JPH02306259A - Copy data control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent unnecessary communication line occupation by allowing a terminal to detect that a communication line is empty and communications are permitted. CONSTITUTION:An on-line controller 30 periodically confirms the connection of each computer data controller 20. Unless an answer signal responds to three processing mode request signals within three sec, connection to a controller 20 is judged to be impossible, and a cancel signal is sent to the controller 20. In such a way, processing is carried out from channel 1 to 10. At a prescribed transmission start time, the controller 30 instructs a center controller 50 to connect a line to a modem. Consequently, unnecessary communication line occupation can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a copy data management system for centrally managing a plurality of copying machines.

[Conventional technology] Conventionally, in order to centrally manage a large number of copying machines located in various locations in large-scale offices, etc., extension lines have been used to collect data such as the number of copies made by each copying machine and the number of users. A copy data management system in which a monitor is used to tally the number of copies by department, for example, is in practical use.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the polling type copy data management system as described above, it is not possible to call the central management device from the terminal device. It was impossible to do so.

The present invention can call up the central control device from the terminal device installed in each copying machine, and can therefore collect information other than the number of copies and users, such as the occurrence of a failure requiring repair or the arrival of maintenance time (hereinafter referred to as (referred to as copy data).
The purpose is to provide a copy data management system that can transmit.

[Means for Solving the Problems] A first invention of the present application is a method for centrally collecting data regarding a plurality of copying machines via a communication line, such as the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information for the copying machine. In a copy data management system including a terminal device that transmits data to a management device, the terminal device centrally manages the data when it is detected that the communication line is free and data communication is permitted. It is characterized by comprising a transmitting means for transmitting to the device.

A second invention of the present application includes a terminal device that transmits data on the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information on the copying machine to a central management device that collects data regarding a plurality of the copying machines via a communication line. In the copy data management system, the terminal device includes a clock means for measuring the current date and time, a storage means for storing a preset transmission date and time, and a storage means for storing the current date and time measured by the clock means. and transmitting means for transmitting the data to the central control device when it is detected that the communication line is free and data communication is permitted when the specified transmission date and time is reached. Features.

Further, in the first and second inventions, the time when the data communication is permitted is when the copying machine is not copying.

[Operation] By configuring as in the first invention, the transmitting means of the terminal device can transmit data when the communication line is free and, for example, the copier is not copying and data communication is permitted. When it is detected that the central control device is present, the data is sent to the central management device.

Further, by configuring as in the second invention, the transmitting means of the terminal device transmits the communication when the current date and time measured by the clocking means reaches the transmission date and time stored by the storage means. When it is detected that the line is free and, for example, the copying machine is not copying and data communication is permitted, the data is transmitted to the central management device.

Therefore, the decision to send the data from the terminal device to the central management device is made by the terminal device itself, not by the central management device, and only if the communication line is free and data communication is permitted. When this is detected, the data is sent to the central control device, so it is possible to prevent the communication line from being unnecessarily occupied.

[Embodiment] Hereinafter, a copy data management system which is an embodiment of the present invention will be explained in the following sections with reference to the drawings.

(1) Configuration of the copy data management system (2) Communication procedures in the copy data management system (3) Format of communication data in the copy data management system (4) Processing of the online controller (5) Processing of the copy data controller (6) Center Processing of Control Device (1) Configuration of Copy Data Management System FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copy data management system that is an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, this copy data management system is a terminal system that counts copy data such as the number of copies, the number of jams, and the number of troubles in copying machines 10a to 10d (hereinafter collectively referred to as IO). 1, and a center system 2 that aggregates the copy data related to each copying machine IO counted by the terminal system 1, and each system 1.2 is connected to telephone lines 4a, 4b, 4c, and transmits and receives the copy data.

The terminal system l includes a copying machine 210 and copy data controllers 20a to 20d (hereinafter collectively referred to as 20
shall be. ) and online controllers 30a, 30b
(hereinafter collectively referred to as 30) and telephone 4.
0a, 40b (hereinafter collectively referred to as 40)
Equipped with.

The copy data controller 20 is connected to each copying machine IO in a one-to-one ratio, and counts the copy data of the connected copying machine IO, turns the power of the copying machine IO on and off, and determines whether copying is in progress or not. The controller 20 detects the operating state of the copying machine IO, and controls the copying machine IO to permit or prohibit copying depending on the type of magnetic card inserted into the controller 20 and the control geographical state described later. .

Note that each copy data controller 20 has a unique serial number.

The online controller 30 includes 11'Il or multiple copy data controllers 20 and one telephone 40.
a, 40b (hereinafter collectively referred to as 40), and when in telephone mode, the telephone 40 is connected to the telephone line 4.
a, 4b to the exchange 3, and on the other hand,
In the communication mode, the copy data controller 20 and the center control device 50 are connected to control communication between each device 20.50. Note that the online controller 40 includes
A maximum of ten copy data controllers 20 are connected, and the ten channels for connecting each controller 20 are hereinafter referred to as channels 1 to 10.

The center system 2 includes a center control device 50, a personal computer 60, and a CRT display device 7.
0.

The center control device 50 is connected to the exchange 3 via the telephone line 4c, and after receiving the copy data transmitted from the terminal system 1 and storing the copy data, the center control device 50 stores the copy data at a preset deadline time. Perform aggregation. The personal computer 60 is connected to the center control device 50 and controls the operation of the center control device 50, and displays the aggregated copy data output from the device 50 on the CRT display device 70.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the copy data controller 20.

In FIG. 2, the copy data controller 20 includes a microcomputer 21 that controls the operation of the controller 20. As shown in FIG. The microcomputer 21 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as CPU) lot that controls the operation of the microcomputer 21, and a CPUl0I.
A read-only memory (hereinafter referred to as
It's called R.OM. ) 102, a flag for controlling the CPUl0I, and the above copy data are stored in the CPUl0I.
Random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 103 used as a working area of equipment, each device 101 to 103
and each circuit 104, 105 are connected via an internal bus Bl.

A copying machine 10 is connected to the serial input/output port circuit 104 in order to transmit and receive the copy data and control the operation of the copying machine 10, and a display buffer memory 24 is connected to the serial input/output port circuit 104 to display predetermined data to be described later. via L
An ED display 25 is connected. The serial input/output port circuit 104 also includes an insertion sensor (not shown) that detects when a magnetic card is inserted, and a device that reads data stored in the magnetic card and writes data to the magnetic card. A card data input/output device 22 equipped with a magnetic head (not shown) is connected, and a transport motor 23 for inserting and ejecting the magnetic card into the device 22 is also connected.

Further, an online controller 30 is connected to the serial input/output port circuit 105 via an interface circuit 26 in order to transmit and receive data.

Copy data controller 20 configured as above
has the following three modes of operation:

(a) Setting mode: Setting the current time, setting the call time,
This is a mode for setting a telephone number for scheduled calls and a telephone number for alarm calls.

(b) Communication mode: This is a mode in which data is transmitted and received with the center control device 50 via the online controller 30.

(c) Processing mode 2 This is an operation mode other than the above-mentioned setting mode and communication mode, and is a mode for performing internal processing of the copy data controller 20.

Furthermore, the following two types of magnetic cards are provided.

(a) Total card: This is a card for displaying the copy data stored in the copy data controller 20.

(b) Department card: To count the number of copies for each department in the user's organization, each department has a different code (hereinafter referred to as
This is called a department code. ) is stored in the department card, and when the department card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22, the copying operation of the copier IO is permitted.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the online controller 30.

In FIG. 3, the online controller 30 includes a microcomputer 31 that controls the operation of the controller 30. In FIG. The microcomputer 31 includes a CPU 201 that controls the operation of the microcomputer 31, and a ROM 202 that stores a control program for the CPU 201 and data necessary to execute the control program.
, a RAM 203 that stores data such as flags for controlling the CPU 201 and preset transmission times, and is used as a working area for the CPU 201; a real-time clock 204 that measures the current time; and a RAM 203 for data communication with external devices. The line connection state between the serial input/output port circuit 205 that performs processing such as parallel/serial conversion and serial/parallel conversion, the maintenance switch 206 that performs various settings during maintenance, and the center control device 50 and the above maintenance. Each device and circuit 201 to 207 are connected via an internal bus B2.

Each copy data controller 20 is connected to the serial input/output port circuit 205 via an interface circuit 34 and a multiplexer 35 in order to transmit and receive data to and from each copy data controller 20. In addition,
When only one copy data controller 20 is connected to the online controller 30, the multiplexer 35 is not provided and the interface circuit 34 is directly connected to the copy data controller 20. The serial input/output port circuit 205 also includes a center control device 50.
In order to communicate data with
Hereinafter referred to as NCU. ) built-in modem (hereinafter referred to as
It's called a modem. )33 is connected.

A telephone 40 is connected to this modem 33, and the exchange 3 is also connected via a telephone line. modem 33
Normally, the telephone 40 is connected to a telephone line so that telephone calls can be made using the telephone 40, in accordance with control commands from the microcomputer 31. On the other hand, when the telephone 40 is in a communication mode for data communication with the center control device 50, the center control device 50 When a call is received from the online controller 30 or when a call is made from the online controller 30, the line connection is processed and the microcomputer 31
It modulates data input from the center using a predetermined modulation method and transmits the modulated data to the center control device 50 via the telephone line and exchange 3, and demodulates data received from the center control device 50 and outputs the demodulated data to the microcomputer 31. .

Note that when this communication mode ends, the line connection with the telephone line is canceled and the telephone line is connected to the telephone set 40.

Like the copy data controller 20, the online controller 30 configured as described above has three operating modes: a setting mode, a communication mode, and a processing mode. Note that in the communication mode, the online controller 30 has the following two transmission modes.

(a) Scheduled transmission mode: data is sent to the center control device 50
If the telephone 40 is in use when attempting to send a message to the telephone, after waiting for 5 minutes, check the usage status of the telephone 40,
This is a mode in which data is transmitted to the center control device 50 when the telephone 40 is not in use.

(b) Alarm transmission mode: When the telephone 40 is in use when attempting to transmit data to the center control device 50, a mode in which the data is transmitted to the center control device 50 as soon as the telephone 40 becomes unused. be.

FIG. 4(A) is a front view of the maintenance switch 206 and monitor LED 207 in the online controller 30.

As shown in FIG. 4(A), on the right side of the panel, 10
monitors LEDL 1 to LIO are arranged, while
On the left side of the panel, two monitor LEDs L l and L12 and two switches ADJ and SEL are arranged. The monitor LEDs L to LIO display the line connection state with the center control device 50, and also represent the item and digit selected in the setting mode. Further, the monitor LEDs Lll and L12 display the mode state in the setting mode and also display the error state during the self-test of the microcomputer 31. The setting switch ADJ is a switch for setting the items and numerical values selected by the selection switches S and EL, and for starting the execution of the cell 7 test. The selection switch SEL has values from ``o'' to ``9'' and from ``A'' to ``
This is a switch for selecting six types of self-tests up to "F".

FIG. 4(B) is a diagram showing how to operate the maintenance switch 206 and the display on the monitor LED 207.

As shown in Fig. 4 (B), by setting the selection switch SEL to an arbitrary value and pressing the setting switch ADJ, the 10th digit of the date or the first digit of the telephone number can be set. By setting the selection switch SEL to an arbitrary value and pressing the setting switch ADJ, the first year of the date or the second digit of the telephone number can be set, and the same applies hereafter. In addition, an example is shown in which 14:28 on March 14, 1989 is input in the operation method column of FIG. 4(B).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the center control device 50.

In FIG. 5, the center control device 50 is the device 50.
A microcomputer 51 is provided to control the operation of the microcomputer 51.

The microcomputer 51 includes a CPU 301 that controls the operation of the microcomputer 51;
A ROM 302 that stores a control program and data necessary to execute the control program, and a CPU 30
CPU 30 stores flags and data for control of
A RAM 303 used as a working area of 1, a real-time clock 304 that measures the current time,
A serial input/output port circuit 305 performs processing such as parallel/serial conversion and serial/parallel conversion for data communication with an external device, and a bubble memory for storing the copy data received from the copy data controller 20. and an interface circuit 306 for connecting to a file device 61,
304 and circuits 305 and 306 are connected via an internal bus B3.

A modem 52 with a built-in NCU is connected to the serial input/output port circuit 305 in order to communicate data with the online controller 30. The modem 52 performs line connection processing when the online controller 30 makes a call, and similarly to the modem 33, modulates data output from the microcomputer 51 of the center control device 50 using a predetermined modulation method to connect the telephone line and The data is transmitted to the online controller 30 via the exchange 3, and the data received from the online controller 30 is demodulated and output to the microcomputer 51, and the line connection with the telephone line is released when the communication ends. Further, a personal computer 60 is connected to the serial input/output port circuit 305 via an R5-232C interface circuit 53 in order to communicate data with the personal computer 60.

(2) Communication procedure in the copy data management system An example of the communication procedure during normal processing in the copy data management system configured above is shown in FIGS.
This will be explained below with reference to the communication sequence diagram of C). Here, it is assumed that ten copy data controllers 20 are connected to the online controller 30.

In step Sl in FIG. 6(A), the online controller 30 periodically performs connection confirmation processing for each copy data controller 20 connected. That is, first, the online controller 30
A processing mode request signal is transmitted to the copy data controller 20 of the copy data controller 20 .

In response, the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 sends a processing mode answer signal to the online controller 3 indicating that it has received the processing mode request signal.
Send to 0. Then, the online controller 30 similarly controls the copy data controller 20 of channel 2.
A processing mode request signal is transmitted to the controller 20, and a processing mode answer signal is received from the controller 20. Further, the online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 3. At this time, if the processing mode answer signal is not received within 3 seconds after transmitting the request signal, the processing mode request signal is transmitted again and the processing mode request signal is waited for. If the above answer signal is not received within 3 seconds after transmitting the processing mode request signal three times in the same manner, it is determined that connection with the copy data controller 20 of channel 3 is impossible. , sends a cancel signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 3.

Thereafter, in the same manner, connection confirmation processing with the copy data controller 20 from channel 4 to channel IO is performed.

In step S2 of FIG. 6(B), the online controller 30 causes the modem 33 to perform a line connection process with the center control device 50 at a predetermined transmission start time. Next, in step S3, the center control device 50 transmits a time request signal to the online controller 30, and in response, the online controller 30 transmits time M data to the center control device 50.

Next, in step S4, the center control device 50
transmits a mode confirmation signal to the online controller 30 in order to switch the operation mode of the copy data controller 20 of channel l to the communication mode. In response, the online controller 30 transmits a communication mode request signal to the copy data controller 20, and in response, the online controller 30 transmits a communication mode request signal to the copy data controller 20.
After setting its own operation mode to the communication mode, it transmits a communication mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30.

Next, in step S5, the center control device 50
sends a serial number request signal to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30, requesting to notify the serial number of the copy data controller 20, and in response, the copy data controller 20 sends the serial number data online. It is transmitted to the center control device 50 via the controller 30. Next, the copy data is transmitted and received between the center control device 50 and the copy data controller 20.

Here, the center control device 50 transmits a predetermined data request signal, which will be described in detail later, to the copy data controller 20, and in response, the center control device
The copy data corresponding to the data request signal for which 0 is received is transmitted to the center control device 50.

After all the copy data has been transmitted and received, in step S6, the center control device 50 sends a count clear request signal in order to clear all the contents of the counter that counts the copy data in the copy data controller 20. , to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30, and in response, the copy data controller 20 clears all the contents of the counter, and then sends a clear answer signal to the center control device via the online controller 30. Send to 50. Next, the center control device 50 transmits a line switching request signal to the online controller 30 in order to perform channel switching to the copy data controller 20 of the next channel, that is, the copy data controller 20 of channel 2. In response, the online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel l, and in response, the copy data controller 20 of channel l transmits a processing mode answer signal to the online controller 30
The data is transmitted to the center control device 50 via. At this time,
The online controller 30 controls the multiplexer 35 to control the channel 2 copy data controller 20.
Switch to

Next, in step S7, the copy data controller 2 for channels 2 to 10 (excluding those for which the connection could not be confirmed) is processed in the same manner as above.
0, the above copy data transmission/reception processing is performed. Furthermore, the center control device 50 transmits a mode confirmation signal to the online controller 30, and similarly to the above, receives a communication mode answer signal, transmits a serial number request signal, and receives serial number data in order. If the serial number of the copy data controller 20 that has finished transmitting and receiving the copy data is received first, it is determined that the transmitting and receiving of all the copy data has been completed, and in step S8, the serial number of the copy data controller 20 (this In this case, a line release request signal is sent to the online controller 30 in order to switch the operation mode of channel l) to the processing mode. In response, the online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel l, and in response, the copy data controller 20
Processing mode answer signal to online controller 30
The data is transmitted to the center control device 50 via. With the above operations, a series of copy data transmission/reception processing is completed, and the center control device 50 causes the modem 52 to cancel the line connection.

FIGS. 7 and 8 are communication sequence diagrams showing an example of communication procedures during abnormality processing in the copy data management system.

As shown in FIG. 7, when a communication mode request signal is sent from the online controller 30 to the copy data controller 20 of channel l, a communication mode answer signal is received within 3 seconds after sending the request signal. If not, it transmits the communication mode request signal again and waits for the answer signal. If the above answer signal is not received within 3 seconds after transmitting the communication mode request signal three times in the same manner, it is determined that connection with the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 is impossible. , sends a cancellation signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1, and sends a negative response signal to the center control device 50.

Next, the center control device 50 transmits a line switching request signal to the online controller 30 in order to switch to the copy data controller 20 of the next channel.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, all copy data controllers 20 from channel I to channel IO
If connection is not possible, a line release request signal is sent to the online controller 30, and in response, the online controller 30 sends a line release answer signal to the center control device 50. In response to receiving the line release answer signal, the center control device 50 sends the modem 52
to disconnect the line.

(3) Format of communication data in the copy data management system FIG. 9 is a diagram showing seven formats of communication data in the copy data management system. 20 to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, and (e) is data sent from the online controller 30 to the center control device 50. Note that a reception command indicating the content of each data is placed at the beginning of each data.

FIG. 9(a) shows the format of the total number of copies data, which is composed of a received command, the serial number of the copy data controller 20, and data on the total number of copies.

FIG. 9(b) shows 7 formats of data on the number of jam occurrences by location (within a predetermined range set in advance in multiple locations in the copier IO), and the data is divided into received commands and It is composed of multiple blocks consisting of a location code and the number of jam occurrences at that location.

9th rI! Part (c) of J shows the format of the location number I trouble occurrence data, and the data is composed of a received code, a plurality of blocks each containing a location code and the number of trouble occurrences at that location.

FIG. 9(d) shows the format of the number of copies data for each department and size, and the data consists of a received command and four pieces of information, each consisting of a department hood and the number of copies for each of the five sizes for that department. Consists of blocks.

(e) in FIG. 9 shows the format of time data, which consists of a received command, two digits each,
``Year'', ``Month H, II Day II, 11 o'clock''', Minute'', ''
It consists of each data of seconds'''.

(4) Processing of the online controller 30 Fig. 1O (A
) and FIG. 1O (B) show the online controller 30.
2 is a flowchart showing the main routine of FIG.

In FIG. 110 (A), the online controller 30
When the power is turned on and the program starts, first, in step 5100, initial settings of each circuit in the online controller 30 are performed, and then, in step 5lot, it is determined whether the setting mode is selected. .

Here, the setting mode refers to setting the time of the real-time clock 204, setting the call time to the center control device 50, and telephone calls in the scheduled call mode and alarm call mode when making a call to the center control device 50, as described above. This is a mode for setting the number, and at the time of initial setting, the adjustment switch A of the maintenance switch 206 is
When the DJ or setting switch SET is pressed, the setting mode is selected and the process proceeds to step 5IO2.

After transmitting a setting mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 in step 5102, the setting mode flag is checked in step 5103.

This setting mode flag becomes +1111 when a setting mode answer signal is received from the copy data controller 20 in communication interrupt processing to be described later. If the setting mode flag is 0'', a time-over check is performed in step 5IO9.Here, after transmitting the setting mode request signal, the copy data controller 20
for a predetermined time (in this example, it is 3 seconds).
If the setting mode answer signal is not received within this time, the time has expired and the setting mode request signal is sent to the copy data controller 20 again in step 5102. Until the time is over, the program 70- loops from step S03 to step 5109 and waits for the answer signal from the copy data controller 20. When the setting mode flag becomes “l” (Yes in step 5103), step 510
After resetting the setting mode flag in Step 4, steps 5105 to 5IO8 perform the processes of setting the current time, setting the calling time, setting the telephone number for scheduled calling, and setting the telephone number for alarm calling, respectively. Then, the process advances to step 5110. Note that step I
Each subroutine from 05 to 5108 will be described in detail later. The same applies to the following subroutines.

When the process of the above setting mode is completed or step 5I
If the setting mode is not selected in OI, copy data controller connection confirmation processing, modem connection confirmation processing, and time confirmation processing are performed in steps 5ilo to 5112, respectively, and the process advances to step 5l13.

In steps S l l 3 and 5115, the scheduled transmission flag and alarm transmission flag are checked. Here, the scheduled transmission flag becomes "l" when the current time matches the transmission time in the time confirmation process of step 5l12, while the alarm transmission flag is set to 1'' when the alarm transmission request signal is received from the copy data controller 20 in the communication interrupt process to be described later. When received, it becomes "t". When both the scheduled transmission flag and the alarm transmission flag are 0", step 5
Return to ilo. On the other hand, when either the scheduled call flag or the alarm call flag is "1", the flag is reset in step 5l14 or 5l16, and then the process proceeds to step 5l17, where the center control device 5
Perform pear-shaped processing to establish a line connection with 0, and step S
Proceed to 1.18.

In step 5118, the pear-shaped flag is checked. This pear-shaped flag indicates whether or not a line has been connected to the center control device R50 in the pear-shaped process. If the flag is 0'', it is because the line cannot be connected, and the process returns to step 3110. When the type flag is 'l'', the line is connected to the center control device 50, so the process proceeds to step 5120 after resetting the pear type flag in step 5l19.

In step 5120, the count value n of the channel counter is set to "I" and the process proceeds to step 5121. This channel counter is a counter for sequentially switching a plurality of copy data controllers 20 to perform data communication with the center control device 50, and has a count value n of the counter.
indicates the channel number of the copy data controller 20.

In the next iteration, steps 5121, 3124, and 5127, the mode request flag, switching request flag,
and check the release request flag. These flags are set by the center control device 50 in communication interrupt processing, respectively.
When a mode confirmation signal, a line switching request signal, and a line release request signal are received, the corresponding flag becomes nV. Here, when the mode request flag is '° l''',
After resetting the mode request flag in step 5I22 and performing copy data controller connection processing in step 5123, the process returns to step 5121. Also,
When the switching request flag is 11111, step 5
After the switching request flag is reset in step 125 and the copy data controller disconnection process is performed in step 5126, the process returns to step 5121. Further, when the release request flag is 1, the release request flag is reset in step 5128, and step 512
After the copy data controller disconnection process is performed in step 9, a line release answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 in step 5130, and the line release answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 in step 5L3.
Disconnect the line connected in step 1 and proceed to step 51.
Return to 10.

If all flags are '0' in steps 5121, 5124, and 5t27, the process directly returns to step 5121.

The above is the main routine processing of the online controller 30, and the processing of each subroutine within the main routine will be explained below.

Figure 11 shows the copy data controller connection confirmation process (
10 is a flowchart showing step 5IIO) in FIG. 10(A).

In step 5150 of FIG. 11, first, it is checked whether or not the multiplexer 35 is connected in the online controller 30. If it is connected (Yes in step 5150), the count value n of the channel counter is calculated in step 5151. After setting "l", the process proceeds to step 5152. In step 5152, the switch is made to connect the copy data controller 20 of channel n, and in step 5153, a processing mode request signal is sent to the selected copy data controller 20. do.

Next, in step 5154, a processing mode answer signal is received from the copy data controller 20, and it is checked whether the processing mode flag is set to 11111. The processing mode flag is similar to the above flag,
°'1 when receiving the answer signal in communication interrupt processing
''.While the processing mode flag is 11011,
The program 70- loops from steps 5157 to 5154, and if 3 seconds or more have elapsed since the processing mode request signal was sent and a timeout occurs in step 5157, the program 70- loops from step 5157 to 5154. It is checked whether the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted (hereinafter referred to as retry). This assumes that the copy data controller 20 cannot normally receive the transmitted processing mode request signal for some reason and cannot transmit the processing mode answer signal. If the retry has not reached the predetermined number of times, the process returns to step 5153 and repeats the process of transmitting the process mode request signal again. On the other hand, if the copy data controller 20 cannot receive the processing mode answer signal even after a predetermined number of attempts, it is determined that the copy data controller 20 is not connected, and in step 5159, a cancel signal is sent to the copy data controller 20. 20, reset the connection flag of channel n indicating the connection state of the copy data controller 20 of channel n in 5160,
Proceed to step 5161. On the other hand, if the processing mode flag is "J" in step 5160, the processing mode flag is reset in step 5155, and the connection flag of channel n is set to "l" in step 5156, after which the process proceeds to step 5161. .

Next, in step 5161, 1 is added to the count value n of the channel counter, and if the count value n is "11" in step 5162, the connection confirmation for the copy data controller 20 of all channels is finished. , so return to the main routine. On the other hand, when the count value n is less than "lO",
The process from step 5152 is similarly repeated for the copy data controller 20 of the next channel.

When the multiplexer 35 is not connected in step 5150, in steps 5163 to 5170, connection confirmation processing similar to the processing in steps 5153 to 5160 described above is performed for one copy data controller 20. After that, return to the main routine.

FIG. 12 is a 70-chart showing the modem connection confirmation process (step S111 of FIG. 10(A)).

At step 5180 in FIG. 12, it is first checked whether the modem 33 is connected to the online controller 30, and if it is not connected, the process directly returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the modem 33 is connected, it is checked in step 5181 whether the modem 33 has been initialized, and if it has not been initialized, the modem 33 is initialized in step 5182. After doing so, return to the main routine. Also, in step 5181, the modem 3
When the initialization processing in step 3 has been completed, the process returns to the main routine.

Figure 13 shows the time confirmation process (step S in Figure 1O (A)).
12) is a flowchart showing the process.

In step 5200 of FIG. 13, first, the current time is read from the real-time clock 204, and then in step 5201, it is determined whether one minute has passed since the previously read time, that is, whether the data of "minute" has changed. This is a process for checking the transmission time only once every minute.If one minute has not elapsed since the previous read time in step 5201, the process directly returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if one minute has elapsed, the transmission time is confirmed in step 5202 and thereafter.

First, in step 5202, a preset call time is read using the maintenance switch 206, and the read call time is compared with the current time read in step 5200. The data to be compared is “day 111”
．． +1 day of the week”, hour”, minute”, step 5203,
Step 5205, Step 5207, and Step 5
In step 209, each data set above is changed to “undefined (D
on'L Care)". When the set data is "undefined", it is determined that the transmission condition is satisfied regardless of the corresponding data at the current time being compared. For example, if you set a predetermined value for the "day" data and set the "day of the week" data to "indeterminate", the transmission condition will be satisfied only once a month, and
If the data for the day of the month is set to "indeterminate" and the data of the day of the day is set to a predetermined value, the transmission condition is satisfied only once a week. If each preset data is not "indeterminate", steps 5204, 5206, and 52 are performed, respectively.
At 08 and 5210, it is checked whether the data matches the corresponding data at the current time, and if they do not match, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the preset time matches the current time, in step 5211, the scheduled transmission flag is set to "on-time transmission mode".
After setting it to bit', it returns to the main routine.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the pear-shaped process (step 5117 in FIG. 10(A)) for establishing a line connection with the center control device 50.

In step 5220 of FIG. 14, first, modem 3
3 is initialized, and if it is not initialized, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, when the modem 33 has been initialized, it is checked in step 5221 whether the copy data controller 20 is connected. That is, the connection flag is checked. When the multiplexer 35 is not connected, the connection flag of one copy data controller 20 is 0'', and when the multiplexer 35 is connected, the connection flag of the copy data controller 20 of all channels is 0''. If "o", it is determined that the copy data controller 20 is not connected, and the process returns to the main routine.On the other hand, if at least one copy data controller 20 is connected, the modem 33 is connected in step 5221. It is checked whether the telephone 40 connected to is in use or not.Here, whether or not the telephone 40 is in use is determined based on a predetermined signal transmitted from the modem 33.

When the telephone 40 is in use, it is determined in step 5225 whether the call mode is the alarm call mode or the scheduled call mode by checking whether the alarm call flag is "1". Here, when in the alarm transmission mode, in order to immediately transmit predetermined data when the telephone 40 becomes unused,
Returning to step 5222, the process waits until the telephone 40 becomes unused. On the other hand, in the case of the scheduled call mode, in step 8226, whether or not the telephone 40 is in use is rechecked a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, this is 10 times).

), and if the above recheck has been performed a predetermined number of times or more, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, in step 8226, if the recheck has not reached the predetermined number of times, step 522
After waiting for 5 minutes at step 7, the process returns to step 5222 again. As a result, if the telephone 40 is in use and is in the alarm transmission mode that requires urgent data communication, the process proceeds to step 5223 as soon as the telephone 40 is unused and the telephone line is free. Performs call processing to make a call to 50,
On the other hand, in the scheduled call mode, if the telephone 40 is not in use after 5 minutes, the process advances to step 5223 and calls are processed.

After the call processing in step 5223, step 52
24, it is checked whether the pear-shaped flag indicating whether or not the line is connected to the center control device 50 is "1", and if it is +1111, the process returns to the main routine; If so, proceed to step 5226 described above. This pear-shaped flag becomes ``bi'' when the line is normally connected to the center control device 50 in the call processing described later.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the call processing (step 5223 in FIG. 14).

In step 5240 of FIG. 15, first, it is checked whether the transmission mode is the scheduled transmission mode or the alarm transmission mode by checking the alarm transmission flag, and if it is the scheduled transmission mode, step S241 After having the dialer in the modem 33 dial the telephone number for scheduled outgoing calls, step 524
Proceed to step 3.

On the other hand, if it is the alarm transmission mode in step 5240, then in step 5242 the dialer in the modem 33 dials the telephone number for alarm transmission, and then the process proceeds to step 5243.

In step 5243, the modem 33 is caused to check whether or not a predetermined response signal is received from the center control device 50 after the dialing, and the line connection to the center control device 50 has been normally established. Here, the center control device 50
The program Rough 0- loops from step 5245 to step 5234 until the line is connected normally, that is, until the line is connected normally. (Yes), after the telephone line is disconnected in step 5246, the pear-shaped flag is reset in step 5247, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, in step 5243, the line is successfully connected to the center control device 50;
If so (Yes in step 5243), the pear-shaped flag is set to 11111 in step 5244, and then the process returns to the main routine.

Figure 16 shows the copy data controller connection process (No. 10)
12 is a flowchart showing step 5123) in FIG.

In FIG. 16, first, in step 5260,
It is checked whether the multiplexer 35 is connected, and if it is connected, the process advances to step 5261. In step S261, it is checked whether the connection flag of the copy data controller 20 of channel n is II 1'', and if the connection #i'' flag is HO°', the process advances to step 5270. On the other hand, if the connection flag is BI in step 5261, the multiplexer 35 is switched to connect the copy data controller 20 of channel n in step 5262, and then the copy data controller 20 is connected to the copy data controller 20 in step 5263. A communication mode request signal is transmitted to the host, and the process proceeds to step 5264.

In step 5264, it is checked whether the communication mode flag indicating whether a communication mode answer signal has been received from the copy data controller 20 is "I", and if it is "1", the answer signal is Since the communication mode flag has been received, the communication mode flag is reset in step 5265, and then a communication mode answer signal indicating that the copy data controller 20 is connected is transmitted to the center control device 50 in step 8266, and the process returns to the main routine. do.

On the other hand, in step 8264, the communication mode flag is set to "
0'', the answer signal has not been received, and the process proceeds to step 5267, where a predetermined time (in this embodiment, 3 seconds) has elapsed after the transmission of the communication mode request signal. In other words, it is checked whether or not the time has elapsed.If the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 3264, and the process continues until the communication mode flag becomes "L" or the time elapses.
The program flow is from step 5264 to step 52.
It loops between 67.

If the time has expired in step 5267, it is checked in step 5268 whether the number of retransmissions of the communication mode request signal is greater than or equal to a predetermined number of times (in this embodiment, it is two times). If the number of times has not been exceeded, the process advances to step 5263 and the communication mode request signal is transmitted again. On the other hand, if the predetermined number of times has been exceeded, the process proceeds to step 5269, where a cancel signal is sent to the copy data controller 20, and then the process proceeds to step 5270.

After adding 1 to the count value n of the channel counter in step 5270, it is checked in step 5271 whether or not the count value n is "11". If the count value n is less than "10", step Return to S261.

On the other hand, when the count value n is "11", since connection processing has been performed for all copy data controllers 20, the count value n is set to 1" in step 5272, and then the process returns to step S261.

On the other hand, when the multiplexer 35 is not connected in step 5260, in the processing from step 5273 to step 5279, the same processing as described above from step 5263 to step 5269 is performed on the lfi copy data controller 20. After that, return to the main routine.

Figure 17 shows the copy data controller disconnection process (10th
12 is a flowchart showing steps 5126 and 5129) in FIG.

In step 5300 of FIG. 17, it is first checked whether the multiplexer 35 is connected, and if it is connected, the process advances to step S301. step 530
1, after transmitting a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel n, in step 5302, it is determined whether or not the processing mode flag indicating whether a processing mode answer signal has been received is "BI". In step 5302, when the processing mode flag is nV, the process proceeds to step 5303, and after resetting the processing mode flag, step 5
In step 304, a line switching answer signal is transmitted to the center control device 50, and the process proceeds to step 5307.

On the other hand, when the processing mode flag is 11011 in step 5302, it is determined whether or not the time has elapsed in step 5305, that is, the predetermined time (in this embodiment, 3
Seconds. ) has elapsed, and if the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 5302, and the program flow loops from step 5302 to step 5305 until the processing mode flag becomes 11111 or the time elapses.

If the time has expired in step 5305, it is determined in step 5306 whether or not the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted a predetermined number of times (in this example, two times). If not, the process advances to step 5301 to retransmit the processing mode request signal or try again. On the other hand, step 5306
When it is determined that the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted more than a predetermined number of times, l is added to the count value n of the channel counter in step 5307, and then in step 5308 it is determined whether the count value n is "11" or not. Decide whether or not.

If the counted value n is not 11" in step 5308, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if the counted value n is "11", the counted value n is set to "1" in step 5309. , return to the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the multiplexer 35 is not connected in step 5300J, :ii, step 530
Step 5 is the same process as steps 1 to 5306.
After performing the processing from step 310 to step 5315, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the current time setting process (step s[)5 in FIG. 1O(A)).

In step 5320 of FIG. 18, first, when data of the current time is inputted one digit at a time, the count value PO5 of the position counter indicating the digit is set to l11.

Next, in step 5321, setting switch AD
Wait for J to be pressed, and when it is pressed, step 53
After inputting the setting value of the selection switch SEL for one digit of data of the current time in step 22, the input data is converted to the counted value PO3 of the position counter in the current time data stored in the RAM 230 in step 5323. is set to a digit corresponding to , and the data of the corresponding digit in the real-time clock 204 is rewritten based on the input data. Then,
In order to display the data at the set time on the display 25 of the data controller 20 at the switch 5324, the input data is transmitted, and after adding the count value POS11 of the position counter at step 5325, at step 5326 The count value POS is “1”
It is judged whether or not it is 1", and if it is 11", it returns as is. On the other hand, if it is less than "lO", the process goes to step 5.
Return to 321.

FIGS. 19 to 21 respectively show the outgoing time setting process (
Step 3106 in Figure 1O (A)), telephone number setting process for scheduled calling (Step 5107 in Figure 1O (A)),
and alarm dialing telephone number setting process (Fig. 1θ (A)
70-chart showing step 5108), and in each of these processes, like the current time setting process of FIG. 18, the calling time, the telephone number for fixed-time calling, and the telephone number for alarm calling are set. Note that in step 8366 of FIG. 20 and step 5386 of FIG. 21, the count value PoS of the position counter is '17.
” to judge whether or not.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing communication interrupt processing in the online controller 30, and this processing is started when data is received from the copy data controller 20 or the center control device 50 and the online controller 30 is interrupted.

In step 5400 of FIG. 22, first, the data stored in the registers used in the interrupt processing is temporarily saved, and then in step 5401, for example, a parity error or unset data is received, etc. It is checked whether or not a communication error has occurred, and if there is a communication error, predetermined error processing is performed for the communication error that has occurred in step 3402, and then
Proceed to step 5409. On the other hand, if no communication error has occurred in step 5401, step 54
After analyzing the data received in step 03, in step 5404 and step 5406, the received data is transmitted and received between the copy data controller 20 and the center control device 50, and the online controller 30 is not involved. Is the data transmitted from the copy data controller 20?
Alternatively, it is determined whether the data is transmitted from the center control device 50.

If the received data is the above-mentioned through data (Yes in step 5404), the received data is transferred to a device different from the source (copy data controller 20).
For data transmitted from the center control device 50
On the other hand, the data transmitted from the center control device 50 is transferred to the copy data controller 20), and then the process advances to step 5409. If the received data is not the through data but data sent from the center control device 50 (Yes in step 3406), the received data is processed in step 5407 (hereinafter referred to as data processing A).

), the process advances to step 5409. Further, if the received data is not the through data but data transmitted from the copy data controller 20 (No in step 5406), step 5408
After performing processing on the received data (hereinafter referred to as data processing B), the process advances to step 5409.

Next, after performing each of the above processes, the data in the register that was saved is restored in step 5409, and then the routine returns to the step before the interrupt.

FIG. 23 shows data processing A (step S 40 in FIG. 22).
7) is a flowchart showing the process. This processing is for data transmitted from the center control device 50 as described above, and the data includes a time data request signal, a line switching request signal, a mode confirmation signal, and a line release request signal.

In steps 5420, 5422, 5424, and 5426 of FIG. 23, it is determined whether the received data is a time data request signal, a line switching request signal, a mode confirmation signal, and a line release request signal, respectively. . When the received data is a time data request signal (Yes in step 5420), the current time is read from the real-time clock 204 in step 5421, the current time data is transmitted to the center control device 50, and then the process returns.

Further, if the received data is a line switching request signal (Yes in step 5422), step 5
After setting "ln" to the switching request flag in step 423, the process returns.Furthermore, if the received data is a mode confirmation signal (Yes in step 5424)
, "l" is set to the mode confirmation flag in step 5425.
After setting, return. Further, if the received data is a line release request signal (step 54
26 (Yes), the release request flag is set to n1'' in step 5427, and the process returns.On the other hand, if the received data is any of the time data request signal, line switching request signal, mode confirmation signal, and line release request signal, If not (step 5420.5422.542
4 and 5426), return as is.

FIG. 24 shows data processing B (step 5408 in FIG. 22).
) is a flowchart showing the process. This process is a process for data transmitted from the copy data controller 20 as described above, and includes a processing mode answer signal, a communication mode answer signal, a setting mode answer signal, and an alarm transmission request signal. There is.

In steps 5440, 5442, 5444, and 5446 of FIG. 24, whether the received data is a processing mode answer signal, a communication mode answer signal, a setting mode answer signal, or an alarm transmission request signal, respectively. to judge. If the received data is a processing mode answer signal (step 5)
(Yes in step 440), and after setting the processing mode flag to "l" in step 5441, the process returns. Also, if the received data is a communication mode answer signal (Yes in step 5442)
, in step 5443, the communication mode flag is set to ``l''.
” and then returns.

Further, when the received data is a setting mode answer signal (Yes in step 5444), the setting mode flag is set to H1' in step 5445, and then the process returns. Furthermore, if the received data is an alarm transmission request signal (step 844
(Yes in step 5447), the alarm transmission flag is set to 11111 in step 5447, and then the process returns. On the other hand, if the received data is neither the answer signal nor the alarm request signal (step 5
N in 440.5442.5444 and 5446
o), return as is.

(5) Processing of the copy data controller 30 FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the copy data controller 30.

In FIG. 25, first, the copy data controller 3
0, the processing of the copy data controller 30 is started, and in step 5500, each circuit in the copy data controller 30 is initialized, and then in step 5501, the state of the copying machine IO is changed. (As mentioned above, turning on/off the power of the copying machine 10, copying, occurrence of a jam in the copying machine 10,
The copying machine 10 sends a signal indicating that a problem has occurred, the copied paper has been ejected, and the copying operation has been completed.
, and data related to the signal is stored in the RAM 103. Next, in steps 5502 to 5505, display processing and card reading/card processing, which will be described in detail later, are performed, respectively.
After performing the write processing, count processing, and communication processing, the process returns to step knob S501.゛Figure 26 shows display processing (Step 5502 in Figure 25)
It is a 70-chart showing.

Steps 5510.5512.5514.5 in FIG.
516, 5518, and 5520, respectively, whether the copier 10 is powered off, whether it is set to communication mode, whether it is set to setting mode, and whether the tally card is a card data input/output device. 22, whether a department card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22, and whether a magnetic card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22.

When the copier IO is powered off (step 5)
Yes at step 510), L at step 5511
After turning off the display on the ED display 25, the process returns to the main routine. When the communication mode is set (Yes in step 5512), step 551
3, outputs the data of "0NLINE" to the display buffer memory 24 and displays the data on the LED display 25, and then returns to the main routine. When the setting mode is set (Y in step 5514)
es) In step 5515, the data stored in the display buffer f memory 24 is displayed on the LED display 25, and then the process returns to the main routine. When the tally card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22 (Yes in step 5516), step 551
7, RAM1 in the copy data controller 20
After sequentially displaying the copy data stored in 03 on the LED display 25, the process returns to the main routine. When the department card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22 (Yes in step 5518)
In step 5519, the department code and the number of copies for the department are displayed on the LED display 25, and then the process returns to the main routine. Step 55 when the magnetic card is not inserted into the card data input/output device 22
20 (Yes), the data of "CARD" is displayed on the LED display 25 in step S'521, and then the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing card read/write processing (step 5503 in FIG. 25).

In steps 5530, 5532, 5534 and 5537 in FIG. 27, whether or not an insertion sensor (not shown) is turned on, which detects whether a magnetic card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22. mosquito,
Whether reading of the data stored in the magnetic card is completed, whether an eject switch (not shown) that commands ejection of the magnetic card is turned on, and
Check whether the eject flag is IIIN.

When the insertion sensor is on (Yes in step 5530), card insertion processing, which will be described in detail later, is performed in step 5531, and then the process returns to the main routine. When reading of data stored in the magnetic card is completed (Yes in step 5532)
), and after performing read completion processing, which will be described in detail later, in Step 7 5533, the process returns to the main routine. When the eject switch is on (step 5)
(Yes in step 534), and after performing eject processing, which will be described in detail later, in step 5536, the process returns to the main routine. When the eject flag is “1” (Yes in step 5537), step 55
After resetting the eject flag in step 35, eject processing is performed in step 5536, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, the eject flag is
o" (No in step 5537), in step 5538, the ejection of the magnetic card is completed by checking whether the insertion sensor is off or whether the ejection timer has counted a predetermined time. If the ejection of the magnetic card is not completed (N in step 5538).
o) Return to the main routine as it is; on the other hand, if ejection of the magnetic card has been completed (step 5538)
(Yes), in step 5539, a discharge completion process, which will be described in detail later, is performed, and then the process returns to the main routine.

Figure 28 shows the card insertion process (steer knob 55 in Figure 27).
31).

In step 5550 of FIG. 28, first, the transport motor 23 is rotated in the magnetic card insertion direction (CW rotation direction), and in step S551, the magnetic head in the card data input/output device 22 is set to read mode, and the magnetic card is inserted into the magnetic card. After reading the data stored in , the data is stored in RAMIO3, and in step 5552,
Starts a read timer that measures the time to read data stored in the magnetic card, and returns.

FIG. 29 shows the read completion process (step 553 in FIG. 27).
3) is a flowchart showing step 3).

After the conveyance motor 23 is turned off in step 5560 of FIG. 29, the data read from the magnetic card is analyzed in step 5561.

Next, in step 5562, it is checked whether or not there is an error in the read data, and if there is an error (No in step 5562), step 5566 is performed.
Returns after performing eject processing. On the other hand, if there is no error in the read data (step 55
In step 8563, it is checked whether the magnetic card is a department card, and if it is a department card (Yes in step 5563).
s) After permitting the copying machine IO to perform a copying operation in step 5564, the process returns.

On the other hand, if the magnetic card is not a department card (NO in step 5563), the process proceeds to step 5565 to prohibit the copying machine IO from copying, and then returns.

FIG. 30 shows the eject process (step 553 in FIG. 27).
6 and step 5566 of FIG. 29).

In step 5570 of FIG. 30, first, copying machine I
Copy operation is prohibited for O, and after rotating the transport motor 23 in the magnetic card ejection direction (CCW rotation direction) in step 5571, an eject timer that measures the ejection time of the magnetic card is started in step 5572. and return.

FIG. 31 shows the discharge completion process (step S53 in FIG. 27).
9) is a flowchart showing the process.

In step 5580 of FIG.
is turned off, and after clearing the data read from the magnetic card and stored in the RAM 103 in step 5581,
Return.

Figure 32 shows the counting process (step 5504 in Figure 25).
) is a flowchart showing the process.

Steps 5590, 5592, and 5594 in FIG.
In each step, it is checked whether one copy operation has been completed in the copying machine 10, whether a jam has occurred in the copying machine IO, and whether a trouble has occurred in the copying machine 10. If none of the conditions apply in each step, the process directly returns to the main routine.

When the copying operation for one sheet is completed in the copying machine IO (Yes in step 5590), step 55
At step 91, a copy counter corresponding to the department of the currently inserted department card and the size of the copy paper on which the copying operation was performed is incremented, and then the process returns to the main routine. Further, when a jam occurs in the copying machine 10 (Yes in step 5592),
s) After incrementing the jam counter corresponding to the location where the jam occurred in step 5593, the process returns to the main routine. Furthermore, when a trouble occurs in the copying machine 10, the trouble counter corresponding to the trouble point is incremented in step 5595, and an alarm transmission request signal is sent to the online controller 30 in step 5596, after which the process returns to the main routine. .

FIG. 33 is a 70-chart showing communication processing in the copy data controller 20 (step 5505 in FIG. 25).

At step 5600 in FIG. 33, it is first checked whether or not there is received data, and if there is no received data (No at step 5600), the process directly returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if there is received data (Yes in step 5600), step 5
In step 601, it is checked whether or not there is an error in the received data, and if there is an error (No in step 5601), necessary predetermined error processing is performed for the error in step 5603, and then the process returns to the main routine. do. On the other hand, if there is no error in the received data (Yes in step 5601), step 5
After performing command analysis processing, which will be described in detail later, in step 602, the process returns to the main routine.

Figures 34 (A) and (B) show command analysis processing (33rd
12 is a flowchart showing step S602) in the figure.

Steps 5610.561 in Figures 34(A) and (B)
2.5614.5615.5621,5624.562
The data received at 6.5628.5630.5632 and 5635 are mode confirmation signals,
Is it a cancel signal, processing mode request signal, communication mode request signal, setting mode request signal, serial number request signal, jam count request signal, trouble count request signal, departmental count request signal, count clear request signal, display data signal? Check whether or not. Here, if there is no signal in each step, the process returns directly.

When a mode confirmation signal is received (step 5610
(Yes), the current mode in the copy data controller 20 is checked in step 5611, and if it is in the processing mode, a processing mode answer signal is sent to the online controller 30 in step 5613.
After transmitting the data to the center control device 50 via
In step 5623, the communication mode answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, and then the process returns.If the mode is set, the setting mode answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in step 5623. After transmitting to the control device 50, the process returns.

When a cancel signal or a processing mode request signal is received (Yes in step 5612 or 5614)
In step 5613, a processing mode answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, and then the process returns.

When the communication mode request signal is received (step 56
15), it is checked in step 5616 whether or not the copying machine IO is copying, and if copying is in progress (Yes in step 5616), a processing mode answer signal is sent via the online controller 30 in step 5613. Returns after sending the data to the center control device 50. On the other hand, if copying is not in progress (No in step 5616), step 5
At 617 and 5618, it is checked whether a magnetic card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22 and whether a copy operation is permitted in the copying machine IO. Here, if a magnetic card is inserted and copy operation is permitted (step 561
7 and 5618), in order to eject the magnetic card, the eject flag is set to rrV in step 5619, and then the process proceeds to step 5620, where the communication mode answer signal is sent to the online controller 3.
0 to the center control device 50 and then returns. On the other hand, if the magnetic card is not inserted (No in step 5617) or if the copy operation is not permitted even if a magnetic card is inserted (Yes in step 5617 and step 56
18), the process directly advances to step 5620 and transmits the communication mode answer signal to the online controller 3.
0 to the center control device 50 and then returns.

When the setting mode request signal is received (step 56
21), in step 5622, for example, if the department card is not inserted or a jam or trouble occurs in the copier IO, the copier IO checks whether the copy operation is prohibited, and if the copy operation is prohibited. (N in step 5622)
o) Proceed to step 5613, transmit a processing mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, and then return. On the other hand, if the copy operation is prohibited (Yes in step 5622), a setting mode answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in step 5623, and then the process returns.

When the serial number request signal is received (step 5)
Yes in 624), Step 5625
The serial number and total number of copies of the copy data controller 20 are shown in FIG. 9 (7) (a).
(7) Return after transmitting to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in 7-order format.

When the jam count request signal is received (Yes in step 5626), in step 5627 the data on the number of jam occurrences for each location is stored as shown in FIG. 9(b).
After transmitting the data to the center control device 150 via the online controller 30 in the format shown in FIG.

When the trouble count request signal is received (Yes in step 5628), in step 5629, the data on the number of trouble occurrences for each location is stored as shown in FIG.
After transmitting to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in the format c), the process returns.

When the departmental count request signal is received (Yes in step 5630), in step 5631 the data on the number of copies by department and size is converted to the data shown in FIG.
After transmitting to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in the format of d), the process returns.

When the count clear request signal is received (Yes in step 5632), the data of the number of copies by department and size stored in the RAM 103 is cleared in step 5633, and then a clear answer signal is sent to the online controller 30. The process returns after being sent to the center control device 50 via.

When the display data signal is received (step 5635
(Yes), the received display data is stored in the display buffer memory 24 in step 5636, and then the process returns.

(6) Processing of the center control device 50 FIG. 35 is a 70-chart showing the main routine of the center control device 50.

In step 5700 of FIG. 35, first, initial settings are made for each circuit in the center control device 50, and then in step 5701, it is checked whether or not the modem 52 is connected to the center control device 50, and the modem 5
If the modem 2 is not connected (No in step 5701), the process proceeds to step 5704; on the other hand, if the modem 52 is connected (No in step 5701), the process proceeds to step 5704.
s) In step 5702, it is checked whether the modem 52 has been initialized. Here, modem 5
If the modem 2 has been initialized (Yes in step 5702), the process proceeds to step 5704; on the other hand, if it has not been initialized (No in step 5702), the modem 52 is initialized in step 5703, and then the process proceeds to step 5704. Proceed to.

In step 5704, the real-time clock 304
The current time is read from , and in step 5705 it is checked whether the current time is the deadline time for aggregating the copy data set in advance using the personal computer 60. If it is not the deadline time (No in step 5705), the process advances to step 5707; on the other hand, if it is the deadline time (step 5705)
(Yes) In step 5706, a deadline process, which will be described in detail later, is performed, and then the process proceeds to Stella 7'S 707.

In step 5707, online controller 3
There are 0 incoming calls, it is checked whether the line is connected to the online controller 30, and if the line is connected (Y e's in step 5707).
) After performing data reception processing, which will be described in detail later, in step 5708, the process returns to step 5701. On the other hand, if the line is not connected (No in step 5707), the process returns to step 5701.
) Return to step 5701.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing the deadline processing (step 5706 in FIG. 35). The center control device 50 is
The copy data stored in the file device 61 is managed for each copying machine 10 by dividing it into the following three types of data.

(a) Post-deadline data: This is the total data of the above-mentioned copy data sent from the copy data controller 20 after the center control device 50 has performed the deadline process.

(b) Deadline data: This is the total data of the above-mentioned copy data sent from the copy data controller 20 from the deadline time to the next deadline time.

(c) Accumulated data: cumulative data of the past copy data, which is updated by adding the previous deadline data to the accumulated data in the deadline processing.

In step 5720 of FIG. 36, the previous deadline data is added to the cumulative data, and then, in step 5721, the post-deadline data is transferred to the deadline data, and finally, in step 5722, the post-deadline data is cleared,
Return to main routine.

FIG. 37 shows data reception processing (step 570 in FIG. 35).
8) is a flowchart showing step 8).

In step 5730 of FIG. 37, first, a time request signal is sent to the online controller 30, and when time data is received from the online controller 30, the process proceeds to step 5731, and a mode confirmation signal is sent to the online controller 30. After that, a communication mode answer signal is received from the online controller 30. Next, in step 5732, a serial number request signal is transmitted to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30, and when the data of the serial number is received, in step 5733, the received serial number is sent to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30. By checking whether it is a serial number, it is checked whether the copy data has been received from all the copy data controllers 20 connected to the online controller 30.

When the copy data is received from all the copy data controllers 20 connected to the online controller 30 (Y in step 5733),
e s) Proceed to step 5739; on the other hand, if the copy data has not been received from all the copy data controllers 20 (No in step 5733), proceed to step 5734.

In steps 5734, 5735, and 5736, a jam count request signal, a trouble count request signal, and a departmental count request signal are sent to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30, and data corresponding to each request signal is received. After that, in step 5737, a clear request signal is sent to the copy data controller 20 via the online controller 30.
RAM1 in the copy data controller 20
Clear all the above copy data stored in 03. Next, in step 5738, a line switching request signal is sent to the online controller 30,
After switching the online controller 30 to the copy data controller 20 of the next channel, the process returns to step 5731.

After transmitting the line release request signal to the online controller 30 in step 5739, step 57
At step 40, the modem 52 is caused to perform a line disconnection process with the online controller 30. Next, in step 5741, the received copy data is added to the post-deadline data to update the post-deadline data, and then the process returns to the main routine.

In the above embodiment, the exchange 3 installed by a telecommunications carrier is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and an exchange such as a private branch exchange installed by a user may also be used.

In the above embodiments, the telephone lines 4a, 4b.

4c is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of communication lines such as digital lines other than telephone lines may be used.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 34(A), when a magnetic card is inserted and the copy operation is permitted (Yes in steps 5617 and 5618),
In order to eject the magnetic card, in step 5619 the eject flag is set to ``B'', and then the process proceeds to step 5620, where a communication mode answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30.
However, the process is not limited to this, and the process in step 5620 is performed without ejecting the magnetic card.
It may be configured to proceed to

[Effects of the Invention] As detailed above, according to the present invention, data regarding the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information for the copying machine is collected via a communication line, and data regarding a plurality of copying machines is centrally collected. In a copy data management system including a terminal device that transmits data to a management device, the terminal device centrally manages the data when it is detected that the communication line is free and data communication is permitted. Since a transmitting means for transmitting data to the device is provided, the decision to transmit the data from the terminal device to the central management device is made by the terminal device itself, not by the central management device, and when the communication line is free, And when it is detected that data communication is permitted, the data is transmitted to the central management device.

Therefore, there is an advantage that it is possible to prevent communication lines from being unnecessarily occupied.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 is a block diagram of a copy data management system that is an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a copy data controller in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an online controller in FIG. 1; Figure 4 (A) is a front view of the maintenance switch and monitor LED in Figure 3, Figure 4 (B) is a diagram showing how to operate the maintenance switch in Figure 4 (A) and the display of the switch; 5 is a block diagram of the center control device of FIG. 1; FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are communication sequence diagrams showing communication procedures during normal processing in the copy data management system of FIG. 1; 7 and 8 are communication sequence diagrams showing the communication procedure at the time of abnormality processing in the copy data management system of FIG. 1, and FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the format of communication data in the copy data management system of FIG. 10(A) and 10(B) are flowcharts showing the main routine of the online controller in FIG. 1, FIGS. 11 to 24 are flowcharts showing the subroutines of the online controller in FIG. 1, and FIG. 70-chart showing the main routine of the copy data controller in FIG. 1, FIGS. 26 to 33, and FIG.
4(A) and 34(B) are flowcharts showing the subroutine of the copy data controller in FIG. 1, FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing the main routine of the center control device in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 36 and 37. This figure is a flowchart showing a subroutine of the center control device of FIG. 1. l...terminal system, 2...center system, 3
...Exchange, 4a, 4b, 4c...Telephone line, 10
．． 10a to 10d - Copy machine, 20. 20a to 20d... Copy data controller, 21, 31
Party A microcomputer, 22... Card data input/output device, 23... Conveyance motor, 30. 30a, 30b... Online controller,
33.52...Modulator/demodulator (modem), 40.40a
, 40b--Telephone, 50--Center control device, 60--Personal computer, 70--CRT display device, 203--RAM. 204...Real time clock. Patent applicant: Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney: 1 person, Ao-Haku and Ao-Haka Figure 4 (B) ・・・・・・・・・O○ l'1st line Figure 6 (A) Figure 6 (C) Figure 7 Futator Controller Online Controller Z/Ter sI+mH1 Figure 12 Figure 15 Old Figure Figure 19 Figure 2o Figure 21 Figure 25
Yes 281g Fig. 29 Fig. 30rgJ Fig. 31 Fig. 32
rl! J Figure 33 Zero 36 Go

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) A copy data management system equipped with a terminal device that transmits data on the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information on the copying machine via a communication line to a central management device that collects data regarding a plurality of the copying machines. In the above, the terminal device is characterized in that it is equipped with a transmitting means for transmitting the data to the central management device when it is detected that the communication line is free and data communication is permitted. Copy data management system. (2) A copy data management system equipped with a terminal device that transmits data on the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information on the copying machine via a communication line to a central management device that collects data regarding a plurality of the copying machines. In the terminal device, the terminal device comprises: a clock means for counting the current date and time; a storage means for storing a preset transmission date and time; and transmitting means for transmitting the data to the central management device when it is detected that the communication line is free and data communication is permitted. management system. (3) The copy data management system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the time when the data communication is permitted is when the copying machine is not copying.