JPH03292041A - Management equipment for copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To attain ease of connection by using a random number so as to set a redial time when the connection to a central management equipment is not implemented and the priority of call to a center is low. CONSTITUTION:When a center side MODEM 72 is discriminated to be busy as a result of transmission of a selection signal from a MODEM 52 to a communication line network, redial time processing is executed and an off-hook signal and a selection signal are detected again at a time set by the processing. An optional even number time within 20min from the current time is set as a succeeding call time base on a random number on the condition that a redial count is (b) or below when the redial time processing is not in the emergency mode.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device that transmits copying machine management data to a central management device on the center side.

[Conventional technology]

(1) l! A method has been proposed in which management data for JE number of copying machines is sent to a single central processing unit and processed in batches by the processing unit (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-54032). (2) A device has been proposed that manages multiple copying machines by transmitting the management data of each copying machine to a single central control device via each terminal device and processing it in the control device. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522). (3) In a device equivalent to the above, a system was proposed in which communication between a central control device and a terminal device is carried out via a communication line network (public telephone line). has been done.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a system where the management data of multiple copiers is centrally managed by transmitting the management data from each terminal device to the management device at the center side via a communication line network (public telephone line), the terminal device and the management device at the center side There may be cases where it is not possible to connect to the For example, duplicate calls from multiple terminal devices occur,
This may be the case when line connection cannot be maintained, or when some kind of malfunction has occurred in the management device on the center side. In such cases, it is generally desirable to redial after a predetermined period of time. However, the terminal device and the line are often used as a general-purpose communication terminal device such as a telephone, facsimile IJ device, etc. and a line. In this case, it is not preferable to repeat the redial process excessively due to circumstances on the center side, as this will restrict the user's use of the telephone or the like. The present invention aims to solve the above problems.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention is a device that solves the above-mentioned problems by making the redial time different for each terminal device in consideration of the priority of calling, or by prohibiting excessive redialing. That is, the first invention includes an interface means for communication with a modem of a communication terminal, and a signal for calling the communication terminal on the center side, to be sent from the communication terminal on the copying machine side to the communication line network. If the call control means that sends a call command signal to the interface means is not connected to the central management device under predetermined conditions, and if the priority of the predetermined conditions is low, a random number and redial control means for transmitting the call command signal again at the redial time, and transmits copying machine management data to a centralized control device at the center. This is a copying machine management device. Further, the second invention is a copying machine management device that calls a central management device at a center and transmits data for managing the copying machine, and when a connection with the central management device is not established,
redial control means for transmitting the paging command signal again; and when the number of retransmissions of the paging command signal exceeds a predetermined number of times, prohibiting retransmission of the cough paging command signal on the same day;
The apparatus includes redial number management means for permitting retransmission of the calling command signal. Further, the third invention is a copying machine management device that calls a central management device at a center and transmits data for managing the copying machine, and when a connection with the central management device is not established,
redial control means for transmitting the paging command signal again; redial number management means for setting the permitted number of retransmissions of the paging command signal according to the priority of the predetermined condition; The apparatus includes redial prohibition means for prohibiting retransmission of the call command signal when the number of times permitted exceeds the permitted number of times. In the above, the communication terminal is a telephone, a facsimile machine, etc. Further, the predetermined condition is a condition under which a call is requested for the purpose of managing the copying machine. For example, the information includes data on the occurrence of trouble, occurrence of JAM, number of copies per copy, and control parameters for various parts. Furthermore, the priority is determined depending on whether or not a prompt response is required from the administrator side.

[Effect]

In the first aspect of the present invention, when the priority is low, redialing is performed at a time selected by a random number from among the time slots. That is, even if calls from multiple copying machines occur simultaneously, the redial times are set to different times. Therefore, duplication of calls at the time of requisition is likely to be avoided. Furthermore, in the second aspect of the present invention, if the number of redials becomes excessively large, redialing on that day is prohibited, and redialing is performed again the next day. In other words, it is possible to avoid a situation in which a 21' telephone or the like is occupied excessively. Further, in the third aspect of the present invention, the number of times redial is aborted is set depending on the priority of the predetermined condition. Therefore, it is possible to respond flexibly to calls that require emergency response.

[Example] The present invention will be explained in detail below. [1] System configuration First, the configuration of the system consisting of a "copy machine, DT (data terminal) network (public telephone line), and center" will be explained. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the above system,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the circuit configuration of the system. As shown in the figure, this system is comprised of a device on the user side, a device on the center side that is the administrator, and a network that connects these devices. On the user side, there is a copy machine 4 and a DT (data terminal).
1, a modem 52 as a communication terminal device, and a telephone 53 as a normal communication device are installed. On the other hand, on the center side, which is the administrator, there is a modem 72 as a communication terminal device, a telephone 73 as a normal communication device,
and a computer 90 (main unit, display 92, keyboard 93, printer 94) are installed. The DTI is a device that takes in various information from the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing, and sends it to the computer 90 on the center side. On the other hand, on the center side, data for copying machine management is created based on the transmitted data, and necessary actions are taken.Each device will be described below. This is a device that forms an image on paper.The copying machine 4 uses various element data that affect the image forming process (paper transport time 1 g, surface potential of the photo drum, toner concentration in the developer, photoreceptor drum exposure amount, etc.). , developing bias voltage, toner adhesion amount on the photoreceptor drum, grid voltage of the charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and after being input to the CPU 41 and processed, the serial I/F'43 Via F13,
Send to CPUII of DTl. Note that the various element data described above will be abstractly expressed as element data Xi (i=i to the number of items of element data) in the explanation of the flowcharts to be described later. The copying machine 4 also has counters (total counter indicating the number of paper ejections,
Counter by paper size that shows the number of sheets used by paper size)
, a counter that serves as a guideline for maintenance (J on the side
Count the respective count values of the JAM counter for each location indicating the number of AMs, the trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles at the location, and the PM counter for each component indicating the number of times each component has been used. It is transmitted to the DTI CPU 11 via the I/F 12. Note that the PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times each component is used, and is used as a guide for when to replace the component. The copying machine 4 also has various key switches (?1) on the operation panel (Fig. 4) for instructing the start of copying operation.
(PR) key 46. Numeric keypad group 471 for numerical input, clear key 48 for instructing clearing of manual data, etc.)
, performs predetermined operation/mode settings, etc. based on signals from various switches other than the operation panel (such as the trouble reset switch 49 for commanding trouble reset),
In addition, if necessary, the corresponding signals can be transferred to the serial I/F
42・DTI CPU via serial I/F 12
Send to II. Note that the transmitted data also includes numerical data displayed on the display section 45. <DTI> Incorporates the data from the copying machine 4, starts the modem 52 under the predetermined conditions (conditions for setting the outgoing flag to "l": see the explanation section of the flowchart for details), and establishes a line with the center side. and transfer the copying machine management data (the element data, count data, etc.) to the center's CP.
This is a device that sends information to U91. The control CPU II of the DTI includes a ROM 14 storing a control program, a nonvolatile memory 16 for storing number data (described later), a battery-backed work system RAM 15, and a clock IC 17 that is also battery-backed. It is connected. As mentioned above, the CPU 11 transfers data from the copying machine 4 to the serial I/F 12 or the serial 1/F 13.
It takes in more information and executes predetermined processing. The CPU II also performs predetermined operation/mode settings, etc. in response to inputs from the operation switches. These processes will be described in the section explaining the flowchart. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the paper ejection code, JAM code, and trouble code, which are data input via the serial I/F 12. The paper ejection code is represented by the falling edge of bit b0. , JAM code is bit b1”1.k)s
=0. Also, the trouble code is bit bq
=1. k) Represented by s = 1. In addition, as the above-mentioned operation switches, four dip switches DIP-3W1 to DIP-3 are used as shown in FIG.
W4 and a bushing switch 21 are installed. DIP-SW4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, the DIP-3Wl has the center selection number (telephone number) input mode, and the DIP-3W2 has the DTI input mode.
The identification ID number (DTID) input mode is set to DIP.
-3W3 is the ID number for center identification (center ID
) These are switches for setting the respective input modes. In addition, the bushing switch 21 is configured to transmit the initial setting <'
This is a switch for issuing commands such as s8 (see figure 5145). On the other hand, CPU II has communication I/F (R3232CI/
F) Communication of modem 52 via 18 1,/F(R3
232CI/F) 51. That is, by instructing the modem 52 to exit the off-hook signal and center selection signal via these devices, the line with the center side modem 72 is connected, and communication with the center computer 90 can be performed. It is composed of Note that the content of the data (data for managing the copying machine 4) sent from the DTI to the center side is determined by the type of transmission flag set to 11'', as will be explained in detail later. <Center> Communication It is a computer device configured to be connected to a large number of DTs via a line network, and is a device for centrally managing copying machines corresponding to the large number of DTs. That is, from the DT side, Data (the above element data, count data, etc. ), management data indicating the status of the copier connected to the DT is created, a bill is printed out based on the management data, and the service is A decision is made as to whether or not to dispatch personnel, and furthermore, a selection of parts, etc. to be prepared at the time of dispatch is made.Furthermore, after receiving the data from the DT side, the CPU 91
From there, data is transmitted to the DT side. Details will be described later in the section explaining the flowchart. [2] System control Next, copy machine, DT, (communication line @ network), center.
The control of the system will be explained below. Processing in the Copying Machine> First, the processing in the control CPU 41 of the copying machine will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. For example, the CPU 41 starts processing by turning on the power, performs initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode (S41), and then performs steps S43 to S349.
Execute the process. Step 343 is a group of key switches on the operation/ζ channel 40 (numeric keypad group 47 for numerical input, printer for copy start command) (PR,) 46, clear key 48 for command to clear the set number, etc. ), trouble reset switch 4
Receiving input signals from the switch group 1 such as 9 and the sensor group (not shown) disposed within the copying machine is a process. Further, step S47 is a step that collectively shows processes necessary for copying operations, etc., such as paper feed control, scanning control, photosensitive drum control, and developing device control. On the other hand, if a JAM or other trouble occurs (
S49: YES), and transmits a signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred to the control CPU 11 of the DT (S49: YES).
51). Further, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by the operator Go (S53; YES)
,,, Same as itself, 1 sends a trouble reset signal to the control CPU II of the DT (S55). Processing at Data Terminal> Next, processing at the control CPUXI of the DT will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 14. (a) Main Routine First, based on the main routine of FIG. 7, the 5° control CP tJ 1 starts processing when the power is turned on, and initialization processing (S13) is performed based on the main routine of FIG. ), a copy permission signal is transmitted to the control amount CPU 41 of the copying machine (915). Then step 31
7-331 repeat loop processing is performed. In each subroutine step, the following processing is roughly executed. *Initial setting: 313 When turning on the power, the dip switch, [) IP,
This is executed when SW4 is on, that is, when it is in the initial setting mode (Sl l :YES). As described later, set the center selection number (telephone number), DT IC number (DTID), center ID number (center ID), and make the initial setting call. *Receive count data: S17 Copy machine Processes various count data sent from the control CPU 41. Data contents include discharge code, J, AM/trouble code, JAM/trouble counter, paper size counter,
This is a PM counter. The control CPU II of the DT updates and holds these data to the latest values. *Element data reception/data processing: 519 As will be described later, data corresponding to the average value and standard deviation of each element data is sequentially calculated and updated to the latest value. *Trouble transmission determination: S21 As described later, it is determined whether or not trouble data and trouble recovery data should be transmitted to the center. * Scheduled transmission determination: 823 At a predetermined scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to l, and various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. After the scheduled transmission is completed, the center sends back the next scheduled transmission time data, current time data, and bill cutoff date data. *Warning generation determination: 325 As described later, the element data, the count value of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are each compared with a predetermined threshold value. Also, based on the results, it is determined whether warning data and warning recovery data should be sent to the center. *Manual transmission determination: S27 When the bushine switch 21 is turned on when the mode is not the initial setting mode, the manual transmission flag is set to 1. As a result, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. *PM transmission determination: 829 As described later, the count value before clearing of the PM counter whose count value was cleared to 0'' by parts replacement is
Send it to the center. *Pear-shaped processing: 831 As will be described later, when any call flag is set, a Wj connection of the line with the center is commanded, and after connection, data communication is executed. (b) Subroutine Next, the details of the subroutine steps are shown in Figures 8 to 14.
This will be explained based on the diagram. *Initial setting process (Fig. 8) This process is performed when the dip switch D is turned on when the power is turned on.
When IP-SW4 is turned on (S11; Y
ES), and the selection number of the center,
After receiving the initial settings of the data terminal ID number (DTID) and the center ID number (center ID), the initial setting call is made. First, the memory 15 is initialized (3101) and waits for the dip switches DIP-SW1 to DIP-SW3 to be turned on. When DIP-3WI is turned on (SLll; YES),
The mode will be for inputting the selected number (telephone number). That is, input is made using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine, and the first
The numerical value displayed in the digit is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as the center selection number data in response to the input of the print key 46 (S113; YES) (S115). f
JO, the selection number input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3Wl (51.17). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-8W2 (S121
; YES), the DTID input mode is set, and the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as DTMD data in response to the input of the print key 46 (S123.YES). be done (5125),
Further, the DTID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3W2 (S127>. Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-SW3 (Sl 31
; YES), the center ID input mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is pressed manually (S133; YES>
, the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as center ID data (S135). In addition, the center ID input mode is D
It is canceled by turning off IP-3W3 (S137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (S
141 ; YES), the bushing switch 21 is enabled, and by turning on the bushing switch 21, (S 1
43; YES), an initial setting call is made to the center (S145). That is, the center is called via the communication line network, and the above two types of ID data are transmitted to the center's CPU 91. Also, when the transmission is completed, the center' (DCPU91
Receives the data sent from (count data deadline, first scheduled transmission time, current time, warning judgment threshold). Also, when the above transmission and reception is completed, it is determined whether the communication was performed normally ( 3147). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S147; N
O), return to step 5ill and press the button switch 21.
Wait for the switch to turn on again. On the other hand, if the process is performed normally (S147.YES), the process returns to the main routine and processes from step 515 onwards are executed. Reception of Element Data, etc. (FIG. 9) In this subroutine process, data for comparison with a threshold value (warning determination; see FIG. 11) is calculated based on the element data transmitted from the copying machine. First, the element data group XI, J transmitted from the copying machine each time copy paper is ejected is imported from the serial I/F 13 (5201).Here, the subscript 1 represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript j represents the order in each item.Next, after assigning the initial value 1 to the item number l (S203>
, for each item, maximum value x0□, minimum value XI) 111
1% and the sum Xlk are updated sequentially (3205 to S2
1? ). After that, the subscript J is incremented (S219), and J
If is less than 4, return to the main routine. In this way, steps 8201 to 5217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES).
, after resetting the subscript j to 1 (S223), assign the initial value 1 to the item number i (5225), and calculate the difference Rik between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average value Xlk of the four data for each item. , respectively calculate (3227 to 323
3). Note that step 5229 is the next step 82.
This is a step of providing initial values of the maximum value X1ll□ and the minimum value XIXIN in preparation for the processing from 05 to 5211. After the processing in steps 5227 to 5233 above, step 823
7 to 5245 or steps 5247 to 326'3 are executed. Steps 8237 to 5245 are the steps 5227 to 523 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of the processes in step 3 has not reached 33 times, and the difference R between the maximum value and minimum value for each item is
This is a step of calculating the sum Ris[IM of 1k and the sum XiSIIM of the average value Xlk of the four pieces of data for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 5247-9263 are
This is a process when the cumulative total of 5233 processes is 33 or more, and for each item, the above difference R1k) sum RisLI
In this step, M and the sum of the average values Xtv and X isUM are calculated for the latest 32 data, and the respective average values n and corrections are calculated. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value of the latest 128 (=4×32) pieces of data and the average value of deviation (value corresponding to standard deviation) R1 are obtained. *Trouble call determination (Figure 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble call and trouble recovery call. That is, in the state of "trouble flag = 0"(S301;
YES), when a trouble code from the copying machine is detected (S303; YES), the trouble flag and the trouble call flag are set to "1" (S3
05). Also, in the state of “trouble flag = 1” (3301; N
O>, when the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (5
307; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "0", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (S309). This is because paper ejection in a copying machine is an operation that is performed after a trouble has been resolved. Note that the current collection process (13th I!l) is executed by setting the trouble transmission flag and the trouble recovery transmission flag, and the trouble data and trouble recovery data are respectively transmitted to the center. *Warning transmission determination (Fig. 11) In this process, warning transmission, etc. are managed. Steps 5401 to 5427 are processes for issuing a warning when the value of the element data deviates from a unique permissible range, and issuing a warning recovery when the value returns to within the permissible range. First, an initial value "1" is set to the item number l indicating the type of element data (S401). Next, in step 5411, a warning flag for the target element data (first element data for the first time) is determined. The result 1. If the warning flag for the element data is "0"(S411;YES>, check whether the m element data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data, in other words, the upper limit dark value, It is determined whether it is within the range below and the lower limit threshold L or more, and if it is outside the above allowable range (S413; Y, ES
, or 5415; YES), the warning flag F1 and the warning transmission flag for the element data are each set to "1" (S417). As a result, the current collection process (FIG. 13) is executed, and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, in step 5411, if the warning flag of the target element data is "1"(S411;No>
, the value of the element data returns to within the above tolerance range,
It is determined whether or not it has been completed, and if it has returned (S421; Y
ES and 5423; YES), the warning flag F+ for l element data is reset to 0'', and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to 1''. As a result, current collection processing (%! Figure 13) is executed and warning recovery data is sent to the center. After performing this process until l reaches the number of element data items, in other words, after performing this process for all element data, the process moves to step 5431 and subsequent steps. Steps 5431 to 5445 are the JAM counter and P
This is the process of 1. T. in which a warning is issued when the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds a unique threshold, and a warning recovery is issued when the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds a specific threshold. and the initial value "1 (value of the last number of element data + 1)" is set for each item number m1 indicating the type of PM counter (S431).Next, in step 5433, the target JAM counter or PM counter is set. As a result, if the warning flag for the JAM counter or PM counter is 0'' (8433: YES)
, it is determined whether the value of the counter is within the permissible range specific to the counter, that is, it does not exceed the threshold value, and if it is exceeded (S435; YES), a warning flag is set for the counter. F and the warning transmission flag are set to °l' (3437). As a result, the current collection process (FIG. 13) is executed and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, in step 5433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or PM counter is "1"(343:3; No), check whether the value of the counter has returned to below the threshold value. If the judgment is made and the return is made (S4
41; YES), the warning flag F for the counter is reset to ``O'', and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to ``1''. As a result, current collection processing (13th
) is executed and alert recovery data is sent to the center. After performing this process until m reaches the total number of items of counter and element data, in other words, after performing this process for all counters, the process returns to the main routine. Warning (i') and warning recovery transmission are managed in the following manner. *PM transmission determination <Figure 12> In this process, PM transmission is managed. First, the type of 2M counter is shown. Initial value "" for item number i
1” (5501), steps 5503 to 55
After executing the process No. 11, the value of l is incremented, that is, the type of the 2M counter is changed, and the above process is repeated. Here, the processing of steps 5503 to 5511 above is performed when the 2M counter is cleared (3505; YES and 5
507 ; YES), saves the count value of the cough PM counter immediately before clearing (S509), and sets the PM transmission flag to "1"(S511> process.
The M counter is cleared by a service person when replacing the part corresponding to the 2M counter. Also, when the “PM transmission flag = l” is set, the current collection process (
13) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part, count value immediately before replacement) is transmitted to the center. Honnashi type processing (Figure 13) In this process, the center is called in response to any call flag = 1'', and data corresponding to the cough call flag is transmitted. That is, if any call flag is When set to “1” (
S 601 ; YES), not on standby for redial (5603; No), line with the center not connected (3605; No), not on standby after command to send off-footer signal and selection signal (S607; No)
Under these conditions, the modem 52 is instructed to send an off-footer signal and a selection signal (5609). Furthermore, as a result of the process in 5609 above, if the telephone 53 is "busy" and therefore cannot send an off-hook signal and selection signal (5611; YES), the process in 5609 above is executed again after a certain period of time. (S 6
13). As a result, the determination in step 5603 becomes "YES" until the redial time, and therefore,
The process of 5609 above is not executed. In addition, when the above redial time comes, 5603;N○→5605;N○→
3607; N◯→5609, the modem 52 is again instructed to send an off-footer signal and a selection signal. In addition, as a result of the selection signal being sent from the modem 52 to the communication line network in accordance with the process in step 5609, the modem 72 on the center side is displayed as "busy" (even though the connection with the modem 72 is established,
(including the case where there is no response from the PU 91), if it is found that it is (S615; YES), the redial time processing (Fig. 14) is executed (3617), and the redial time is set again at the time set in the l processing. , executes the process in step 5609 above. Regarding redial time processing (5617),
This will be explained later. On the other hand, as a result of the selection signal being sent from the modem 52 to the communication line network in accordance with the process in step 5609, when the line with the center side modem 72 is connected (S605, YES)
, after waiting for modem 52 to be ready (S621; Y
ES), send data to the center (36
25>. The data to be transmitted is the data defined by the origination flag set to "1". In this way, when all data is transmitted (S623; Y
ES), the transmission flag is reset to "0" (S627), and the line with the center modem 72 is disconnected (S629). The current collection process is performed as described above, data is transmitted to the center, and data is received from the center as necessary. *Redial time processing (FIG. 14) This processing is for setting the re-calling (redial) time when the DT cannot be connected to the center due to circumstances on the center side. First, a counter for counting the number of redials (redial counter) is counted up (S651).
The counter is cleared after connection with the center. Next, it is determined whether the current call is in emergency mode (in the case of trouble call), and if it is in emergency mode (S653; YES), the redial counter value is a.
(= about 10-20 times) or less (S
655; YES), sets the time one minute from now as the next call (redial) time (S657)
. That is, in the case of emergency mode, the center is called every minute until the number of redials exceeds a times. Note that if the number of redials in the emergency mode exceeds a times (S655; No), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the redial time (S659). This is to avoid monopolizing the user's phone when it is not possible to connect to the center despite making a number of calls (this is assumed due to abnormal line congestion, center combination, and evening outage, etc.). On the other hand, if it is determined in 5653 that the mode is not in emergency mode (S653; No), that is, if the call was made due to a cause other than a trouble call, the condition is that the redial counter value is less than or equal to b times (3661 ;YES),
Set an arbitrary even minute time within 20 minutes from the current time as the next call (redial) time using a random number (S 6
63). That is, one redial is performed within 20 minutes. This is possible by scattering the redial times of each DT when center calls are being made from many DTs.
This is to increase the possibility of connecting to the center during the first redial. Note that if the number of redials in the non-emergency mode exceeds b times (3661; No), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the redial time (S665). This is to avoid monopolizing the user's phone in the event that the connection to the center cannot be made despite making b number of calls (possibly due to abnormal line congestion, center computer stoppage, etc.). The redial time is set as described above. Processing at the center> Next, the C
The processing in the PU 91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. (a) Fl ~F? F2 key operation (Figure 15) The CPU 91 starts processing when the power is turned on, and first executes environment settings for the modem, printer, etc. (361). Thereafter, the following mode is set or the following process is executed in accordance with the manual operation of each of the keys F1 to F7. - F1 key operation (S63: YES) Sets the reception mode for model registration (S65). That is, the model name, the number of element data items, the name of each element data, the standard threshold value of each element data, and the mark of each counter 116! Accepts new registrations of values, etc.・F2 key operation (S67, YES) General setting of user mask registration reception mode (S69)
. That is, new registrations such as user name, address, telephone number, 81 type name 1 machine number, scheduled call date and time, etc. are accepted. Also, DT
Set ID automatically.・F3 key operation (371; YES> Displays the trouble status (373). In other words, the user information (user name, address, phone number, 1 model name) of the copier that caused the trouble, the date and time of occurrence, etc., and the trouble details The number of troubles is displayed on the display 92. Regardless of the F3 key operation, the number of troubles is always displayed in the corner of the display 92. - F4 key operation (375; YES) Displays the warning status (S77) That is, the user information of the copying machine for which a warning has been issued is displayed together with the content of the warning on the display 92.The number of warnings is always displayed in the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F4 key.・F5 key operation (S79; YES) Displays the non-reception status (S81).In other words, the user information of the copying machine that does not make a scheduled call even after the predetermined scheduled call time is displayed on the display 92. , the number of unreceived items is always displayed in the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F4 key. - Operation of the F6 key (S83: YES) enters the user data display mode (S85). That is, the user When you select , user information is displayed on the display 92. Also, when you select a submenu, the count values of various counters (total counter, paper size counter, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) of the user copying machine are displayed. And display the element data by month or by item. - F7 thousand - operation (387; YES) Print out the bill (389). For example, the count value of the trouble counter and the predetermined calculation formula Based on this, the billed amount is calculated, and the printer 94 is activated to print it out. (b) Interruption processing (Figs. 16 and 17) The CPU 91
Receive data sent from DT by interrupt processing,
Further, predetermined processing is performed on the received data (S91).
. First, when an interrupt occurs from the DT side, the DT ID and transmission data are received (S901). In addition, if a communication error occurs, <5903;Y
ES) requests the DT side to retransmit the DTID and transmission data (S905). Also, if the communication ends normally (3907; YES),
After the line is disconnected (S909), data for each item and month is compiled, and data for screen display according to operator selection is created (3911).

【Effect of the invention】

The first invention is a copying machine management device that sets a redial time using a random number when no connection is made to the central management device and when the priority of calling the center is low. According to the first invention, since the redial times of each copying machine are scattered by random numbers, it is easy to connect the copying machines. The second invention is a copying machine management device that prohibits redialing on that day when the number of redialing exceeds a predetermined number, and redials again the next day. According to the second invention, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the user's telephone or the like is occupied excessively. A third invention is a copying machine management device that limits the number of redial permissions according to the priority of a center call. According to the third invention, when an emergency response is requested, multiple redials can be expected, so the response can be flexibly handled.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system in which the embodiment device is used, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the system, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation switch of the embodiment device, and FIG.
The figure is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine to which the embodiment device is connected. FIG. J5 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of data transmitted from the copying machine to the embodiment apparatus, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing by the control CPU of the copying machine. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing the processing by the control CPU of the embodiment device, in which FIG. 7 is the main routine, FIG. 8 is the initial setting processing subroutine, and FIG. 9 is the element data reception/data processing subroutine. , FIG. 10 shows a trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 11 shows a warning call determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows a PM call determination subroutine, FIG. 13 shows a pear-shaped processing subroutine, and FIG. 14 shows a redial time processing subroutine. 15 to 17 are flowcharts showing the processing in the control CPU of the center computer connected to the embodiment device via the communication line network.
The diagram shows the main parts of the main routine, 16th...Data terminal (DT), 4th...Copy 90... Center Humpiny.
Data 11... DT CPU, 41... Copy machine CPU, 91
...Centre CPU. DIP-3WI~DIP-SW4...Dip switch, 21...Bush switch. 53...DT side telephone, 73...Center side telephone

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) While connected to the copying machine, the central control device of the control center is called via the network, and the central control device
A copying machine management device that transmits data for managing the copying machine, and includes an interface means for communication with a modem of a communication terminal, and a signal for calling a communication terminal on the center side connected to the central control device. , a paging control means for transmitting a paging command signal to the interface means under predetermined conditions in order to transmit the paging command signal from the communication terminal on the copying machine side to the network; a redial time setting means for determining the priority of the predetermined condition when the connection with the device is not established, and setting a redial time using a random number from a predetermined time slot if the priority is low; A copying machine management device comprising: redial control means for transmitting the call command signal again at a certain time. (2) While connected to the copying machine, the central control device of the control center is called via the network, and the central control device
A copying machine management device that transmits data for managing the copying machine, and includes an interface means for communication with a modem of a communication terminal, and a signal for calling a communication terminal on the center side connected to the central control device. , a paging control means for transmitting a paging command signal to the interface means under predetermined conditions in order to transmit the paging command signal from the communication terminal on the copying machine side to the network; If the connection with the device is not established, the redial control means sends out the calling command signal again, and if the number of times the calling command signal is retransmitted exceeds a predetermined number of times, the redialing control means retransmits the calling command signal on the same day. A copying machine management device comprising: redial number management means for prohibiting the call command signal from being sent out and permitting re-sending of the call command signal the next day. (3) While connected to the copying machine, the central control device of the control center is called via the network, and the central control device
A copying machine management device that transmits data for managing the copying machine, and includes an interface means for communication with a modem of a communication terminal, and a signal for calling a communication terminal on the center side connected to the central control device. , a paging control means for transmitting a paging command signal to the interface means under predetermined conditions in order to transmit the paging command signal from the communication terminal on the copying machine side to the network; redial control means for transmitting the paging command signal again if the connection with the device is not established; and redial frequency management for setting the permitted number of retransmissions of the paging command signal according to the priority of the predetermined condition. A copying machine management device comprising: redial inhibiting means for prohibiting retransmission of the paging command signal when the number of retransmissions of the paging command signal exceeds a permitted number of times.