;
When there is no reply indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication device having a lower priority in the group than the communication device that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information in the operation information list A second flag value setting stage for setting a value to a flag representing an operation status of the communication device of the transmission destination that has transmitted the acquisition request;
Within said group, and a retrieval request retransmission step of transmitting the operation information acquisition request to the communication device the next priority of the reply was not the communication device,
The communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device with the highest priority or the communication device without the reply is
Receiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server;
When receiving the operation information acquisition request including the operation information list from the monitoring server, an information reply step of transmitting information indicating that the operation information acquisition request has been received to the monitoring server;
And a transmission step of transmitting the operation information of the communication device in the group to the monitoring server,
The lowest priority communication device in the group is
And a transmission step of transmitting the operation information list of the communication device to the communication device with the highest priority or the communication device with the next highest priority of the communication device without the reply. . 5. The monitoring method according to claim 4, wherein in the operation information list creation step, the operation information list is created by using the communication device that has not transmitted a notification for a predetermined period as a candidate for transmission of the operation information acquisition request. When the monitoring server acquires information indicating that one or more of the communication devices are not operating, the monitoring server acquires the information of the communication device and / or the image forming device connected to the monitoring server via a network. 6. The monitoring method according to claim 4 , further comprising an information notification step of notifying an information processing apparatus installed at a service providing base that provides a maintenance management service. The monitoring server in a monitoring system comprising one or more communication devices each connected to an image forming device and a monitoring server that monitors the operation status of the communication device connected via a network,
An operation for creating an operation information list including, as items, a plurality of communication devices as a group, a priority order of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. Information list creation means;
Transmission means for transmitting an operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group;
When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. Re-transmission means for transmitting
The operation information list in which flags representing the operation statuses of all the communication devices in the group are set, the communication device with the highest priority next to the communication device with the highest priority or the communication device without the reply. And a receiving means for receiving the monitoring server. An operation for creating an operation information list including, as items, a plurality of communication devices as a group, a priority order of the communication devices in the group, a flag indicating an operation status of the communication device, and a telephone number for calling the communication device. Information list creation procedure,
A transmission procedure for transmitting the operation information acquisition request of the communication device including the operation information list to a communication device with the highest priority in the group;
When there is no reply to the effect that the operation information acquisition request has been received from the communication apparatus that has transmitted the operation information acquisition request, the operation information acquisition request is sent to the communication apparatus having the second highest priority after the communication apparatus that has not received the reply. A resend procedure to send
The operation information list in which flags representing the operation statuses of all the communication devices in the group are set, the communication device with the highest priority next to the communication device with the highest priority or the communication device without the reply. A program for causing a computer to execute a receiving procedure.

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