JPH04366970A - Copying machine control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To give a user facilities in terms of the procedures for the payment of a charge, etc., and to reduce the trouble of the official management of a controller side by transmitting the total number of copied sheets of a copying machine corresponding to a copying machine control device from a centralized control device to a corresponding facsimile device as an image signal. CONSTITUTION:When data is inputted in a CPU from a data terminal(DT) 1 side through a communication line network, a modem 72, a communication INF on the modem 72 side and a communication I/F on a computer side, the data for control showing the state of the copying machine 4 corresponding to the DT 1 is generated and updated based on the data. Therefore, on the day of adding up accounts, the facsimile device 54 corresponding to the DT 1 being the transmitting origin of the data on the adding-up day is accessed through a facsimile board, a modem T4 and a communication line and after it is connected, the data on the number of copied sheets on the adding-up day is transmitted.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Field of Application] The present invention transmits data relating to the copying machine from each copying machine management device connected to each copying machine to a central management device of a management center via a communication line, Based on this, the present invention relates to a system in which each copying machine is managed by a central management device.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art A system has been proposed in which the management data of a plurality of copying machines is transmitted to a single central processing unit and processed by the processing unit at once (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-54032). Public bulletin). A device has been proposed that manages multiple copying machines by transmitting the management data of each copying machine to a single central control unit via each terminal device and processing it in the control unit. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522).

0003

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] It is an object of the present invention to collect various types of data from a copying machine using a copying machine management device and send it to a management center via a communication line. The present applicant has previously filed an application for an invention relating to a system that is collectively managed using a management device.

[0004] In the above system, it is being considered to calculate the number of copies for each copying machine and to calculate charges and issue bills based on this. At the time of the above consideration, data such as the calculation result of the number of copies and the amount charged will be automatically and promptly notified to the user of the copying machine, thereby providing convenience to the user and providing information to the administrator. A request was made to reduce the administrative burden on the side. The present invention aims to meet the above requirements.

[0005]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention provides information that can be transmitted from each copying machine management device, which is equipped with means for collecting various data of the connected copying machines, and a means for connecting with a communication line, to a communication line. In the copier management method, the copiers corresponding to each copy machine management device are managed by the central control device on the control center side based on the data sent to the control center side from the communication line. An image forming means for forming an image on paper based on received image information is provided corresponding to each copying machine management device, and data for connecting to any image forming means via a communication line is provided. a storage means for storing a table that associates each image forming means with data specifying a copying machine management device corresponding to the image forming means; a means for transmitting image information to a communication line; When a break in the copy count of the machine is detected, the machine connects to the image forming means corresponding to the copy machine via a communication line, and then
Data regarding the number of copies counted for the copier
The central management device is provided with a control means for transmitting the data to the communication line as image information in a format compatible with the image forming means, and this allows each copying machine management device to copy copies of the corresponding copying machine. This is a copying machine management system in which information regarding the number of copies is obtained on paper as a hard copy.

[0006] As the image forming means, for example, a facsimile machine associated with a copying machine management device can be used. Further, the copying machine may be equipped with means for obtaining text information as a hard copy (text information imprinting means). The "data for connecting to the image forming means via a communication line" is the facsimile number of the destination when a public telephone line is used as the communication line. Further, the "data identifying the copying machine management device" is, for example, the ID of the copying machine management device. The "delimiter for counting the number of copies of the copying machine" is set by the copying machine management device, for example, as described in claim 2.
This may be detected as the "closing date" of the bill for the copying machine and sent to the central management device.

[0007]

[Operation] For example, the copying machine management device detects the above-mentioned "delimiter for counting the number of copies of a copying machine" as the "cutoff date" of the bill for the corresponding copying machine, and disconnects the communication line to that effect. When the data is transmitted via the central management device, the control means of the central management device transmits the data such as the number of copies of the copying machine or the billed amount to the copying machine management device that is the source of the “cutoff date data”. The image data is converted into image data that can be received by an image forming means corresponding to the image data. Furthermore, after calling and connecting the image forming means via the communication line, the image data is sent to the communication line. In this way, data such as the number of copies made by the corresponding copying machine or the billed amount is output as a hard copy to the image forming means.

[0008]

[Examples] Examples of the present invention will be described below. [1] System Configuration First, the configuration of the system consisting of ``copy machine, DT (data terminal), facsimile machine, network (=communication line network), and center'' will be explained.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the above system, and FIGS. 2 and 3 are block diagrams of the circuit configuration of the system. As shown in the figure, this system is comprised of a device on the user side, a device on the center side which is the administrator, and a communication line network that connects these devices.

On the user side, a copying machine 4, a DT (data terminal) 1, a modem 52 as a communication terminal device,
A telephone 53 as a normal communication device and a normal facsimile machine 54 are installed. On the other hand, the center side, which is the administrator, has a modem 72 as a communication terminal device,
A telephone 73 as a normal communication device and a computer.
A computer 90 (main body, display 92, keyboard 93, printer 94) is installed. Also, computer 9
0 is installed with a facsimile board 96 for providing facsimile functions, and the facsimile board 96 can be connected to a communication network via a modem 74.

A data terminal (DT) 1 is a device for taking in various information from the copying machine 4, subjecting it to predetermined processing, and transmitting the information to a computer 90 on the management center side. On the management center side, data for copying machine management is created based on the transmitted data, and necessary measures are taken, such as sending facsimile data, for example. Each device will be described below.

<Copying machine 4> This is a device that forms a copy image on paper by scanning an original image. In copy machine 4,
Various element data that affects the image forming process (paper transport time, surface potential of the photoreceptor drum, toner concentration in the developer, photoreceptor drum exposure amount, development bias voltage, etc.)
The amount of toner adhering to the photoconductor drum, the grid voltage of the charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups SE, and C
After importing into PU41 and processing, serial I/F43
・CPU 11 of DT1 via serial I/F 13
Send to.

[0013] The copying machine 4 also has a counter (a counter indicating the number of paper ejections) which is the basis of the amount billed by the administrator.
counter, paper size counter that indicates the number of sheets used for each paper size), counter that serves as a guide for maintenance (location-specific JAM counter that indicates the number of jams in each location,
A trouble counter for each location that shows the number of troubles for each location.
Each count value of the part-specific PM counter (which indicates the number of times each part has been used) is counted and sent to the CP of data terminal 1 via the serial I/F 42 and serial I/F 12.
Send to U11. The PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times each part is used, and its count value is
It is used as a guideline for when to replace parts.

The copying machine 4 also has various key switches on the operation panel 40 (FIG. 5) (a print (PR) key 46 for commanding the start of copying operation, a group of numeric keys 47 for inputting numerical values, an input Based on signals from various switches other than the operation panel (such as the clear key 48 for commanding data clear) and various switches other than the operation panel (trouble reset switch 49, etc. for commanding trouble reset), a predetermined operation/mode is activated. Configure settings, etc. In addition, the numerical data etc. displayed on the display section 45 are transferred to the serial I/F 42 and the serial I/F 1.
2 to the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1. In addition, for copying machine 4, the model name and
Each serial number data is set to S-R when shipped from the factory.
It is stored in AM44. These are transmitted via the serial I/F 42 and the serial I/F 12 in response to a transmission request from the CPU 11 when the data terminal 1 is installed.

<Data terminal 1> Data from the copying machine 4 is taken in, and predetermined transmission conditions (the transmission flag is "1") are taken in.
When the conditions to be set (see the explanation section of the flowchart for specific examples) are satisfied, the modem 52 is activated to connect the communication line with the center side, and then the copying machine's management data is - data (the above element data, count data, etc.)
When making an initial setting call, this device transmits the model name and serial number data of the connected copying machine to the CPU 91 of the center.

The control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 includes a ROM 14 storing a control program and a number data.
non-volatile memory 16 for storing data (described later), etc.; battery-backed system RAM 1 for working;
5. Similarly battery-backed clock IC17
is connected. Control CPU of data terminal 1
11 transmits data transmitted from the CPU 41 of the copying machine 4 to the serial I/F 12 or the serial I/F 1.
3 and executes the predetermined processing. CPU11
Also, depending on the input of the operation switch, the predetermined operation /
Perform mode settings, etc. These processes will be described in the section explaining the flowchart.

Note that FIG. 6 shows 8-bit data b7 to b input to the CPU 11 via the serial I/F 12.
0 is a diagram showing the configuration of 0. The paper ejection code is represented by the falling edge (change from 1 to 0) of bit b0. A JAM code indicating the occurrence of a paper jam is represented by bit b7=1 and bit b6=0. Further, a trouble code indicating the occurrence of various troubles is represented by bit b7=1 and bit b6=1. This 8-bit data is periodically input to the CPU 11, and is also input when a paper jam or other trouble occurs in the copying machine 4.

[0018] The operation switch described above is shown in Fig. 4.
As shown in the figure, there are four dip switches DIP・S.
W1 to DIP/SW4, a push switch 21, and a manual switch 22 are provided. D.I.P.
・SW4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP/SW1 controls the input mode of the center's selection number (telephone number), and DIP/SW2 controls the input mode of the center's selection number (telephone number).
DIP/SW3 is the input mode for the ID number (DTID) for identifying the center terminal 1.
These are switches for setting the input mode of the D number (center ID). In addition, push switch 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a switch for instructing initial setting transmission (see S151 in FIG. 10), etc., and manual switch 22 is a switch for instructing manual transmission.

The control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 is connected to the communication I/F (RS232CI/F) 51 of the modem 52 via the communication I/F (RS232CI/F) 18. That is, the modem 52
The system is configured to instruct the center side modem 72 to make a call to connect the communication line with the center side modem 72, thereby enabling communication with the center computer 90. .

[0020] Furthermore, from data terminal 1 to center
Data sent to the side (data for managing copying machine 4)
The content of is determined by the type of call flag set to "1", as will be explained in detail later. In addition, when an initial setting call is commanded, the identification data of the copying machine (model name, serial number), identification data of the copying machine management device (DTID), etc. are sent to the center. - is sent to the - side.

<Facsimile device 54> The facsimile device 54 is a device having a function of forming an image on paper based on image information received from a communication line network. Since it is owned by a general user and its configuration and functions are well known, a description thereof will be omitted.

<Management Center> It has a computer device (centralized management device) 90 configured to be connectable to a large number of data terminals 1 via a communication line network. The computer
The CPU 91 of the data terminal 90 manages each copying machine 4 corresponding to a large number of data terminals 1.

For example, from the data terminal 1 side to the communication line network/modem 72/modem 72 side communication I/F (R
S232CI/F)71・Computer side communication I/F
When data (the element data, count data, etc.) is input to the CPU 91 via the (RS232 CI/F) 98, the corresponding data terminal 1 is processed based on the data. Management data indicating the status of the copying machine is created and updated. For example, if copy count data is
Updated. Note that when communicating using the initial setting call, the received identification data (copier model name, serial number, etc.)
, copying machine management device ID) are stored in the management data area of the auxiliary storage device 95.

[0024] Furthermore, it is determined whether or not to dispatch a service man, and the parts, etc. to be prepared when the service man is dispatched are selected. Furthermore, on the closing date of the bill, the facsimile machine 54 corresponding to the data terminal (copying machine management device) 1 that is the source of the closing date data is sent to the facsimile board 9.
6. Called via modem 74. Communication line, after being connected,
The data on the number of copies and the like on the closing date are transmitted.

[2] System control Next, system control will be explained. In addition, the flowchart
Before explaining the ``on edge'' and ``off edge''
Define the term. When the state of a switch, sensor, signal, etc. changes from an off state to an on state, this state change is defined as an on edge. Further, when the state of a switch, sensor, signal, etc. changes from an on state to an off state, this state change is defined as an off edge.

<Processing in the copying machine 4> First, the copying machine 4
The processing by the control CPU 41 will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 41 starts processing, for example, by turning on the power, and first performs initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode (S41). Next, the processes of steps S43 to S59 are executed.

In step S43, key switches on the operation panel 40 (numeric keypad group 47 for inputting numerical values, copy keypad group 47,
Print (PR) key 46 for start command, clear key 48 for clear command, etc.), switch groups such as trouble reset switch 49, and inputs from various sensor groups SE arranged in the copying machine. This is signal reception processing. In step S47, the CPU of data terminal 1
11, the identification data of the corresponding copying machine 4 (model name,
serial number) is requested (S45; YES)
, reads the identification data from the S-RAM 44 and sends it to the CPU via the serial I/F 42 and serial I/F 12.
This is the process of transmitting to 11. Further, step S51 is
This is a step that collectively shows the processing necessary for copying operations and the like. Examples include paper feeding control, scanning control, photosensitive drum control, and developing device control.

Step S53 The following is the processing when a trouble occurs. That is, when a trouble such as a jam occurs (S53; YES), a signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 (S55). Also, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (S5
7; YES), CPU 1 for controlling data terminal 1
A trouble reset signal is sent to 1 (S5
9).

<Processing at data terminal 1> Next,
The processing by the control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 is
This will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 to 14.

(a) Main Routine First, an outline of the processing will be explained based on the main routine shown in FIG. The control CPU 11 starts processing when the power is turned on, and in the initial setting mode (S11; YES).
), and after executing the initial setting process (S13), a copy permission signal is transmitted to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (S15). Thereafter, a repeating loop process of steps S17 to S31 is executed.

In each subroutine step, roughly the following processing is executed. *Initial setting: S13 This is executed when the dip switch DIP SW4 is turned on when the power is turned on, that is, when the initial setting mode is set (S11; YES). As described later, the center selection number (telephone number), data terminal ID number (DTID), center ID number (center ID) settings, copier model name, serial number, etc. A number is acquired and an initial setting call is made. *Count data reception: S17 As will be described later, various count data transmitted from the control CPU 41 of the copying machine are received and updated to the latest data. The contents of the data are a discharge code, a JAM/trouble code, a JAM/trouble count value, a count value by paper size, and a PM count value. In addition, the total count value for each date, which is the basis for fee calculation, is updated daily and held in association with the date. *Element data reception/data processing: S19 Sequentially, data corresponding to the average value and standard deviation of each element data is calculated and updated to the latest value.

*Trouble transmission determination: S21 As will be described later, it is determined whether or not trouble data and trouble recovery data can be transmitted to the center. * Scheduled call determination: S23 When the predetermined scheduled call time comes, the scheduled call flag is set to 1. As a result, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the management center. For example, the total count value for one day held at that time is sent to the management center. *Warning determination: S25 element data, JAM counter count value, PM
Each count value of the counter is compared with a predetermined threshold value. Also, based on the results, it is determined whether or not the warning data and warning recovery data can be transmitted to the center. *Manual call determination: S27 When the manual switch 22 is turned on, the manual call flag is set to 1. As a result, various element data are transmitted to the center. *PM transmission determination: S29 P whose count value has been cleared to “0” due to parts replacement
The count value of the M counter before it is cleared is transmitted to the center.

*Call processing: S31 As described later, when any call flag is set to "1", a command is issued to connect a communication line with the center, and after connection, data communication is executed. be done.

(b) Subroutine Next, the details of the subroutine steps are shown in FIGS. 9 to 14.
I will explain based on this. *Initial setting process (Figures 9 and 10) This process is performed when the dip switch DIP
This is executed when SW4 is turned on (S11; YES). In this process, the center selection number, data terminal ID number (DTID), center ID number (center
ID), acquisition of identification data (model name and serial number) of the connected copying machine, and transmission of initial settings.

First, the memory 15 is initialized (S101
), then dip switch DIP・SW1 ~DI
It enters a standby state with P.SW3 turned on.

When DIP SW1 is turned on (S11
1; YES), the center selection number (telephone number) input mode is entered. That is, the numeric value entered using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine and displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is changed to the center selection number data in response to the input from the print key 46 (S113; YES). It is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as (S115). Note that the selection number input mode is canceled by turning off DIP SW1 (S117).
).

[0037] In response to turning on DIP SW2 (S1
21; YES), the DTID input mode is set, and the number displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is displayed on the print key 4.
6 (S123; YES), the data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as DTID data (S125).
). The DTID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP SW2 (S127).

[0038] In response to turning on DIP SW3 (S1
31; YES), the center ID input mode is set, and the number displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is changed to the center ID data each time the print key 46 is input (S133; YES). - stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as data (
S135). Center ID input mode is DIP/SW
3 is turned off (S137).

[0039] When all three types of data settings are completed (S141; YES), push switch 2
1 is considered valid. That is, when the push switch 21 is pressed (S143; YES), the identification data of the connected copying machine is requested, provided that the copying machine is ready (S145; YES). (S147). Further, when the above identification data is transmitted from the copying machine side, after the identification data is taken in from the serial I/F 12 (S149
), an initial setting call is made to the management center (S15
1). That is, the center is called via the communication line network, and the two types of ID data and the identification data are transmitted to the center's CPU 91. When the transmission is completed, the CPU 91 of the control center sends data (count data closing date, next scheduled transmission time, etc.)
(current time, warning determination threshold) are received.

[0040] When the transmission and reception are completed in this way, it is determined whether the communication was carried out normally (S153). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S153; NO)
, returns to step S111 and presses the push switch 21.
The device is in standby mode for turning on again. In addition, if it is performed normally (S153; YES), return to the main routine.
will be turned on. As a result, the processes following step S15 are executed.

*Reception of count data (Fig. 11) First,
Various count data sent from the copying machine 4 are
It is taken in from the serial I/F 12 (S201) and stored in the corresponding memory area. Also, when the date changes (for example, midnight) (S203; YES)
), the total count value indicating the total number of copies made by the copying machine 4 on the current day is stored as the total count value on the current day in association with the date (S205). Additionally, the various count data described above are updated and retained (S2
07).

*Trouble call determination (FIG. 12) In this process, trouble call and trouble recovery call are managed. For example, in the state of "trouble flag = 0"(S301;
YES), when a trouble code from the copying machine is detected (S303; YES), the trouble flag and trouble call flag are set to "1"(S303; YES).
305). This causes a call to the management center and sends trouble data.

[0043] Also, in the state of "trouble flag = 1" (
S301; NO), when the paper ejection code from the copying machine is detected (S307; YES), the trouble flag is set to “0”.
", and the trouble recovery call flag is set to "1" (S309). As a result, the management center is called and the trouble recovery data is sent. This is because paper ejection is an operation that is performed after trouble recovery.

*Call processing (Fig. 13, Fig. 14) In this process, the center
A call process is performed, and after connection, data corresponding to the calling flag is transmitted.

If any call flag is set to "1"(S601; YES), it is determined that the caller is not on redial standby (S603; NO), and that the communication line with the center modem 72 is not connected (S601; YES). S605; NO),
On the condition that the modem 52 is not on standby after being instructed to call the center modem 72 (S607; NO), the modem 52 is instructed to call the center modem 7.
2 is ordered (S609).

As a result of the process in step S609, if the telephone 53 is "in use" and the communication line is occupied, and therefore the center side modem 72 cannot be called (S611; YES), a certain A redial time (a time after the predetermined period of time) is set so that the process of step S609 is executed again after a certain period of time (S61
3). As a result, the determination in step S603 becomes "YES" until the redial time. Therefore, the process of step S609 is not executed. Furthermore, when the above redial time comes, S603;N
O →S605;NO →S607;NO →S609
The modem 52 is again instructed to call the center modem 72 as shown in FIG.

As a result of the processing in step S609, the modem 52 sends the selection number signal of the management center to the communication line network, and as a result, the modem 72 on the center side becomes "busy" (even though the connection with the modem 72 is not established). , including cases where there is no response from the CPU 91)''(S615
; YES), the redial time is set in the same manner as above (S617), and the process of step S609 is executed again at the redial time.

On the other hand, if the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected through the process of S609, (S6
05; YES), after waiting for modem 52 to be ready (S62
1; YES), data communication (S625) is executed. As a result, the data specified by the transmission flag set to "1" is transmitted to the management center.

For example, in the case of initial setting call, DTID
, identification data (model name, serial number), etc. of the copying machine are transmitted. Furthermore, in the case of scheduled transmission, various count data such as the number of copies for the current day and various element data are transmitted to the management center. Furthermore, if the billing amount is sent on a regular basis on the closing date, "closing date data" to that effect is transmitted. The closing date is, for example, the last day of the month.

[0050] In this way, when all the data is transmitted (
S623; YES), the call flag is reset to "0" (S627), an on-hook signal is sent to the communication line network, and the communication line with the center modem 72 is disconnected (S629). As mentioned above, by the call processing,
Data communication with the management center is performed.

<Processing at the Management Center> Next, the processing at the CPU 91 of the computer 90 at the management center is shown in FIG.
This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 5 to 17. (a) F1 to F7 key processing (Figure 15) The CPU 91
Processing starts when the power is turned on, and the modem and
The environment settings for the printer, etc. are executed (S61). Thereafter, the system enters a standby state for operation input from each of the function keys F1 to F7. That is, depending on the key input operation, a mode is set as shown below, or a process is executed as shown below.

- F1 key operation (S63; YES) The reception mode for model registration is set (S65). That is, the model name, the number of element data items, the name of each element data, the standard threshold value of each element data, and each count data.
New registrations such as standard threshold values for data will be accepted.・F2 key operation (S67; YES) User master registration reception mode is set (S69)
. That is, new registration of user name, address, telephone number, model name, machine number, scheduled call date and time, etc. is accepted. Additionally, the DTID is automatically set. - F3 key operation (S71; YES) Trouble status is displayed (S73). That is, the user information (user name, address, telephone number, model name) of the copying machine for which the trouble was reported, the date and time of occurrence, etc. are displayed on the display 92 together with the details of the trouble. In addition, F
Regardless of the operation of the 3 keys, in the corner of the display 92,
The number of problems is always displayed. - F4 key operation (S75; YES) Warning status is displayed (S77). That is, the user information of the copying machine for which the warning was issued is displayed on the display 92 together with the content of the warning. Note that the number of warnings is always displayed at the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F4 key. - F5 key operation (S79; YES) Unreceived status is displayed (S81). In other words, a user of a copying machine that does not make a scheduled call even after a predetermined scheduled call time has elapsed.
information is displayed on the display 92. In addition, F4
Irrespective of the key operation, the corner of the display 92 shows
The number of unreceived messages is always displayed. - F6 key operation (S83; YES) Enters user data display mode (S85). That is,
When a user is selected, user information is displayed on the display 92. Furthermore, when a submenu is selected,
Count values of various counters (total counter, paper size counter, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) and element data of the user copying machine are displayed by month or by item. . - F7 key operation (S87; YES) The bill is printed out (S89). That is, the billed amount is calculated based on the count value of the total counter and a predetermined calculation formula, and the printer 94 is started and printed out. Furthermore, the total count value is
Here, it is the sum of the total count values for each day from the previous closing date to the previous closing date. That is, it is the same value as the number of copies (described later) transmitted by facsimile to the user.

(b) Interrupt processing (Figures 16 and 17)C
The PU 91 receives data transmitted from the data terminal by interrupt processing, and also performs predetermined processing on the received data (S91). First, when an interrupt occurs from the data terminal side, the DTID and transmission data are received (S901). Here, the data is D
In addition to the TID, for example, in the case of data communication based on initial setting transmission, identification data (model name and serial number) of the copying machine is received. The received identification data is stored together with the DTID in the management data area of the auxiliary storage device 95 as shown in FIG. Note that the selection number data of the facsimile machine 54 installed corresponding to the copying machine 4 is
The system may be configured such that the data is also received at the time of the initial setting transmission.

[0054] If a communication error occurs during the above data communication (S903; YES), the data terminal A request is made to retransmit the data to the side (S91
3). Also, if the communication ends normally (S905; YE
S), the communication line is disconnected (S907). Note that the communication line is disconnected even if the number of occurrences of communication errors exceeds a predetermined number (S911; NO).

After the communication line is disconnected, it is determined whether the closing date data has been received. As a result, if the closing date data is received (S921; YES), the total number of copies for the current month is calculated (S923), and facsimile processing (S925) is executed.

Facsimile processing (S925) means reading out the selection number data of the facsimile device corresponding to the data terminal of the sender from the management data area shown in FIG. After activating the modem 74 and connecting the communication line with the facsimile machine with the selected number data, the image data set in the format shown in FIG. 19 (user name, This is a process for sending the total number of copies for the current month and the image data to which the management center name has been added to the communication line. In this example, the above-mentioned "closing date data" is received at the time of scheduled transmission on the last day of the month. In addition, in this example, the above-mentioned "total number of copies for the current month" is calculated for each copy from the time when the previous "closing date data" was received to the time when the current "closing date data" was received. It is calculated as the sum of the above-mentioned total count values for the current day.

Note that in step S939, for each item,
Each month's data is aggregated, and screen display data selected by the operator is created.

The present system is controlled in the manner described above. In the above example, if "cutoff date data" is added to the regularly transmitted data from each data terminal, the total number of copies for the current month is calculated, and −
After calling and connecting to a facsimile machine compatible with the data terminal, the number of copies is converted into an image signal and transmitted.

However, the present invention is not limited to such a system. For example, a table is prepared on the central management device side that gives the closing date of each data terminal, and when the closing date comes, the above-mentioned data is sent to the facsimile machine corresponding to the data terminal. may be sent. Furthermore, the billing amount may be added to the transmitted data.

In the embodiment described above, the image information is transmitted from the center to the facsimile device corresponding to the DT, but in this modification, the copying machine connected to the DT transmits the image information based on the electrical signal. If the machine has a digital image forming function capable of forming an image, image information (character data; binary code) is transmitted from the center to the copying machine via the DT.

[0061] Hereinafter, only the points different from the previous embodiment will be explained. First, the copying machine 4 is a digital copying machine as described in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 64-863, and is capable of forming images based on electrical signals. In addition, copy machine 4
The image forming method may be an optical recording method using an LED array, a liquid crystal array, a PLZT array, etc., in addition to the method using a laser described in JP-A-64-863. A multi-layer recording method or an inkjet recording method may be used.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the copying machine 4
The CPU 41 includes a font memory F that stores bit images of predetermined characters and figures that respond to code data.
M is connected. In response to the received code data, the CPU 41 refers to the font memory FM and develops the image to be formed into a bitmap. The image forming section of the copying machine 4 forms an image according to the bitmap.

[0063] Therefore, the center CPU 91
When the data sent from T is closing date data,
When the DT is connected to a copying machine having a digital image forming function, image information B (FIG. 19) and corresponding code data are transmitted to the DT via the network. And D
T transmits this code data to the CPU 41 of the copying machine via the serial I/Fs 13 and 43. Copy machine CPU
41 causes the image forming section to form an image in response to the received code data.

[0064] In order to transmit this code data, the CPU 91
stores the DT telephone number and copier model that correspond to each DTID. By storing the copier model corresponding to each DT, it can be determined that the DT is connected to a copier having a digital image forming function. On the other hand, when the data sent from the DT is cut-off date data, if the DT is connected to a copying machine that does not have a digital image forming function, the image information All you have to do is send it to your facsimile machine.

[0065]

As described above, the present invention provides means (such as a facsimile machine) for forming an image on paper based on image information received from a communication line on the side of each copying machine management device, and By transmitting the total number of copies of the copying machine corresponding to the copier management device as facsimile data (image signal) from the central control device side to the corresponding facsimile device, each copying machine can be managed. On the device side, the number of copies of the corresponding copying machine is displayed as a hard copy.
It is obtained in the format of .

According to the present invention, the number of copies, which is the basis for billing, or the billing amount itself is automatically and promptly notified to the user of the copying machine. This facilitates the user's convenience in procedures such as fee transfer procedures, and also reduces the burden of administrative processing on the administrator's side.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a part of a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the above system.

FIG. 3 is the remainder of the block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the system.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of operation switches of the data terminal in the above system.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine in the above system.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of a code transmitted from the copying machine to the data terminal in the above system.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the main processing routine of the CPU of the copying machine in the above system.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the main processing routine of the CPU of the data terminal in the above system.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing part of the initial setting process of the CPU of the data terminal in the above system.

[Figure 10] CPU of data terminal in the above system
3 is a flowchart showing the remainder of the initial setting process.

[Figure 11] CPU of data terminal in the above system
3 is a flowchart showing the count data reception process of FIG.

[Figure 12] CPU of data terminal in the above system
3 is a flowchart showing a trouble call determination process.

[Figure 13] CPU of data terminal in the above system
2 is a flowchart showing part of the call processing.

[Figure 14] CPU of data terminal in the above system
2 is a flowchart showing the remainder of the call processing.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing processing by the center CPU in the above system.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing processing by the center CPU in the above system.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing by the center CPU in the above system.

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of data managed by the center CPU in the above system.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an image transmitted by facsimile from the management center side in the system.

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system according to another embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a part of a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the above system.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 data terminal (DT), 4 copying machine, 55 facsimile machine, 11 data terminal CPU, 41 copying machine CPU, 91
Center CPU, 95 Facsimile board, DIP SW1 to DIP SW4 DIP switch, 21 Push switch, 22
manual switch,

Claims (4)

[Claims] Claim 1: Data transmitted from each copying machine management device, which is equipped with means for collecting various data of the connected copying machines and means for connecting to a communication line, to a management center side via a communication line. In a copying machine management method in which copying machines corresponding to each copying machine management device are managed by a central control device on the management center side, based on image information received from a communication line, An image forming means for forming an image on paper is provided in correspondence with each copying machine management device, and
Storage means storing a table that associates data for connecting to an arbitrary image forming means via a communication line with data specifying a copying machine management device corresponding to the image forming means. , means for sending image information to a communication line, and when a break in counting the number of copies of an arbitrary copying machine is detected, a means for transmitting image information to a communication line, and a means for connecting to an image forming means corresponding to the copying machine via the communication line. After that, the central control device is provided with a control means for transmitting data regarding the number of copies counted for the copying machine to the communication line as image information in a format compatible with the image forming means. A copying machine management system in which a copying machine management device obtains information on the number of copies made by each corresponding copying machine on paper. 2. In claim 1, means for detecting a break in the counting of the number of copies of a connected copying machine, and a management center that transmits break data indicating the detection of the break each time the break is detected. means for transmitting the number of copies to each copying machine management device, and reception of the delimiter data from the communication line is detected as a delimiter in counting the number of copies in the control means of the central management device. A copying machine management method in which the image information regarding the number of copies of a corresponding copying machine is transmitted after processing and connecting to an image forming means corresponding to a copying machine management apparatus of a transmission source. 3. A copying machine management system according to claim 1, wherein said image forming means is a facsimile machine. 4. In claim 1, the image forming means is a character information imprinting means disposed in a copying machine.
Copy machine management method.