JPH0364245A - Copy data control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate the need for using another display device by displaying the data on the present date, the date of transmission, and a telephone number which are set via a communication control equipment on a data control equipment. CONSTITUTION:The present date, the date of origination, and the telephone number of an integrated controller are set, and the telephone number is dialed when the present date to be counted reaches the date of transmission. Thus the integrated controller is connected to a circuit and a transmission means is connected to a telephone circuit for transmission of the copy data. That is, an on-line controller 30 contains a switch 206 and a monitoring LED 207. Then a selection switch SEL is set at an optional value and a setting switch ADJ is depressed. Thus a date or a telephone number is set. The data on the telephone number, the date of origination, and the present date thus set are sent to a data controller 20 and displayed on a display device 25. Thus, a communication control equipment requires no display device and therefore the production cost of a copy data control system can be reduced.

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 1] Conventionally, in order to centrally manage a large number of copying machines located in various locations in large-scale offices, etc., telephone lines such as extensions are used to control the number of copies made by each copying machine, the number of users, etc. A copy data management system has been put into practical use that monitors copy data and totals the number of copies for each department, for example.

In the above-described polling type copy data management system, it is not possible to call the central management device from the terminal device, and it is impossible for the copying machine to transmit information about a failure of the copying machine or the arrival of maintenance time, for example.

In order to solve the above problems, in the patent application filed by the present applicant, data on the number of copies in a copying machine and maintenance information on the copying machine are transmitted via a communication line.
In a copy data management system equipped with a terminal device that transmits data regarding a plurality of copying machines to a central control device that collects data, when the current date and time measured by the clock reaches a preset transmission date and time, the communication line A copy data management system is proposed in which the data is sent to the central management device when it is detected that the central management device is free and data communication is permitted. Here, the terminal device is provided in the copying machine and stores the data and then transmits the data to the central control device, sets the transmission date and time, and controls communication with the central control device. Consists of a communication control device.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] In the copy data management system configured as described above, a display device for displaying the data is provided in the data control device, and is used to display the transmission date and time. It is conceivable that the communication control device is provided with another display device for displaying the transmission date and time for confirmation at the time of setting. However, the frequency of setting the above sending date and time is low;
There is little need to provide the separate display device. If the above-mentioned separate display device is provided, there is a problem in that the manufacturing cost of the system increases.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above problems and provide a copy data management system that can display data set in the communication control device on the data control device.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention transmits data necessary for managing a copying machine, such as the number of copies and maintenance requests, via a telephone line to a central management device that collects the above data. a data control device provided in the copying machine, including a transmitting means, a display means for displaying the data, a setting means for setting the current date and time, a transmission date and time, and a telephone number of the central control device; Control for controlling the transmitting means so that when the date and time reaches the transmission date and time, the transmitting means is connected to the telephone line after dialing the telephone number and connecting the line with the central control device to transmit the copy data. a communication control device including means, the communication control device comprising:
When the setting means sets the telephone number, the calling date and time, and the current date and time, the data transmitting means transmits the set data to the data control device, and the data control device transmits the data. The present invention is characterized by comprising display control means for receiving data transmitted by the means and displaying it on the display means.

[Operation] With the above configuration, the data transmission means provided in the communication control device can perform the above settings when the above telephone number, the above calling date and time, and the above current date and time are set by the setting means. Data is transmitted to the data control device, and a display control means provided in the data control device receives the data transmitted by the data transmission means and displays it on the display means.

Therefore, the data set in the communication control device can be displayed on the display means of the data control device.

[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) Structure 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 includes copies 'a 10a to 10d (hereinafter collectively referred to as 1
Set to 0. ), a terminal system 1 that counts copy data such as the number of copies, the number of jams, and the number of troubles that occur, and each copying machine 10 that is counted by the terminal system 1.
Each system 1.2 is connected by telephone lines 4a, 4b, and 4c via an exchange 3 installed by a telecommunications carrier, and sends and receives the copy data. .

The terminal system 1 includes a copying machine 1O, copy data controllers 20a to 20d (hereinafter collectively referred to as 20), and online controllers 30a and 30b.
(hereinafter collectively referred to as 30), and a telephone 40.
a, 40b (hereinafter collectively referred to as 40).

The copy data controller 20 is connected to each copying machine 10 on a one-to-one basis, and counts the copy data of the connected copying machine 10, turns on/off the power of the copying machine 10, and determines whether copying is in progress. The controller 20 detects the operating state of the copying machine 10, and controls the copying machine 10 to permit or prohibit copying depending on the type of magnetic card inserted into the controller 20 and the control processing state described later. .

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

The online controller 30 includes one or more copy data controllers 20 and one telephone 40a, 4
0b (hereinafter collectively referred to as 40), and when in telephone mode, the telephone 40 is connected to telephone lines 4a, 4.
The copy data controller 20 is connected to the exchange 3 via the line 20b, and also connects the copy data controller 20 and the center control device 50 in the communication mode to control communication between the respective devices 20 and 50. Note that the online controller 40 has a maximum of 1
0 copy data controllers 20 are connected, and the names of the 10 channels for connecting each controller 20 are hereinafter referred to as channels 1 to 1O.

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 l 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 2I 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 ROM. ) 102, CPULOI control flag, and the above copy and data are stored in CPULOI.
Random access memory (hereinafter referred to as RAM) 103 used as a working area of and each device 101 to 10
3 and each circuit 104, 105 are connected via an internal bus Bl.

A copying machine IO is connected to the serial input/output boat circuit 104 for transmitting and receiving the copy data and controlling the operation of the copying machine 10, and a display buffer memory 24 is connected to the serial input/output boat circuit 104 for displaying predetermined data to be described later. via L
An ED display 25 is connected. The serial input/output boat circuit 104 also includes an insertion sensor (not shown) for detecting insertion of a magnetic card, and an insertion sensor (not shown) for reading data stored in the magnetic card and for writing data to the magnetic card. A card data input/output device R22 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 boat 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 2 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: In order to tally the number of copies for each department in the user's organization, a different code for each department (hereinafter referred to as department code) is stored in the department card, and the department card is used as the card data input. When inserted into the 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 boat 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 boat 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 boat circuit 205 also includes a center control device 50.
A network control unit equipped with a line connection function such as a dialer in order to communicate data with
Below, NCU! :say. ) (hereinafter referred to as 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
The telephone V & 40 is normally set up so that telephone calls can be made using the telephone 40 according to control commands from the microcomputer 31.
is connected to a telephone line, and on the other hand, when in a communication mode in which data communication is performed 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 process is performed, the data input from the microcomputer tacho 1 is modulated using a predetermined modulation method, and the data is controlled by the center via the telephone line and the exchange 3. The data transmitted to the device 50 and received from the center control device 50 are demodulated and output 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
When the telephone 40 is in use, the usage status of the telephone v&40 is checked after waiting for 5 minutes, and when the telephone 40 is not in use, the data is sent to the center control device 50. be.

(b) Alarm sending mode: When the telephone 40 is in use when attempting to send data to the center control device 50, a mode in which the data is sent to the center control device 50 as soon as the telephone 1M40 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 LEDLI to LIO are arranged, while two monitors LEDLI and L1 are arranged on the left side of the panel.
2 and two switches ADJ and SEL are arranged. Monitor LEDL1 to LIO are the center control device t50
In addition to displaying the line connection status, it also indicates the item and digit selected in the setting mode. Also, monitor LE
DLll and L12 display the mode state in the setting mode and also display the error state during the self-test of the microcomputer 31. Setting switch ADJ
is a switch for setting the items and numerical values selected by the selection switch SEL, and for starting execution of the self-test. Selection switch SEL
is a switch for selecting values from 0'' to 9'' and six types of self-tests from A'' to nFn.

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 Figure 4 (B), by setting the selection switch SEL to an arbitrary value and pressing the setting switch ADJ, you can set the 10:00 pm digit of the date or the first digit of the telephone number. 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 boat 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 boat 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 boat circuit 305 via an R3-2320 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, the online controller 30 receives IO1'll! I
It is assumed that a copy data controller 20 is connected.

In step S1 of 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 l 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, the connection confirmation process with the copy data controller 20 from channel 4 to channel 10 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 t50 sends a time request signal to the online controller 30.
and in response, the online controller 30
transmits time 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 center control device 50 and the copy data controller 5
The copy data is transmitted and received between the 20 ports. 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 copy data controller 20 transmits the copy data corresponding to the received data request signal to the center. This is done in the form of transmission to the 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 1, and in response, the copy data controller 20 of channel 1 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 switch to the copy data controller 20 of channel 2.

Next, in step S7, the copy data controller 2 from channel 2 to channel 1O (excluding those for which the connection could not be confirmed) is processed in the same manner as above.
The process for transmitting and receiving the above copy data is performed for 0. Furthermore, the center control device 50 transmits a mode confirmation signal to the online controller 30 and establishes the communication mode in the same manner as described above.

- receive the answer signal, transmit the serial number request signal, and receive the 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,
After determining that all copy data has been sent and received,
In step S8, a line release request signal is sent to the online controller 30 in order to switch the operation mode of the copy data controller 20 (in this case, channel 1) to the processing mode. In response, the online controller 30 transmits a processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel 1, and in response, the copy data controller 20 transmits a processing mode answer signal via the online controller 30. It is transmitted to the center control device 50. 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 1, 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 a total of three times in the same manner, it is determined that connection with the copy data controller 20 of channel I is impossible. , sends a cancellation signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel l, and sends a negative response signal to the center control bag! Send to 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 the copy data controllers 20 from channel 1 to channel 10
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) Seven formats of communication data in the copy data management system Figure 9 is a diagram showing the format 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 total number of copies data in seven formats, and the data is composed of the received command, the serial number of the copy data controller 20, and the data of the total number of copies.

FIG. 9(b) shows the format of data on the number of jam occurrences by location (meaning within a predetermined range set in advance in multiple locations in the copier 10), and the data is composed of the received command and each location. It consists of multiple blocks consisting of a code and the number of jam occurrences at that location.

FIG. 9(c) shows 7-ormat data on the number of trouble occurrences by location, and the data includes the reception code,
It is composed of multiple blocks, each consisting of a location code and the number of trouble occurrences at that location.

FIG. 9(d) shows the format of the data on the number of copies by department and size, and the data consists of a received command, a department code, and the number of copies for each of the five sizes of the department. Consists of blocks.

(e) in FIG. 9 shows the format of time data, which consists of a received command, two digits each,
It is composed of the following data: ``noon,'' July, day, 7 o'clock, minute, and second.

(4) Processing of the online controller 30 FIG.
) and FIG. 10(B) show the online controller 30.
70-chart showing the main routine of FIG.

In FIG. 1O (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 advances to step 5102.

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 7 lag becomes 1n 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 "O", a timeout check is performed in step 5109. Here, after transmitting the setting mode request signal, the copy data controller 20 sends a request for a predetermined period of time (in this embodiment, 3 seconds). ), if the setting mode answer signal is not received within 5102, 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 flow continues from step 5103 to step 5109. The above answer from the copy data controller 20 is
Wait for the signal. When the setting mode flag becomes “1” (
(Yes in step 5103), after resetting the setting mode flag in step 5104, in step 5
105 to 5IO8 respectively carry out current time setting processing, calling time setting processing, fixed calling telephone number setting processing,
and alarm transmission telephone number setting processing, and then proceeds to step 5ilo. Note that each subroutine of steps IO5 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 5l
If the setting mode is not selected in ot, 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 5113.

In steps 5113 and 3115, the scheduled transmission plug and alarm transmission 7 lag are checked. here,
The scheduled call flag becomes "l" when the current time matches the call time in the time confirmation process of step 5l12.
On the other hand, the alarm transmission flag becomes "II" when an alarm transmission request signal is received from the copy data controller 20 in the communication interrupt process described later. When the scheduled transmission flag and the alarm transmission flag are both nO", the process returns to step 5110. . On the other hand, when either the scheduled call flag or the alarm call flag is l'', the seven lags are reset in step 5114 or 5116, and then the process proceeds to step 5117, where the center control device 50
Process the incoming call to establish a line connection with the
Proceed to step 18.

In step Sl18, the incoming call flag is checked. This incoming call flag indicates whether or not a line connection has been made to the center control device 50 in the above incoming call process. If the flag is "O", it means that the line connection has not been established, and the process returns to step 5ilo.

On the other hand, when the incoming call flag is "l", the center control device t
50, the incoming call flag is reset in step 5119, and then the process advances to step 5120.

In step 5120, the count value n of the channel counter is set to 1111, 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 the count value n of this counter indicates the channel number of the copy data controller 20.

Next twit', steps 5121, 5124, and 51
At step 27, the mode request flag, switching request flag, and release request flag are checked, respectively. These flags indicate that when a mode confirmation signal, a line switching request signal, and a line release request signal are received from the center control device 50 in communication interrupt processing, the corresponding flags are set to II l.
".Here, the mode request flag is "!". ”, the mode request flag is reset in step 5122, copy data controller connection processing is performed in step 5123, and the process returns to step 5121.

Further, when the switching request flag is "1", the switching request flag is reset in step 5125, the copy data controller disconnection process is performed in step 5126, and then the process returns to step 3121. Furthermore, when the release request flag is "1", step 512
After the release request flag is reset in Step 8 and the copy data controller disconnection process is performed in Step 5129, a line release answer signal is sent to the center control device 50 in Step 5130, and the connected line is disconnected in Step 5131. Cut off and return to step 5ilo.

Note that in steps 5121, 5124, and 5t27, if any of the 7 lags is "o", 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 5110) in FIG. 10(A).

In step 5150 of FIG. 11, it is first checked whether the multiplexer 35 is connected in the online controller 30, and if it is connected (step S150"C'Yes), step 5151
After setting the count value n of the channel counter to "1" in step 5152, the process proceeds to step 5152. In step 5152, the connection is switched to the copy data controller 20 of channel n, and in step 5153, a processing mode request signal is transmitted to the selected copy data controller 20.

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 "1". The processing mode flag becomes 1'' when the answer signal is received in communication interrupt processing, similar to the 7 lag described above. While the processing mode flag is ON, the program flow continues from steps 5157 to 5154. The process loops, and when 3 seconds or more have elapsed since the processing mode request signal was sent, the process returns to step 515.
If the time is over in step 7, proceed to step 5.
158 a predetermined number of times (in this example, twice)
Checks whether the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted (hereinafter referred to as retry). This is because the copy data controller 20 cannot properly receive the transmitted processing mode request signal for some reason, and the processing mode answer
This assumes that the signal could not be transmitted. If the retry has not reached the predetermined number of times, step 515
Returning to step 3, the process is repeated again from the process of transmitting the process mode request signal. On the other hand, if the processing mode answer signal cannot be received from the copy data controller 20 even after a predetermined number of attempts, the copy data controller 20
is not connected, and after transmitting a cancel signal to the copy data controller 20 in step 5159, 13t(' indicates the connection status of channel The I/s flag is reset and the process proceeds to step 5161. On the other hand, when the processing mode flag is "1" in step 3160, the processing mode flag is reset in step 5155,
After setting the connection flag of channel n to nl'' in step 5156, the process advances to step 5161.

Next, in step 5161, the count value nJ of the channel counter is added, 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 10" or less,
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 flowchart showing the modem connection confirmation process (step 5ill in 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 3181 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 directly returns to the main routine.

Figure 13 shows the time confirmation process (step 5 in Figure 1O (A)).
112).

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 "minute" data has changed. Check. This is a process for checking the transmission time only once per minute. In step 5201, if one minute has not elapsed since the previous read time, the process 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 transmission time is read using the maintenance switch 206, and the transmission time is compared with the current time read out in step 5200. Data to compare 1, “day”
The day of the week is "7 o'clock" and each data set above in step 5203, step 5205, step 5207, and step 5209 is 'Don't
Care)". When the set data is "undefined", it is determined that the transmission condition is satisfied no matter what the corresponding data at the current time being compared is. For example, If you set a predetermined value for the 7th day's data and set the ``day of the week'' data to ``indeterminate'', the transmission condition will be met only once a month, and the 1st day's data will be set to ``undefined''. However, if a predetermined value is set for the "day of the week" data, the transmission condition is satisfied only once in a week. When each preset data is not "undefined", steps 5204, 5206, 5208 and 521 are performed, respectively.
At 0, 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, when the preset time coincides with the current time, in step 5211, the scheduled transmission flag is set to 1'' in order to enter the scheduled transmission mode, and the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 14 shows a power incoming process for establishing a line connection with the center control device 50 (step s117 in FIG. 10(A)).
It is a flowchart which shows.

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, if the modem 33 has been initialized, step S22! Check 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 O'', and when the multiplexer 35 is connected, the connection flag of the copy data controller 20 of all channels is O''. If "no", 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, it is checked in step 5221 whether the telephone 40 connected to the modem 33 is in use. Here, whether or not the telephone set 40 is in use is determined by a predetermined signal transmitted from the modem 33.

(Left below) If the telephone 40 is in use, step 52251
By checking whether the alarm transmission flag is "1", it is determined whether the transmission mode is the alarm transmission mode or the scheduled transmission mode. Here, when in the alarm transmission mode, in order to transmit predetermined data immediately when the telephone 40 becomes unused, the process returns to step 5222 and waits until the telephone 40 becomes unused. On the other hand, in the case of scheduled call mode, it is checked in step 5226 whether or not the telephone 40 is in use or not, and whether or not it has been re-checked a predetermined number of times (10 times in this embodiment), and the above-mentioned If the recheck has been performed a predetermined number of times or more, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, in step 5226, if the recheck has not reached the predetermined number of times, step 5
After waiting for 5 minutes in step 227, the process returns to step 5222 again. As a result, when the telephone 40 is in use and in the alarm transmission mode where data communication is urgently required, as soon as the telephone 40 becomes unused and the telephone line becomes free, the process proceeds to step 5223.
A call process is performed to make a call to the center control device 50. On the other hand, in the scheduled call mode, if the telephone 40 is not in use after waiting for 5 minutes, step 5223
Proceed to process the call.

After the call processing in step 5223, step 52
In step 24, it is checked whether the incoming call flag indicating whether or not the line is connected to the center control device 50 is Hl", and if it is 1. n l II, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, in step 7 If the lag is 0'', proceed to step 8226 described above. This incoming call flag becomes '1n' when the line is normally connected to the center control device 50 in a call origination process to be 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 S
After having the dialer in the modem 33 dial the telephone number for scheduled outgoing calls in step 5241, the process proceeds to step 5243.
Proceed to.

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, after the above-mentioned dialing, a predetermined response signal is received from the center control device 50, and the modem 33 is caused to check whether or not the line connection with the center control device 50 has been normally established. Here, the center control device 50
The program flow loops from step 5245 to step 5234 until the line is connected normally, that is, until the call arrives, and when a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the above dialing, that is, when the time is over (Yes in step 5245) ), step 5246
After disconnecting the telephone line,
In step 5247, reset the eastern army flag,
Return to main routine. On the other hand, step 524
3, when the line is successfully connected to the center control device [50 (Yes in step 5243),
After setting the incoming call flag to '1#' in step 5244, the process returns to the main routine. .

Figure 16 shows the copy data controller connection process (10th
12 is a flowchart showing step 3123) in FIG.

In FIG. 16, first, in step 5260,
It is checked whether multiplexer 35 is connected, and if it is connected, the process advances to step 5261. In step 3261, it is checked whether the connection flag of the copy data controller 20 of channel n is 1'', and if the connection flag is 0'', step 32
Proceed to 70. On the other hand, if the connection flag is "l11" in step S261, the multiplexer 35 is switched to connect the copy data controller 20 of channel n in step S262, and then the copy data controller 20 of channel n is switched in step S263. 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 or not a communication mode answer signal has been received from the copy data controller 20 is "1", and if it is "1", the above answer signal is sent. Since the copy data controller 20 has been received, the communication mode 7 lag 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 5266.
Return to main routine.

On the other hand, in step 5264, the communication mode flag is set to 0.
”, since the answer signal has not been received, the process proceeds to step 5267, and a predetermined period of time (in this embodiment, 3 seconds) after the transmission of the communication mode request signal.

) has elapsed, that is, whether the time has expired. If the time has not exceeded, the program flow continues from step 5264 to step 526 until the communication mode 7 lag becomes 1'' or the time has expired.
Loops between 7.

When the time has expired in step 5267, it is checked in step 5268 whether or not the number of retransmissions of the communication mode request signal is equal to or greater than 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 3271 whether or not the count value n is "11", and when the count value n is less than or equal to "to", the step Return to 5261.

On the other hand, when the count value n is "11", the connection process has been performed for all copy data controllers 20, so the count value n is set to 1111 in step 5272.
After setting it to 1, the process returns to step 3261.

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 from step 3263 to step 5269 described above is performed for one 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.

At step 5300 in FIG. 17, it is first checked whether the multiplexer 35 is connected, and if it is connected, the process advances to step 5301. Step S30
After transmitting the processing mode request signal to the copy data controller 20 of channel n in step 1, in step 5302, it is determined whether the processing mode flag indicating whether or not a processing mode answer signal has been received is 1#. Check. In step 5302, when the processing mode flag is "l", the process proceeds to step 5303, and after resetting the processing mode flag, in step 5304, a line switching answer signal is transmitted to the center control bag fjt50, and step Proceed to 5307.

On the other hand, when the processing mode 7 lag is #0'' in step 5302, it is determined whether or not the time has elapsed in step 5305, that is, the predetermined time (in this example, 3 seconds) after the transmission of the processing mode request signal. ) has elapsed, and if the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step 5302, and the program 70- loops steps 5302 to 5305 until the processing mode flag becomes 11111 or the time elapses. do.

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 processing mode request signal is retransmitted or the process advances to step S301 for a try. On the other hand, step 5306
If it is determined in step 5307 that the processing mode request signal has been retransmitted a predetermined number of times or more, 1 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 count value n is not "11" in step 5308, the process directly returns to the main routine, and on the other hand,
When the count value n is "11", the count value n is set to 'l' in step 5309, and then the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step 5300 that the multiplexer 35 is not connected, step 5310, which is the same process as steps 3301 to 5306, is performed for one copy data controller 20.
After performing the processing from to step 5315, the process returns to the main routine.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the current time setting process (step 5105 in FIG. 10(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 that digit is set to "1". Next, in step 5321, the setting switch ADJ
Wait for the button to be pressed, and when it is pressed, step 532
2, select the data for one digit of the current time by pressing the switch S
After inputting the setting value of EL, in step 5323, the input data is set to the digit corresponding to the count value PO8 of the position counter in the current time data stored in the RAM 230, and the input data I; Based on the data, the data of the corresponding digit in the real-time clock 204 is rewritten. Then,
In order to display the data at the set time on the display 25 of the data controller 20, the switch 5324 transmits the input data, and in step 5325, the count value PO51,:1 of the position counter is added, and then step At step 5326, it is determined whether or not the counted value PO5 is "II", and if it is 11", the process returns as is. On the other hand, if it is less than "10", the process returns to step 5321.

FIGS. 19 to 21 respectively show the outgoing time setting process (
Step 5106 in FIG. 10(A)), telephone number setting process for scheduled calling (step 5107 in FIG. 10(A)),
and alarm dialing telephone number setting process (Figure 10 (A)
This is a flowchart showing step 5108), and in each of these processes, a calling time, a telephone number for fixed-time calling, and a telephone number for alarm calling are set in the same way as the current time setting process of FIG. 18. Note that in step 5366 of FIG. 20 and step 5386 of FIG. 21, the count value PO5 of the position counter is 17''.
Determine 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, data stored in a register etc. used in the interrupt processing is temporarily saved, and then in step 5401, for example, if 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 5402. After that,
Proceed to step 5409. On the other hand, if no communication error has occurred in step 5401, step 54
After analyzing the received data in step 03, in step 5404 and step 5406, the received data is through data that is transmitted and received between the copy data controller 20 and the center control device 50 and the online controller 30 is not involved. , the data transmitted from the copy data controller 20 , or the data 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 3409. Furthermore, if the received data is not the through data but the data sent from the center control device 50 (Yes in step 5406), the received data is processed in step 5407 (hereinafter referred to as data processing A). After performing this, the process advances to step 5409. Further, if the received data is not the through data but the data transmitted from the copy data controller 20 (No in step 5406), processing for the received data (hereinafter referred to as data processing B) is performed in step 5408.
That's what it means. ), 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 5407 in FIG. 22).
) 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. . If the received data is a time data request signal (Yes in step 5420)
, in step 5421 the real-time clock 20
After reading the current time from 4 and transmitting the data of the current time to the center control bag R50, the process returns.

Further, if the received data is a line switching request signal (Yes in step 5422), step 5
After setting the switching request flag to nln in step 423, the process returns. Furthermore, if the received data is a mode confirmation signal (Yes in step 5424)
In step 5425, the mode confirmation flag is set to ``B'', and then the process returns.Furthermore, if the received data is a line release request signal, the process returns to step 5.
(Yes in step 426), the release request flag is set to "1" in step 5427, and then the process returns.

On the other hand, if the received data is neither a time data request signal, a line switching request signal, a mode confirmation signal, nor a line release request signal (steps 5420, 5422.54
24 and 5426), return as is.

FIG. 24 shows data processing B (step 3408 in FIG. 22).
) is a flowchart showing the process. This process is based on the 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. There is a request signal.

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), the processing mode flag is set to "l" in step 5441, and then the process returns. If the received data is a communication mode answer signal (Yes in step 5442), the communication mode 7 lag is set to "1" in step 5443, and then the process returns.

Furthermore, when the received data is a setting mode answer signal (Yes in step 5444), the setting mode flag is set to 11111 in step 5445, and then the process returns. Furthermore, if the received data is an alarm transmission request signal (step 54
46), the alarm transmission flag is set to ``ln'' in step 5447, and the process returns.On the other hand, if the received data is neither the answer signal nor the alarm transmission request signal (step 5447), the process returns.
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
The processing of the copy data controller 30 is started when the power of the copy data controller 30 is turned on, and in step S5500, each circuit in the copy data controller 30 is initialized, and then in step S501, the state of the copy Ialo ( As mentioned above, the signal indicates that the copying machine 10 is turned on or off, copying is in progress, a jam occurs in the copying machine 10, trouble occurs, the copied paper is ejected and the copying operation is completed, etc. Copy machine 1
0, and data related to the signal is stored in the RAM 103.
Store in. Next, in steps 5502 to 5505, display processing, card read/write processing, count processing, and communication processing, which will be described in detail later, are performed, respectively, and then the process returns to step 5501.

FIG. 26 is a 70-chart showing the display process (step 5502 in FIG. 25).

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 copy 110 is powered off (step 5)
(Yes in step 510), the display on the LED display 25 is turned off in step 5511, and then the process returns to the main routine. If the communication mode is set, “Yes” in step 5512), step 551
In step 3, the data of "0NLINE" is output to the display buffer memory 24 and the data is displayed on the LED display 25, after which the process returns to the main routine. this"
Displaying the data ``ON LINE'' has the advantage of informing the copier operator that data is being sent to the central control device and that copying operations are prohibited.

On the other hand, when the setting mode is set (step 55)
14 (Yes), and in step 5515 the data stored in the display buffer memory 24 is
After displaying on the D display 25, 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)
) In step 5517, the copy data stored in the RAM 103 in the copy data controller 20 is sequentially displayed on the LED display 25, and then the process returns to the main routine. When the department card is inserted into the card data input/output device 22 (step 551
8), the department code and the number of copies for the department are displayed on the LED display 25 in step 5519, and then the process returns to the main routine. If the magnetic card is not inserted into the card data input/output device 22 (Yes in step 5520), step 5
At 521, the 'CARD' data is displayed on the LED display 2.
5, then return to the main routine.

FIG. 27 is a 70-wire diagram showing card read/write processing (step S503 in FIG. 25).

In steps 5530, 5532, 5534, and 5537 of 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 data stored in the magnetic card has been completed, whether an eject switch (a, not shown) that commands ejection of the magnetic card is turned on, and
Check whether the eject flag is 1".

When the insertion sensor is on (Yes in step 5530), a card insertion process, which will be described in detail later, is performed in step S531, and then the process returns to the main routine. When reading of data stored in the magnetic card is completed (Yes in step 5532)
After performing read completion processing, which will be described in detail later, in step 5533, the process returns to the main routine. When the eject switch is on (step 55)
34 (Yes S), 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 553
After the eject flag is reset in step 5536, eject processing is performed in step 5536, and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, the eject flag is no
'' (No in step 5537), in step 5538 it is determined whether ejection of the magnetic card is complete by checking whether the insertion sensor is off or whether the ejection timer has counted a predetermined time. If ejection of the magnetic card is not completed (No in step 5538).
) If the ejection of the magnetic card has been completed (Yes in step 5538), ejection completion processing, which will be described in detail later, is performed in step 5539, and then the process returns to the main routine.

Figure 28 shows the card insertion process (step 553 in Figure 27).
It is a 70-chart showing 1).

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 5551, 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 353 in FIG. 27).
It is a 70-chart showing 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 S561.

Next, in step 3562, 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
If the magnetic card is a department card (Yes in step 5563), it is checked in step 5563 whether or not the magnetic card is a department card.
s) After permitting the copying machine 10 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 1o from copying, and then returns.

FIG. 30 shows the eject process (step 553 in FIG. 27).
29 is a flowchart showing step S566) of FIG. 6 and FIG. 29.

In step 5570 of FIG. 30, first, copying machine 1
0, and after rotating the transport motor 23 in the magnetic card ejection direction (CCW rotation direction) in step S571, an eject timer that measures the ejection time of the magnetic card is started in step S5572. and return.

Figure 31 shows the discharge completion process (step 5539 in Figure 27).
) 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 S581,
Return.

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

Steno knobs 5590, 5592, and 5594 in FIG.
In each step, it is checked whether the copying operation for one sheet has been completed in the copying machine IO, whether a jam has occurred in the copying machine O', 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 10 (Yes in step 5590), step 559
After incrementing the 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 in step 1, the process returns to the main routine. Also, when a jam occurs in the copying machine 10 (Yes in step 5592)
In step 5593, the jam counter corresponding to the location where the jam occurred is incremented, and then the process returns to the main routine. Further, 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 flowchart showing communication processing in the copy data controller 20 (step S505 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 560
In step 5601, it is checked whether or not there is an error in the received data, and if there is an error, in step 5601
o) After performing necessary predetermined error processing for the error in step 5603, the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if there are no errors in the received data (
(Yes in step 5601), step 5602
After performing command analysis processing, which will be described in detail later, 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 Fig. 34 (A) and (B)
2.5614.5615.56211S624.562
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.
The process returns after sending 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 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), and in step 5616 it is checked whether the copier IO is copying, and if it is copying (Yes in step 3616).
) Returns after transmitting a processing mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in step 5613; on the other hand, if copying is not in progress (NO in step 5616), in steps 5617 and 5618, respectively. 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 10. Here, if a magnetic card is inserted and copy operation is permitted (step 5)
617 and 5618), in order to eject the magnetic card, the eject flag is set to 1'' in step 5619, 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. On the other hand, if a magnetic card is not inserted (No in step 5617) or if a magnetic card is inserted but the copy operation is not permitted (Yes in step 5617 and step 5
If No at 618), the process directly proceeds to step 5620, transmits a communication mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, and then returns.

When the setting mode request signal is received (step 56
(Yes in step 5621), 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 is checked to see if it is prohibited from copying, and the copying operation is prohibited. If not (No in step 5622), the process advances to step 5613 and the processing mode answer is
After transmitting the signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, the process returns. 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 step 624), and in step 5625, the serial number and total number of copies of the copy data controller 20 are sent to the center control device 5 via the online controller 30 in the format shown in FIG. 9(a).
Returns after sending to 0.

When the jam count request signal is received (Yes in step 5626), in step 5627 data on the number of jam occurrences for each location is sent to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in the format shown in FIG. 9(b). Return after sending to.

When the trouble count request signal is received (Yes in step 5628), in step 5629, data on the number of trouble occurrences for each location is stored as shown in FIG. 9(C).
After transmitting the data to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30 in the format shown in FIG.

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 7-order format of d), the process returns.

When the count clear request signal is received (Yes in step 5632), after clearing the copy number data by department and size stored in the RAM 103 in step S633, the clear answer signal is sent to the online controller. 30 to the center control device 50 and then returns.

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 flowchart 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 52 is connected to the center control device 50. 5
If the modem 52 is not connected (No in step S701), the process advances to step 5704; on the other hand, if the modem 52 is connected (No in step S701), the process proceeds to step 5704.
s) In step 5702, it is checked whether the modem 52 has been initialized. Here, if the modem 52 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),
After initializing the modem 52 in step 5703, the process advances to step 5704.

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 totaling the copy data set in advance using the personal computer 60. If it is not the deadline time (No in step 5705), the process proceeds to step 5707, and if it is the deadline time (Yes in step 5705), a deadline process to be described in detail later is performed in step 5706, and then the process proceeds to step 5707.

In step 5707, online controller 3
There is an incoming call from 0, and it is checked whether the line is connected to the online controller 30. If the line is connected (Yes in step 5707), data reception processing, which will be described in detail later, is performed 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 directly returns to step S701.

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) Cumulative data 2 This is the cumulative total of the past copy data, and in the deadline processing, the previous deadline data is added to the cumulative data and updated.

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 370 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 S731, 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 (step 5733),
1'es) 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 3741, 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).
, step 561 to eject the magnetic card.
After setting the eject flag to "1" in step 9, the process proceeds to step 5620, transmits a communication mode answer signal to the center control device 50 via the online controller 30, and then returns. However, the present invention is not limited to this. , without ejecting the magnetic card, step 56
It may be configured to advance by 2 oi.

[Effects of the Invention] As described in detail above, according to the present invention, in the copy data management system, the data of the telephone number, calling 13:00, and current date and time, which are respectively set by the setting means provided in the communication control device, is controlled. Since the information is transmitted to the apparatus and displayed on the display means of the data control device provided in the copying machine, there is no need to provide a display device in the communication control device.

Therefore, there is an advantage that the manufacturing cost of the copy data management system can be reduced.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 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, and 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) shows 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 in FIG. 1, and FIGS. 6(A) to 6(C) are communication sequences showing communication procedures during normal processing in the copy data management system in FIG. 1. Figures 7 and 8 are communication sequence diagrams showing communication procedures during abnormality processing in the copy data management system of Figure 1, and Figure 9 shows the format of communication data in the copy data management system of Figure 1. 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 subroutines of the online controller in FIG. FIG. 25 is a flowchart 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. 1...Terminal system, 2...Center system, 3
...Exchange, 4a, 4b, 4c...Telephone line, 10
, IQa to 10 d...Copy machine, 20.20a to 20d...Copy data controller, 21.31
...Microcomputer, 22...Card data input/output device, 23...Transport motor, 30.30a, 30b...Online controller,
33.52...Modulator/demodulator (modem), 40, 40
a, 40 b...-telephone, 50... center control device, 60... personal computer, 70... CRT display device, 203... RAM. 204...Real Time Kumik. Figure 4 [8]

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) Data necessary for managing the copying machine, such as the number of copies and maintenance requests, can be sent via telephone line.
a data control device installed in the copying machine, including a transmitting means for transmitting the data to a central control device that collects the data, and a display means for displaying the data; a setting means for setting the above, and a setting means for setting the above-mentioned call date and time when the current date and time to be clocked reaches the above-mentioned call date and time, dial the above-mentioned telephone number and connect the line to the above-mentioned central control device, and then connect the above-mentioned transmission means to the above-mentioned telephone line to send the above-mentioned copy data. The communication control device includes a control means for controlling the transmission means to transmit, and when the setting means sets the telephone number, the transmission date and time, and the current date and time, the communication control device performs the setting. data transmitting means for transmitting the data to the data control device, and the data control device further comprising display control means for receiving the data transmitted by the data transmitting means and displaying it on the display means. Copy data management system.