JPH03292046A - Remote management equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow a central management means to surely collect information of a routine call time by comparing a backed-up current time with the routine call time at reapplication of power after interruption of power, reading the information to be called from a storage means when the current time is exceeded and sending the information to the central management means. CONSTITUTION:Even when power of a data terminal unit 2 is interrupted at a routine call time, since an SRAM 24 and a clock IC 25 are active by a backup power supply 27, as soon as the power of the data terminal unit 2 is applied, a routine call time flag is set to '1', and the data at the routine call time is sent to the center equipment 3. Moreover, when the power of the data terminal unit 2 is interrupted, since the copying operation of a copying machine 1 is not allowed, the count of various counters is not revised.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention provides communication between image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimile machines, and laser beam printers, and terminal devices such as vending machines.
The present invention relates to a remote management device that performs management at a remote location using a line.

[Conventional technology]

Image forming devices such as copying machines require maintenance and inspection, such as replacing photoreceptors and toner, in order to maintain good condition, and a specialized service company is in charge of managing these as well as managing copying fees. There is. Service companies dispatch service personnel to the site periodically or when a copying machine breaks down.

However, as the number of copying machines increases and the number of inspection items increases, the burden on service companies increases, and there is a need for a system that saves labor by remotely managing a plurality of copying machines using one central device.

This also applies to vending machines for drinks, cigarettes, etc. Sales management, maintenance, and inspection of vending machines are carried out by a specialized Pengu company, and there is a need for a system that remotely manages multiple vending machines using one central device.

Patent application No. 1-3 as a conventional technology for remotely managing copy machine numbers
There is one disclosed in No. 02502. This relates to a remote management device in which a copying machine is connected to a center device using a communication line via a data terminal unit, which is a communication means attached to the copying machine. The data terminal unit has a scheduled transmission function that sends information such as the number of copies taken out from the copying machine by size, total number of copies, exposure voltage, developing bias voltage, etc. to the central device at a preset scheduled transmission time, and sends information in the event of a problem. It has a trouble dispatch function and a trouble recovery dispatch function that sends messages when the trouble has been resolved. Using this, service companies can use the central device to monitor the usage status of copying machines and when to replace parts without having to dispatch service personnel to the site.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, in conventional remote management devices, power for the data terminal unit is supplied from the copier, so
If the copying machine is not in use at the scheduled transmission time and the power to the data terminal unit is cut off, there is a problem in that the data to be transmitted at the scheduled transmission time cannot be sent.

In particular, in recent copying machines, in order to save energy, the power is cut off if no copying is performed for a certain period of time, and if the power is cut off at the scheduled transmission time, the data to be sent cannot be sent. . This also applies to vending machines, and in many cases vending machines, especially alcoholic beverage vending machines, have ordinances that restrict sales at night, and the power supply is often shut off at night.

If the information that should be sent at the scheduled transmission time is not sent to the center device, there is a problem in that the center device cannot reliably collect data and cannot fully perform its management functions.

The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and the memory provided in the Data @ East unit for storing information to be transmitted at the transmission time and the IC for measuring the current time are backed up by a battery, and the transmission time is Even if the power to the terminal device is cut off and the information cannot be transmitted, the current time backed up and the transmission time are compared, and based on the comparison result, the power is turned on to send the backed up information to be transmitted. [Means for Solving the Problems] A remote management device according to the present invention has one or more Provided on the terminal device 1. a plurality of communication means that transmit information related to the operating state of the terminal device at a predetermined time using a power source; and a plurality of communication means connected to each communication means via a communication line, and the terminal device based on the information transmitted from each communication means. In the remote management device, the communication means includes a storage means for storing the information, a holding means for holding data at the predetermined time, and a timekeeping means for measuring the current time; and a backup power supply for backing up the storage means and the timekeeping means when the power is cut off, and when the power is cut off and the information cannot be transmitted at the predetermined time ratio, the clocked current time and the held predetermined time are stored. The information stored in the storage means and to be transmitted at the predetermined time is transmitted when the power is turned on based on the data.

[Effect]

In the present invention, the timekeeping means for measuring the current time and the storage means for storing information to be transmitted at a predetermined time are backed up by a backup power source, and even if the power to the terminal device is cut off, the data can be saved. It doesn't disappear.

Therefore, even if the power is cut off at a predetermined time, the next time the power is turned on, the current time and the predetermined time are compared, and if the predetermined time exceeds the current time, the predetermined time is immediately returned. The information that should be sent is sent to the centralized control means, and the information that should be sent is reliably sent.

(Margin below) [Examples] The present invention will be described in detail below based on drawings showing examples thereof.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a remote management device according to the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center device.

A plurality of copying machines 1.1 as terminal devices each include:
Data terminal units 2, 2 which are modem-integrated communication means
...is provided. The copying machine 1 has a serial interface (hereinafter referred to as I/F) 11 and a serial interface 21/
Data is transmitted to the data terminal unit 2 via F12 (see FIG. 3). Further, an operation panel 100 used for instructing copying operations is provided on the top surface. The data terminal units 2, 2, . . . collect data such as the operating status of the copying machines 1, 1, . The data terminal units 2.sub.2, . . . have an operation section 20, through which operations such as setting the mode at the time of initial setting are performed. In the center device 3, the data obtained through the communication line 6 is input to the central processing unit 32 using a personal computer via the modem 35, and after data processing is performed, predetermined processing is performed automatically or manually by the operator's key operation on the keyboard 33. The data is output to a monitor 31 using a CRT display or a printer 36.

Further, a storage section 34 including an auxiliary storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk device is connected to the central processing section 32, and the storage section 34 stores data and programs handled therein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data terminal unit 2. As shown in FIG. Various processes in the data terminal unit 2 are executed by a CPU 200 that operates when a power supply 29 is turned on. The power supply 29 is shared with the power supply of the copying machine 1, and is turned on and off by a switch (not shown).

Serial number 11/F 11 of copying machine 1 is on CPU 200.
and various data sent from the serial 21/F 12 are given via the serial I/F 21 and the serial 21/F 22 of two data terminal units. Here, the serial I/Fs 11 and 21 handle data such as mode setting information of the copying machine 1, information indicating the operating status of the copying machine 1, and various count data, and the serial I/F 12
, 22 handle element data such as image forming conditions including developing bias and exposure voltage. Serial I I/F 11.
21, CPU via serial 2 I/F 12, 22
The count data and element data read into 200 are stored in static RAM (hereinafter referred to as SRAM) 24. In addition, the telephone number and identification (hereinafter referred to as ID) number of the center device 3 are stored in the SRAM 24 by operating the operation unit 20 and the operation panel 100 during initial settings.
Initial setting data such as the TO number of the data terminal unit 2 is stored. The SRAM 24 and the clock IC 25 are backed up by a backup power supply 27, and various stored data are retained even when the power is cut off.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation section 20 of the data terminal unit 2. On the front of the data terminal unit 2, there are four dip switches DSI, DS2. DS3. DS4
and a bushing switch PS. Here, the deep inch DS4 is a switch for entering the initial setting mode, and the same DSI, DS2. Is each DS3 center mounted? ! ! This is a switch for specifying the setting mode of the telephone number of No. 3, the IO number, and the ID number of data terminal Ubit 2. Further, the bushing switch PS is a switch for performing manual transmission. These bush switches PS and dip switches O5L to DS4 are CP
Connected to U200. The numerical values at the time of setting each mode are manually set using the operation panel 100 provided on the copying machine 1. FIG. 5 is a layout diagram of the operation panel 100. The operation panel 100 includes a display section 101 that displays a 7-segment 2-digit numerical value, a numeric keypad 102 for inputting numerical values, a clear key 103, and a print key 104. There is.

In addition, the CPU 200 has LEDI Ll and LED2.
L2 is connected. LEDI Ll lights up when the data terminal unit 2 is initialized, blinks when the setting is completed correctly, and turns off when the setting is unsuccessful. Also LED2 L2
lights up during communication between the data terminal unit 2 and the center device 3, blinks when the communication is completed correctly, and turns off when the communication is unsuccessful.

SRA? Various data stored in R5-232
It is sent to the communication line 6 by the modem 28 via the CI/F 26 and taken into the center device 3 via the modem 35 of the center device 3.

Next, the operation of the remote management device of the present invention configured as described above will be explained.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the data terminal unit 2.

Before explaining the flowchart, the terms on-edge and off-edge used therein will be defined.

On-edge is defined as when the state of a switch, sensor, signal, etc. changes from an off state to an on state.

Off-edge is defined as an off-edge when the state of a switch, sensor, signal, etc. changes from an on state to an off state.

When the power is first turned on, in step S1, it is determined whether the dip switch DS4 is in the on/off state to determine whether or not it is in the initial setting mode, and if the dip switch DS4 is in the on state, it enters the initial setting mode; Perform initial settings
(Step S2). When the deep inch DS4 is in the off state and is not in the initial setting mode or when the initial setting is completed, a copy permission signal is sent to the copier 1.1 through the serial I/F 21.11, The copying operation is permitted (step S3). When copying operation is permitted, serial 11/F 11, 21 is sent from copying machine 1 for each copying operation.
(Step S4)
. The contents of the count data are a discharge code, a JAN/trouble code, a JAN/trouble counter, a counter for each paper size, and a usage counter for each part (hereinafter referred to as a rigid counter). When the data terminal unit 2 receives these count data, it always updates the count data to the latest value and holds it.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the configuration of count data, and the ejection code is 1 byte (8 bits) data indicating that the paper has been ejected from the copying machine 1.
The falling edge of oo indicates that one sheet has been ejected. J
AM ・The trouble code is 1-byte data that indicates the status of the copying machine 1, and the most significant bit (bt=o) indicates a normal status. Also, if the most significant bit b = 1, bit b
6 = 0 indicates JAN (paper jam) status, and 6 = 1 indicates trouble status, and bits b and ~b0 indicate JAN (paper jam) status.
- Indicates the cause of the problem. The JAM/trouble counter represents a count value in 16 bits for each item (cause), and similarly, the paper size counter and PM counter represent a count value in 24 bits for each item (paper size, parts).

After receiving the count data, the copying machine 1 receives element data transmitted via the serial 21/F 12, 22 each time a sheet of paper is ejected, and performs data processing to be described later (step S5). As mentioned above, the element data indicates image forming conditions such as developing bias and exposure voltage, and these values are expressed in 8-bit (256 levels) numbers. When this is completed, a trouble call is determined based on the trouble flag set according to the state of the JAM trouble code (step S6), and a scheduled call is made based on the scheduled call flag indicating whether or not the scheduled call time set in the center device 3 has passed. A determination is made (step S7). Next, when the element data exceeds the upper and lower thresholds, or when the JAM counter or PM counter exceeds the count darkness value, a warning transmission flag is set to determine whether a warning is issued (step S8) or a manual transmission determination (step S9). )I do. Manual call determination is made based on a manual call flag that is set by pressing the button switch PS used to make the initial call during initial settings. The transmitted data is the same as for trouble transmission and warning transmission. Furthermore, when the PH counter reaches a dark value and a part is replaced, PM transmission is determined based on the PM transmission flag (step 5).
10) Based on these determination results, the data to be transmitted is sent to the center unit [3] via the modem 28.35.
Step 511).

Next, each processing routine will be explained.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the initial setting processing routine in step S2.

First, in step 5100, the SRAM 24 is initialized, and the on-edge of the dip switch DSI is detected (step 5IOI). When the on-edge of the dip switch DS1 is detected, the center device 3 enters the telephone number input mode. First, in step 5102, the on-edge of the print key 104 is detected, and when the on-edge of the print key 104 is detected, the first digit of the numbers entered by operating the numeric keypad 102 and displayed on the display section 101 is read, and the telephone number is (Step 5103). Steps 5102 and 5103 are repeated as many times as there are digits in the telephone number, and in step 5104, the offset of the depth inch DSI is detected and the telephone number input mode is terminated.

Similarly, by detecting the on-edge of the dip switch DS2 in step 5105 and the on-edge of the dip switch DS3 in step 5109, the mode enters the setting mode for number 0 of the center device 3 and number 10 of the data terminal unit 2, respectively. , dip switch DS2, D
Each mode is ended by off-edge in S3 (steps 8106 to 310B, steps 5110 to 5112).

When each mode ends, the end of the setting is determined depending on whether data has been input in each mode (step 5113).
When the setting is completed, the on-edge of the bush switch PS is detected (Step 3114), and at the timing of the detection, the initial setting data is sent to the center device 3 via the modem 28. The device 3 side receives the preset date (cutoff date), scheduled transmission time, and various threshold values used for warning judgment (
Step 5115).

When it is determined in step 8116 that communication with the normal center device W3 has been completed, the process returns to the main routine.

If the center device 3 is busy or a communication failure has occurred, and the process has not ended normally, the process returns to step 5101 and waits for the bush switch PS to turn on again in step 5114.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the element data reception/data processing routine in step S5. First, in step 5201, the copying machine l sends 8-bit element data x! via the serial 2 I/F 12.22 every time one sheet of paper is ejected. j (i: data number) and set data number i to 1 cent Step 5202
), and the maximum value of element data for each item XiM
ax (steps 8203-5204), minimum 4aXi
MIN (steps 3205-8206) and Hiwa X1k (
Step 5207) is obtained, and this is repeated four times to obtain the four maximum values X, □8, the minimum value XiMIN, and the sum XiU (steps 8208 to 5211).

Once the four maximum values Xi□, the minimum values X, □8, and the sum Xik are found, the average Xi k within the range R4 is found for all the items (steps 3212 to 5217).

After calculating the range R and the average Xik, we get the average Yi for each item for those 32 items, and the range average W.

Find (stenbu 5218.5228~5232.5
219-5220).

The element data used to calculate the average Xi and range average W is the latest Xtv+Rtm, so the new Xt31+R
, , , , the oldest Xt++Ri+ is discarded and forwarded sequentially (steps 8221 to 5227).

The above processing can be expressed as follows. 4 averages X1k = ΣX, 4 ranges Ri
,! = Find the latest 32 pieces of (XtMax-Xi cut N) and calculate Y, = □ ·ΣX1k 32 π, - ·ΣR4k 2 . Do this for the number of items. In other words, for each type of element data, the average Xik and range R1k are calculated every 4 copies, and the average Yi and range R1k are calculated 32 times, that is, every 128 copies, and a new X1□ Moving average processing is performed using R4k to obtain the average Xi and range average T.

Note that when initializing the SRAM 24 in step 5100 of the initial setting process, Xigax-0+Xix+w=255+
X1su, 4=O+Rtsux-0,XB=0
．． R5i+=o, j=1. k=1, respectively.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of the trouble call determination processing routine in step S6. First, it is determined whether the trouble flag = 0 or not (step 5301), and if the trouble flag is 10", bit b of the trouble code
, Step 5302) When on-edge is detected, it means that some kind of trouble has occurred, so the trouble flag and trouble call flag are set as "
Set it to 1" (step 5303). If the trouble flag is 1, it is in normal condition. ” indicates a trouble condition, and when the trouble transmission flag is “1”, it indicates that a trouble has occurred and a message should be sent to the center device 3. Also, in step 5301, the trouble flag has already been set to “1m”. When there is a trouble, the reset switch (not shown) provided on the main body of the copying machine 1 is operated after the trouble is recovered by detecting the off edge of the focus b6 of the trouble code and the lowest bit b of the ejection code. When the paper is ejected, the trouble flag is reset to "0" and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "
l" and returns to the main routine. When the trouble recovery call flag is "1", it indicates that the trouble has been recovered and a call should be sent to the center device 3. This flag and the trouble call flag are actually It is reset to "O" after a trouble code is sent to the center unit W3.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the scheduled call determination processing routine in step S7. First step 570
1, it is determined whether the scheduled transmission flag is "0" or not. Here, when the scheduled transmission flag is "1", it indicates that the current time has already exceeded the scheduled transmission time and that a scheduled transmission should be made to the center device 3, and the process immediately returns to the main routine. When the scheduled call flag is 0'', step 57
In step 02, it is determined whether or not the current time has exceeded the scheduled transmission time. If the current time has exceeded the scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to "1" (step 5703), and the process returns to the main routine. This flag is set to “0” after data is actually sent to the center device 3.
”, a new scheduled transmission time is transmitted from the center device 3, and is set to the data terminal unit 2.

Furthermore, even if the data terminal unit 2 is powered off at the scheduled transmission time, the SRAM 2 is
4 and clock IC 25 are operating, as soon as the data terminal unit 2 is powered on, the scheduled transmission flag is set to "1" as determined in step 5702, and the data at this scheduled transmission time is then transmitted to the center device 3. sent to. Note that when the data terminal unit 2 is powered off, the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is not permitted, so the values of the various counters are not updated.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of the warning generation determination processing routine in step S8. Here, all element data, JAM counter, and 1M counter are judged. First, in steps 8401 to 5410, the darkness value of the element data is determined, and then in steps 5411 to 5
At 418, the dark value of the count value is determined, and each dark value is set to 1.
If it exceeds the limit at any time, the warning transmission flag is set to "1'" to indicate that the warning transmission flag should be transmitted to the center device 3.

First, in step 5401, i=l is set, and whether or not the warning flag i is "0", that is, whether the element data is within a specific allowable range (hereinafter, being within the allowable range is referred to as normal). (Step 5402). When the element data is normal, the average Y and the range average i
i, and determine whether it exceeds the upper limit threshold iU (Step 5403); if not, subtract the range average Ti from the average Y, and determine whether it is smaller than the lower limit threshold iL. (Step 5405)
. If it exceeds the upper limit darkness value iU in step 5403, and if it is smaller than the lower limit darkness value L in step 5405, it is determined that the element data is not normal, and the warning flag and warning transmission flag are set to "1" respectively. 5
404), in step 5409, l is incremented, and in step 5410, it is determined whether or not i exceeds the number of items, that is, whether or not the darkness value judgment for all element data has been completed, and if it has not exceeded, step 5402
Returning to step 5411, the threshold value determination of the next element data is performed, and when it is completed, the process advances to the next step 5411.

Also, when it is determined that the state is normal (step 5405:
If NO), the flag is not changed and the process advances to step 5409.

On the other hand, if warning flag 5 has already been set to "1" in step 5402, and the element data with subscript i is determined to be abnormal and a warning is being issued, step 5406 and step 540
In step 7, it is determined whether or not the normal state has returned, and when the normal state has returned, the warning flag 1 is reset to "0" and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1" in step 340B.

The warning transmission flag and the warning recovery transmission flag are reset to "0" after the element data is actually transmitted to the center device 3.

When the dark value determination of all element data is completed in step 5410, threshold value determination of the JAM counter and PM counter is performed. Here, for convenience, the subscript m is used to give serial numbers from the element data (step 5411).

Therefore, the minimum value of subscript m is the number of items of element data + 1
The maximum value is the number of items + JAM counter and PM
This is the number of items in the counter.

In step 5412, it is determined whether the warning flag = O, that is, whether the counter value is in a normal state, and if it is in a normal state, it is determined whether the counter value exceeds the threshold value U (
Step 3413). If the value exceeds m, it is determined that the counter value is not in a normal state, and the warning flag and warning transmission flag are set to "1" (step 5414), m is incremented in step 5417, and m is incremented in step 84).
18, whether m exceeds the total number of items, that is, all JAM
It is determined whether the dark value determination for the items of and PM counter has been completed, and if it has not been completed, step 541
Returning to step 2, the next counter value is determined by the threshold value, and when the process is completed, the process returns to the main routine. Further, when it is determined that the state is normal (step 5413: No), the process proceeds to step 5417 without changing the flag.

On the other hand, if the warning flag has already been set to "l" in step 5412 and the count value of subscript m is determined to be not normal and is in the warning state, it is determined in step 5415 whether or not the state has returned to normal; When the normal state returns, the warning flag is set to "O" and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1" in step 3416. The warning transmission flag and the warning recovery transmission flag are reset to "0" after the count data is actually transmitted to the center device 3.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of the gate call determination processing routine in step SIO. As described above, the PM counter is a usage counter for each part, and is set to "0" when a maintenance person replaces the part. First, set the counting variable i to "11 cents" (step 5501),
It is determined whether the counter value 5 of the PM counter is "0" (step 5502), and then in step 5503 it is determined whether the previous count value i of the PM counter is not "0". All of these judgments are YES, and P
When it is determined that the M counter i has been set to "O" this time, the clear value is set to 1, and the previous PM count value of 5 is held.Step 5504), the PM utterance flag is set to "1". (Step 5505). This flag is reset to "0" when the counter value i and the clear value 5 are actually transmitted to the center device 3. This clear value 5 is the counter value up to when the part was replaced.

It is intended to hold the following. Next, i is incremented (step 5506), this determination is made for all PM counters (step 5507), and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the data transmission processing routine in step Sll. If the call flag for trouble, regular, warning, manual, or PM call is set to "1" in step 5601, and if the call flag is not waiting for redial in step 5602, communication with the center device 3 via the modem 28 is performed. perform an action. In step 5603, it is determined whether or not the line is connected. If the line is already connected, data transmission continues until it is determined in step 5604 that the line is finished when the modem is ready (step 5605) (step 360B). Sending (the data mentioned is JA
N ・Trouble code, JAM ・Counter values of trouble counter, paper size counter, PM counter, clear value of PM counter, and element data (X
, R). When data transmission is completed, each call flag is reset to "0" (step 3606), and the line is disconnected (step 5607). If the line is not connected in step 5603, dialing is performed in step 5609. Next, in step 5610, the originating side, ie, data terminal unit 2,
It is determined whether the attached telephone connected to is in use or not, and if it is not in use, it is further determined in step 5612 whether or not the called party, that is, the center device 3 is busy, and if either one is busy, Setting the beam dial time (step 56)
11.5613). When these processes are completed, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the operation of the center device 23 will be explained.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the center unit W3.

First, in step 5100I, environment settings including usage conditions for the modem 35, printer 36, etc. are performed. After this step 5
In steps 1002 to 51014, it is determined which of the function keys F1 to F7 has been selected by the operator's key input, and the corresponding function is operated. Then step 5
At step 1016, scheduled transmission time monitoring processing is performed, and at step 51
The operations 002 to 51016 are constantly repeated. When function key F1 is selected in step 51002, model registration processing is executed (step 51003)
. Here, the model name of the copying machine, the number of element data items, the name of the element data, the element data standard threshold value, and each counter standard darkness value are registered manually.

When function key F2 is selected in step 5IO04, user master input processing is executed (step 5
1005). Here, the user name, address, location.

Register the model name, machine number, call date and time, etc. manually.

Note that the ID number of the data terminal unit 2 is automatically generated.

When function key F3 is selected in step 51006, trouble status display processing is executed (step 5
1007). Here, user information such as the user name, address, location, model, date and time of occurrence of the copying machine 1 currently in trouble is displayed together with the details of the trouble. Also, the number of troubles is always displayed on a part of the screen. Also, this number of troubles is displayed as a part of any screen.

When function key F4 is selected in step 3100B, warning status display processing is executed (step 510
09). Here, the user information of the copying machine 1 that is currently in a warning state is displayed together with the content of the warning. Note that the number of warnings is always displayed on a part of the screen regardless of the operation of the function key F4.

When the function key 15 is selected in step 51010, unreceived status display processing is executed (step 5
1011). Here, the user information of the copying machine 1 registered as unreceived information in the scheduled transmission time monitoring process of step 51016, which will be described later, is displayed together with the scheduled transmission date and time.

Also, the number of unreceived messages is always displayed on a part of the screen. 1st
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display screen for displaying the unreceived status, and the number of unreceived items and the number of troubles are displayed at the top of the screen. Also, two pieces of user information are displayed on the screen, and the scheduled transmission time is displayed in the upper right corner of each.

When function key F6 is selected in step 51012, user information display processing is executed (step 5
1013). Here, by selecting a user, user information is displayed, and by selecting a submenu, you can display the trouble counter, which is the sum of the counter values by paper size, counter by paper size, JAM/trouble counter, PM counter, and maintenance counter. Display data by month or item.

When function key F7 is selected in step 51014, invoice issuing processing is executed (step 5101
5). Here, the billing amount is calculated using the count value of the talk counter and the calculation formula, and a bill is issued.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the scheduled transmission time monitoring process in step 51016. First i is “0”
Step 51201), and it is determined whether the scheduled transmission time of the data terminal unit 2i exceeds the current time (Step 51202). Since the scheduled transmission time is set at the next time when a scheduled transmission is made, the current time will not be exceeded if the scheduled transmission is made normally.

Therefore, if the current time is exceeded, it is determined that a communication failure has occurred due to some reason, and the copying machine 1 is registered in the storage unit 34 as unreceived information (step 51203). Then, i is incremented (step 51204), all data terminal units 2i are monitored (step 51205), and the process returns to the main routine. This non-reception information is used for non-reception status display processing, and a defect in the communication line 6 or an abnormality in the data terminal unit 2 can be detected at an early stage.

Also, after the environment settings are made in step 5100I, R3-
232CI/F 26 and modem 28.35, data reception and processing interrupts from data terminal unit 2 are permitted, and data reception processing in step 51017 is always executed during any processing in steps 51002 to 51016. Ru. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of data reception and processing. When a reception interrupt request is generated in the center device 3 by a call from each data terminal unit 2, the ID number of the data terminal unit 2 and each data are received in a predetermined order (step 5IIOI). Next, step 5110 determines whether an error has occurred in the received data.
2) If an error occurs, a retransmission request is issued to the data terminal unit 2 (step 51103). If no error occurs, wait for the reception to end (step 5110).
4), disconnect the line step 51105), by item,
Each data is aggregated by month (step 51106).

Based on these data, processes such as displaying user information and issuing bills are performed.

Although this embodiment has been described using a copying machine as an example of a terminal device, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to any terminal device that requires field service, such as a vending machine.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the scheduled transmission time is transmitted from the center device to the data terminal unit each time the scheduled transmission from the data terminal unit to the center device ends; however, the present invention is not limited to this; may be set in advance in the data terminal unit by ROM or dialing.

〔Effect of the invention〕

As explained above, in the present invention, the current time measuring means provided in the communication means of the terminal device and the storage means for storing information to be transmitted at the transmission time are backed up by a backup power supply, and the power is cut off. When the power is turned on again later, the backed up current time is compared with the scheduled transmission time, and if the transmission time exceeds the current time, the information to be transmitted at the transmission time is read from the storage means and centrally managed. send to means. As a result, even if the power to the terminal device is cut off at the time of transmission, the information that should be sent at that time can be reliably sent when the power is turned on again.
Centralized management means can reliably collect information on scheduled transmission times,
This has excellent effects such as strengthening the management function.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a remote management device according to the present invention,
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the center device, Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data terminal unit, Figure 4 is a diagram showing the operation section of the data terminal unit, and Figure 5 is the operation panel of the copying machine. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the data terminal unit, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of count data, and FIGS. 8 to 14 are flowcharts showing the contents of each processing routine of the data terminal unit. , FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the center device, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of scheduled transmission time monitoring processing, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of data reception and processing, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a display screen diagram of reception status display.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A plurality of communication means provided for one, one, or a plurality of terminal devices, operated by a power source, and transmitting information related to the operating state of the terminal device at a predetermined time, and each communication means. and central management means connected via a communication line to centrally manage the terminal device based on information transmitted from each communication means, wherein the communication means includes storage means for storing the information. and a holding means for holding data at the predetermined time;
A clock means for measuring the current time, and a backup power source for backing up the storage means and the time measuring means when the power is cut off, and when the power is cut off and the information cannot be transmitted at the predetermined time, the clocked current time is and the data held at the predetermined time, the remote control is configured to transmit the information stored in the storage means and to be transmitted at the predetermined time when the power is turned on. Management device. 2. A plurality of communication means provided for each one or a plurality of terminal devices, operated by a power supply, and transmitting information related to the operating state of the terminal device at a predetermined time; In a remote management device, the communication means includes a storage means for storing the information, and a central management means for centrally managing the terminal device based on the information transmitted from each communication means. a retention means for retaining data;
a clock means for measuring the current time; a backup power supply for backing up the storage means and the clock means when the power is turned off; data at a predetermined time held when the power is turned on; and a clocked current time. and means for setting a transmission flag indicating that the information stored in the storage means should be transmitted based on the comparison result.