JPH0450958A - Copying machine control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To take a necessary countermeasure on a control center side by accessing the control center when abnormality occurs in a connection state with a copying machine and transmitting data concerning the abnormal connection. CONSTITUTION:The copying machine 4, a DT (data terminal) 1, a modem 52 functioning also as a communication terminal device and a telephone set 53 being a communication device are set on a user side. The data terminal 1 is a device which fetches various kinds of information from the copying machine 4, executes specified processing and transmits the information to a computer 90 on the center side. When it is disconnected from the copying machine 4, the access to the control center is commanded. When it is connected to the control center, the data concerning the abnormal connection with the copying machine 4 is transmitted to the control center side. Thus, the necessary countermeasure is taken on the control center side.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device for transmitting copying machine management data to a central management device of a management center.

[Conventional technology]

(1) A method has been proposed in which management data for multiple copying machines is sent to a single central processing unit and processed in batches by the central processing unit (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54032/1983). . (2) A system has been proposed that centrally manages each copying machine by transmitting management data for multiple copying machines to a single central control unit via the terminal device of each copying machine and processing it. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522). (3) A system equivalent to the above has been proposed in which communication with a central control unit is performed via a communication line network such as a public telephone line.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

The copying machine management device, which sends copying machine management data to the center, collects various types of copying machine data online. This means that if a printer malfunction occurs in the copy machine,
This is to satisfy the following requirements: secondly, to enable the management center to respond promptly, and also to be able to count the number of copies, which is the basis for charge billing, for each copying process. Therefore, if the connection with the copying machine is cut off for some reason, a problem occurs in that the above-mentioned measures cannot be taken. The present invention is aimed at preventing the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems, and is intended to enable the center to quickly recognize the fact that the connection with the copying machine has been severed.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention is a copying machine management device that calls a central management device of a management center via a communication line network and transmits data for copying machine management, and includes means for receiving and processing data from connected copying machines; means for detecting the state of connection with the copying machine; transmission management means for calling the central control device when the connection with the copying machine is severed; and transmission of data regarding abnormality in connection with the copying machine after connection with the central control device. and transmission data management means. The connection state with the copying machine can be detected, for example, by transmitting a predetermined signal to the copying machine at predetermined time intervals and from the response of the copying machine to the signal. Alternatively, it may be detected as in the embodiment described later).

[Effect]

When the connection between the copying machine and this device is severed, the call control means issues a command to call the control center. After that, when a connection is established with the central control device of the management center, data regarding the connection error between the copier and this device will be stored.
Sent to the management center side. This allows the management center to take necessary actions.

【Example】

Examples of the present invention will be described below. 1] Overall structure of the system First, the general structure of the system will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this system connects a large number of user side devices (one set of user side devices is shown in the figure), a center side cover which is the administrator, and these. It consists of a communication line (for example, telephone line) network. Here, on the user side, a copying machine 4, a DT (data terminal) 1, a modem 52 which also functions as a communication terminal device, and a telephone 53 which is a communication device are installed. Note that the data terminal 1 is a device that receives various information from the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing on it, and transmits the information to a computer on the center side. On the other hand, on the center side, a modem 72 that also functions as a communication terminal device, a computer (main unit 90, display 92, keyboard 93, printer 94), and a telephone 73 that is a communication device are installed, and a communication line is installed. Data for copying machine management is created based on data received via the network, and necessary actions are taken. Next, each device will be described. Copying Machine 4> This is a device that forms a copy image on a sheet of paper by scanning an original image. The copying machine 4 uses various element data that affect the image forming process (paper transport time, surface potential of the photoreceptor drum, toner concentration of 3g in the developer, exposure amount of the photoreceptor drum, development bias voltage, on the photoreceptor drum). The toner adhesion amount, the grid voltage of the charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and are taken into the CPIJ 41 and processed. 2 on I/F43
, real I/F connected by lid CNI
13 to the data terminal 10 CPU11. The various element data described above will be abstractly expressed as element data X, (i=1 to the number of items of element data) in the description of control to be described later. The copying machine 4 also has counters (total counter indicating the number of paper ejections,
(counter by paper size that shows the number of times each paper size has been used)
, a counter that serves as a guideline for maintenance (J on the side
Each count value (JAM counter on the location side indicating the number of AM operations, trouble counter on the location side indicating the number of troubles on the location side, and PM counter for each component indicating the number of times each component is used) is counted, and is the same as the above-mentioned CPU 41. The serial I/F 42 arranged on the board, and the serial I/F 42 arranged on the board.
CPU of data terminal 1 via serial I/F 12 connected to F42 by connector CNI.
Send to II. Note that the PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times each component is used, and the count value is used as a guideline for when to replace the component. The copying machine 4 also has various key switches (for instructing the start of copying operation) on the operation panel (Fig. 4).
PR) key 46. Numeric keypad group 471 for numerical input, clear key 48 for instructing clearing of manual data, etc.), various switch groups other than the operation panel (for example, trouble reset switch 49 for instructing trouble reset)
) in response to a signal from the serial 1/F42 connected by the connector CNI.
・Pig terminal 1 via serial l/F l 2
Send to the CPU II. P;Oh, the transmission data includes
The numerical value displayed on the display section 45 is also included. Further, under predetermined conditions, the copying machine 4 displays a message such as "Copying is prohibited" on the message display section 44 of the operation panel 40 (see S61 in FIG. 6). In addition, as mentioned above, the CPL141 is serial 1/F
42 and serial I/F43, and connections between /real I/F42 and serial I/F12 and between /real I/F43 and /real I/F1.3 are made using connector CNI. carried out by. Furthermore, the connection of the data terminal side interface (serial I/F 12, serial I/F 13) to the connector CNI is detected by turning on the microswitch 44C. Furthermore, /Real I
/F42 can also be connected to the management device 44a via the connector CN2, and the fact that the management device 44a is connected to the connector CN2 is detected by turning on the microswitch 44b, as described above. It is configured as follows. The management device 44a is a device that allows copying operations and counts the number of copies, and is used by the user to manage his own number of copies. Data terminal 1> When the data from the copying machine 4 is taken in and processed, and a predetermined transmission condition (condition for the transmission flag to be set to "1": see the section on control described later for details) is met, the modem 52
, connect the communication line with the center side, and transmit the copying machine management data (element data, count data, etc.)
This is a device that transmits the information to the center side. As shown in Figure 2, the control CP of this data terminal 1
The UII is connected to a ROM 14 storing a control program, a nonvolatile memory 16 storing selection number data (described later), etc., a system RAM 15 for working that is backed up by a battery, and a clock IC 17 that is also backed up by a battery. ing. The CPU II receives data transmitted from the copying machine 4 from the serial I/F 12 or the serial I/F 13, and executes processing to be described later. Thereby, the above-mentioned function is realized. Note that the output port PO1 and input port pH of cpU1] are serial I/F 12 and serial I
/F13 is connected to the connector CNI so that the connector CNI is short-circuited. Therefore, serial I/F 12 and serial I/F 1
With 3 connected to connector CNI, output port (PO)
When l is set to high level (Hl), the input port pH should also be set to high level (Hl), and using this, the input port pH is set to high level (Hl), and using this, the input port pH is set to high level (Hl).
Connection/non-connection with NJ is detected (see Figure 13, connector disconnected call determination). Further, FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of a paper ejection code, a JAM code, and a trouble code, which are data input via the /real I/F l2. That is, the paper ejection code is bit b. The JAM code is represented as a falling edge of b7=1. It is expressed as bs =0. Also, the trouble code is bit b-=1
．． It is expressed as be =1. The CPU II also executes predetermined operations, mode settings, etc. in response to inputs from the operation switches. Here, as the operation switches, four dip switches DIP-3W1 to DIIP SW4 and a pull switch 21 are installed as shown in FIG. DIP-5W4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP-3WI is the center selection number (talk number) input mode, DIP-3VT'2 is the manual mode of the ID number (DTID) for identifying the data terminal 1, and DIP-5W3 is the center identification number (DTID) input mode. ID for
These are the switches for setting the number (center ID) input mode. Also, Bunyu Switch 21
is a switch for instructing initial setting transmission (see 5145 in FIG. 8). The CPU 1l is also connected to a modem 52, which is a communication terminal device, via a communication interface (R5232CI/F) 18 on the CPU II side and a communication interface (R3232C1/F) 51 on the modem 52 side. That is, by sending an off-footer signal and a center selection number signal from the modem 52 to the communication line via these devices, the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected, and communication with the center combicoater is established. It is configured to be able to do the following. The contents of the data (copy machine management data) sent from the data terminal 1 to the center side are determined by the type of transmission flag set to "1", as will be explained in detail later. > A computer device configured to be connected to multiple data terminals via a communication line network. The copiers connected to each data terminal are managed by the heavy cover. That is, data sent from the data terminal I side to the modem 72 via the communication line network is sent to the communication interface (R3232CI/F) on the modem 72 side and the communication interface (R3232C1/F) on the computer side.
The data are sequentially input to the CPU 9J via the CPU 98. C.P.
LI9] processes the data (previous element data, count data, etc.) to create management data for the copying machine 4 connected to the data terminal 1. Furthermore, based on the management data, a bill is printed out, instructions are given as to whether or not to dispatch a service person, and parts, etc. to be prepared at the time of dispatch are selected. Note that after the reception of the data transmitted from the data terminal side is completed, data is transmitted from the CPU 91 side to the data terminal I side as necessary. 72]/Control of Stem Next, control of the present system will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 18. Processing on the Copying Machine Side> First, the processing in the control CPU 41 of the copying machine will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. For example, the CPU 41 starts processing when the power is turned on, and performs initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode (S41). After that, on the condition that the microswitch 44b is turned on (543; YES),
Alternatively, on the condition that the microswitch 44c is on (S45, YES), steps 347 to S
53 is repeatedly executed. In other words, the processes of steps 847 to S53 can be executed only when the management device 44a is connected to the connector CN2 or when the data terminal side interface is connected to the connector CN1. Note that the management device 44a is not connected to the connector CN2 (
S43; NO), and if the two interfaces on the data terminal side are not connected to the connector CNI (S45; No), the copy operation is prohibited, and
A message such as "Copying is prohibited" is displayed on the display unit 44 (S61). Step S47 includes a group of key switches on the operation panel 40 (numeric keypad group 47 for manual numerical input, PR key 46 for commanding to start copying, clear key 48 for commanding clearing of set numbers, etc.), trouble reset switch This process takes in data from a group of switches such as No. 49, a group of sensors (not shown) arranged inside the copying machine, and data received from the data terminal 1 side. It is also a process for transmitting count data, etc. to the data terminal 1. . Step 351 is a step that collectively shows the processing required during the copying operation. Examples include paper feeding control, scanning control, photoreceptor drum control, and developer control. Step 355 and subsequent steps are processing when a trouble occurs. In other words, if a JAM or other trouble occurs (
S53 ; YES), data terminal 1 control C
A signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the PUII (S55). Additionally, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (S57 +
YES), data terminal 10 in the same manner as above.
A trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CPL'll (S59). Processing on the data terminal side> Next, the processing on the control CPU II of the data terminal will be explained in detail according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 15. (a) Main Routine First, an outline of the processing will be explained based on the main routine shown in FIG. The control CPU II starts processing when the power is turned on, executes initial setting processing (313) as necessary, and then transmits a copy permission signal to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (515). Then steps 517-53
The process moves to repeat loop processing of step 1. In each subroutine step, the following processing is generally performed. *Initial setting: S13 If dip switch DIP-3W4 is on when the power is turned on, that is, in the initial setting mode, (S1
l; YES), it is executed. As described below, the center selection (telephone) number, pig terminal ID number (DT
ID), setting of center ID number (center ID),
Then, perform the initial setting call. *Count data reception, S17 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control unit @cPU 41 of the copying machine. Data contents include discharge code, JAM/trouble code,
JAM/trouble counter, counter by paper size, P
It is an M counter. The control CPU 11 of the data terminal updates and holds these data to the latest values. *Element data reception/data processing: 519 As will be described later, data corresponding to the average value and standard deviation of each element data is sequentially calculated and updated to the latest value. *Trouble transmission determination: 321 As described later, it is determined whether or not trouble data and trouble recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. * Scheduled transmission determination: S23 At a predetermined scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to 1, and various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. In addition, after the scheduled transmission is completed, the center will send the next scheduled transmission time data, current time data, illumination, etc.
t Request deadline date data is returned. *Warning generation determination: 525 As described later, the element data, the count value of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are each compared with a predetermined threshold value. Also, based on the results, it is determined whether or not warning data and warning recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. Determination of manual transmission: 327 When the bushing switch 21 is turned on in the case of not being in the initial setting mode, the manual transmission flag is set to 1. As a result, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. *PM transmission judgment/S29 As described later, the count value is set to “0” by replacing parts.
The count value of the PM counter before clearing is sent to the center. * Connector disconnection call determination: 330 As described later, when the connection between the data terminal side interface and the connector CNI is disconnected, the center side is called. *Call processing: S31 As will be described later, when any call flag is set to "1", the communication terminal device on the center side is called. Further, after the communication line is connected, data communication is executed. (b) Subroutine Next, the details of each subroutine step are shown in Figures 8 to 1.
This will be explained in order based on FIG. *Initial setting process (Fig. 8) In this process, when turning on the power source, dip switch D
If IP SW4 is turned on (S11; YES)
is executed. In this process, the initial settings of the center selection number, data terminal ID number (DTID), and center ID number (center ID) are accepted,
Then, an initial setting call is made. First, initialize the memory 15 (5IO1,), then
Three dip switches DIP-3Wl~DIP・SW
Wait for 3 to turn on. When DIP-5WI is turned on (Sill; YES)
, selection number ll1i episode number). That is, input is made using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine, and the display section 45
The numerical value displayed in the first digit is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as center selection number data (5115; YES) in response to the manual input of the print key 46 (S113; YES).
>. The selection number input mode is DTP/SV/
It is released by turning 1 off (SLIT). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-5W2 (Sl 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 46.
(S123; YES), the data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as DTID data (S12
5). Further, the DTID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3W2 (5127>. Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-SW3 (3131;
YES), the center ID input mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is input (8133; YES), the number displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 changes to the center ID input mode.
D data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 (51
35). In addition, the center ID input mode is
- It is canceled by turning off SW3 (3137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (S
141; YES), the bushing switch 21 is enabled, and when the bushing switch 21 is pressed (S 143
; YES), an initial setting call is made to the center (5145). In other words, after the line is connected to the center side, the center's CPt
Send the above two types of +D data to J91. Also,
When the transmission is completed, the data transmitted from the center CPU 91 (count data cut-off date, 9th scheduled transmission time, current time, dark value of warning judgment) is received. Note that when the above transmission and reception are completed, it is determined whether or not the communication was performed normally (5147). As a result, if it is not performed normally, (5147・N
O), return to step 5111 and turn on the Bufunni switch 21.
Wait for the switch to turn on again. Further, if the process is performed normally (5147: YES), the process returns to the main routine and processes from step 315 onwards are executed. *Receiving element data, etc. (Figure 9) In this subroutine step, the threshold it! (Warning determination,
Data for comparison with (see FIG. 11) is calculated. First, element data group X1. which is transmitted from the copying machine each time copy paper is ejected. J from the real I/F 13 (S201). Here, the subscript "] represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript "" represents the order within each item. Next, after assigning the initial value 1 to item number l (5203)
, for each item, maximum value xlXAI% minimum value X I
Sequentially update X I N % and sum Xlk (S2
05-3217). After that, the subscript j is incremented (S219), and J
If is 4 or less, return to the main routine. In this way, steps 5201 to 5217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES).
, after resetting the subscript j to 1 (5223), assigning the initial value 1 to the item number I (5225), for each item, the difference R between the maximum value and the minimum value is 5, and the average value of the 4 data. Calculate each Xlk (5227 to 5233
). Note that step 5229 is the next step 520.
In preparation for the processing in steps 5 to 5211, the maximum value XIXAX and the minimum value X11. This is a step of giving initial values of lI and l. After the processing in steps 5227 to 5233 above, step 323
7 to 5245 or steps 5247 to 5263 are executed. Steps 3237 to 5245 are the steps 5227 to 523 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of processes in step 3 has not reached 33 times, and for each item, the difference Ra between the maximum value and minimum value
This is a step of calculating the sum R-+sox of k and the sum x+sux of the average value X l k of the four data for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 8247 to 5263 are the steps 5227 to 5263 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of 5233 processes is 33 times or more, and for each item, the sum Rl5UI of the above difference R+
This step is to calculate the sum X+5ull of I and the average value Xlk for the latest 32 data, and calculate the average value layer 1[ for each. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value x of the latest 128 (=4×32) pieces of data
1, and the average value of the deviation (value equivalent to the standard deviation) R
get i. *Trouble call determination (Figure 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble call and trouble recovery call. That is, in the state of "trouble flag 20"(S301;
YES), when a trouble code from the copying machine is detected (S303; YES), the trouble flag and trouble transmission flag are set to "1"(S303; YES).
305). Also, in the state of “trouble flag = 1” (3301;N
o) When the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (3
307; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "0", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (5309). This is because paper ejection in a copying machine is an operation that is performed after a trouble has been resolved. Note that the current collection process (FIG. 14) is executed by setting the trouble transmission flag and the trouble recovery transmission flag, and the trouble data and trouble recovery data are respectively transmitted to the center. *Warning transmission determination (FIG. 11) This process is a subroutine that manages warning transmission and warning recovery transmission. Stella 7' 3401 to 5427 is for issuing a warning when the value of element data falls outside the permissible range specific to the element data, and issuing a warning recovery when the value of the element data falls within the permissible range. This is the process. First, the initial value "12" is set to item number 1 indicating the type of element data (5401).Next, in step 5411, a warning flag is set for the target element data (first element data for the first time). As a result, if the warning flag for the element data is "0"(S411; YES), it is determined whether the ff element data value is within the permissible range specific to the element pig. Then, below the upper threshold IvJlI,
In addition, it is determined whether or not it is within the range of lower limit threshold 34 or more, and if it is outside the above allowable range (3413, YES).
or 5415; YES) The warning flag F1 and the warning transmission flag for the element data are set to "1" (S417).As a result, the pear-shaped processing (Fig. 14) is executed, and the On the other hand, in step 5411, if the warning flag of the target element data is "1"(S411; NO),
It is determined whether the value of the element data has returned to the above tolerance range, and if it has returned (S421; YES
, and 5423. YES), the warning flag F+ for the element data is reset to "0", and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1".As a result, the pear-shaped processing (Fig. 14) is executed, and a message is sent to the center. hand,
Alert recovery data is sent. After performing this process until l reaches the number of items of element data, in other words, after performing it for all element data, the process moves to step 3431 and subsequent steps. Steps 8431 to 5445 are the JAM counter and 2
This is a process by which a warning is issued when the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds a specific darkness value, and a warning recovery is issued when the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds the darkness value. First, the item number m indicating the type of the JAM counter and the 2M counter is set to the initial value "work (value of the final number of the element button + 1)" (S431). Next, in step 5433, the warning flag for the target JAM counter or 2M counter is determined. As a result, if the warning flag for the JAM counter or 2M counter is “02” (S433; YES)
), determines whether the value of the counter is within a permissible range specific to the counter, that is, does not exceed the threshold, and if it does (5435+YES), sets a warning flag F for the counter; and set the warning flag to “1°,”
Set each (3437). As a result, the pear-shaped processing (Fig. 14) is executed and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, in 8433, the warning flag for the target JAM counter or 2M counter is set to "1". In the case of (3433; NO), it is determined whether the value of the counter has returned to the above threshold value or less, and if it has returned, the process returns to step S44.
1; YES), warning flag F for the counter
, is reset to "0", and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1". This results in pear-shaped processing C114)
is executed and alert recovery data is sent to the center. After performing this process until m reaches the total number of items of counter and element data, in other words, after performing this process for all counters, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, warning transmission and warning recovery transmission are managed. *PM call determination (Figure 12) In this process, PM call is managed. First, the initial value "
1' (5501), steps 8503-55
After executing the process No. 11, the value of 1 is incremented, that is, the type of the 2M counter is changed, and the above process is repeated. Here, the processing of steps 5503 to 5511 above is performed when the 2M counter is cleared (S505; YES, and S
507 ; YES), the count value of the 2M counter immediately before clearing is saved (S509), and the PM transmission flag is set to "1'" (S511).
The 2M counter is cleared by a service person when replacing a part corresponding to the 2M counter. Furthermore, when the PM transmission flag is set to 1, the pear-shaped processing (Fig. 14) is executed, and the PM data (type of replaced parts, count value directly to replacement) is sent to the center. Sent. *Connector disconnection call determination (FIG. 13) This process is a subroutine that manages connector disconnection call and connector recovery call. First, while the connector unplug flag is reset to "0" (S701, YES),
Set the POI output to high level (Hl) (S711)
, determines the level of input port PIl (3713). As a result, if Prl is at low level (Lo) (57
13; NO), the connector disconnection flag is set to "1" and the connector disconnection transmission flag is set to "1" (3715). As a result, the pear-shaped processing (FIG. 14) is executed, and a message is sent to the center to the effect that the connection between the data terminal and the copying machine has been severed. As mentioned above, even though the output boat POI is set to H], the input port
If PII is Lo, the pig terminal and connector CN
This is because it can be considered that the connection with I has been severed. Similarly, when the connector disconnection flag is set to "1"(5701; NO), the output of the output boat POI is set to Hl (S721) and the input port pH is determined (5723), so that the pH becomes Hl. If it returns (S723
; YES), resets the connector disconnection flag to "0", and further sets the connector recovery transmission flag to "1'" (S725).As a result, the pear-shaped processing (Fig. 14) is executed, and the , a message indicating that the connection between the data terminal and the copying machine has been restored is transmitted. After the above judgment and flag management as necessary, the output of the POI is sent to Lo. Return to (
5717). In this way, in this process, when the connection between the connector CN1 on the data terminal side and the copying machine side is severed, and
When the connection is restored, each calls the center side. *Pear-shaped processing (Figures 14 and 15) In this process, the center is called in response to any call flag -1'', and data corresponding to the call flag is transmitted. That is, any When the outgoing flag of is set to “1” (
5601; YES), not in redial standby (
5603; NO), the communication line with the center side modem 72 is not connected (S605; No), and the off-hook signal and selection signal are not sent to the communication line (S607. NO). to send an off-footer signal and a selection signal to the communication line (S609). By the process in step 5609, the next step 56
The determination at step 07 is "YES". In this case,
If the user's telephone 53 is in a busy state (the communication line is in use) and therefore the modem 52 cannot send the off-footer signal and selection signal to the communication line (S611; Y
ES) sets the time after the fixed time as the redial time (S613). As a result of the process at step 5613, the determination at step 5603 becomes "YES'" and the call process for the center side modem 72 is not executed until the redial time comes. In addition, when the redial time comes, 5603; No → 5605, NO-3607; N○
→5609 commands the modem 52 again to send an off-footer signal and a selection signal to the communication line. Also, by the process of step 5609, the modem 52
If it is determined that the modem 72 on the center side is busy (the communication line on the center side is occupied) as a result of sending off-hook signals and selection signals to the communication line from ! I dial time processing (1st
5; described later) is executed (S617). This results in
Step 5 until the time set in the redial time processing
The determination at 603 is "YES", and the calling process of the center side modem 72 is not executed. Note that, at the time set in this process, the center side modem 72 is called again. On the other hand, as a result of the process in step 5609, the modem 52
An off-hook signal and a selection signal are sent to the communication line from the center side, and as a result, when the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected (3605; YES), it waits for a state in which data transmission is possible due to data transmission permission from the center side, When the data is ready for transmission (S621; YES), data is transmitted to the center side (S625). The data transmitted in step 5625 is data defined by the origination flag set to "1". In this way, when all the data is transmitted (3623; Y
ES), reset the outgoing flag to '0'5627)
, and sends a line disconnection signal to the communication line to disconnect the communication line with the center side modem 72 (S62
9). Next, the redial time processing (S617, FIG. 15) will be explained. The redial time process is a process for setting a redial (re-call) time when connection with the center side CPU 91 cannot be established (S615; YES). First, a counter for counting the number of redials (redial counter) is counted up (S651). Note that the counter is cleared after the communication line is connected to the center side. Next, the current call is in emergency mode (e.g. trouble call)
If it is an emergency call (S
653 ; YES), on the condition that the redial counter value is less than a times (= about 10 to 20 times) (56
55; YES), the time one minute from now is set as the next call (redial) time (S657). That is, in the emergency mode, the center is called every minute until the number of redials reaches a. Note that when the number of times of dialing in the emergency mode reaches a number of times (S655; No), a predetermined time of the next day is set as a redial time (S659). If it is not possible to connect to the center despite making a number of calls (possibly due to abnormal line congestion, center-side CPU 91 stopping operation, etc.), the user's communication line is occupied and the telephone 53, etc. is used. The purpose is to ensure that it does not interfere with the On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5653 that the mode is not emergency mode (36:i3; No), any even number within the current 20 minutes, provided that the redial counter value is less than 5 times (3661; YES). The minute time is set as the next call (redial) time using a random number (S66
3). As a result, even if a large number of data terminals are calling the center, the dialing times of each data terminal are scattered, increasing the possibility of being able to connect to the center. In addition, if the number of Nori dials in the non-emergency mode becomes b times or more (5661; No>, a predetermined time on the next day is set as the next Nori dial time (S665). However, if you cannot connect to the center (abnormal communication line congestion, center side CPU
This is to prevent the user's communication line from being occupied and hindering the use of the telephone 53 etc. when the telephone 91 stops operating, etc.). Pear-shaped processing is performed as described above, data is transmitted to the center, and data is received from the center as necessary. Processing at the center> Next, the CPU installed in the center computer
The processing at 91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. (a) F1 to F7 key processing (Figure 16) CPU9
1 starts the process by connecting the power supply, and first executes environment settings for the modem, printer, etc. (361). Thereafter, the following modes are set or the following processes are executed in accordance with input operations of the F1 to F7 key switches on the keyboard 93. - F1 key operation (363; YES) Sets the reception mode for model registration (365). That is, new registrations such as model name, number of element data items, name of each element data, standard threshold value of each element data, standard threshold value of each counter, etc. are accepted. - F2 key operation (S67; YES) Sets the user master registration reception mode (S69). That is, new registrations such as user name, address, telephone number (9), model name (1), and scheduled call date and time are accepted. Also, DTID
automatically set. - F3 key operation (S71; YES) Displays the trouble status (373). That is, the user information (user name, address, telephone number, 9 model names) of the copying machine to 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. Note that the number of troubles is always displayed at the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F3 key. - F4 key operation (S75; YES) Displays the warning status (577). That is, the user information of the copying machine for which the warning was issued is displayed on the display 92 together with the contents 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) Displays the unreceived status (581). That is, the display 92 displays user information of a copying machine that does not make a scheduled call even after a predetermined scheduled call time. Note that the number of unreceived messages is always displayed at the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F4 key. - F6 key operation (S83; YES) The display mode of the user copying machine is entered (385). That is, when a user is selected, user information is displayed on the display 92. Also, when you select a submenu,
The count values of various counters (total counter, paper size counter, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) of the user copying machine and element data are displayed by month or by item. - F7 key operation (S87; YES) Print out the bill (S89). For example, the billing amount is calculated based on the count value of the trouble counter and a predetermined calculation formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print out the bill. (b) Interrupt processing (Figs. 17 and 18) The CPU 91
Data transmitted from the data terminal is received by interrupt processing, and predetermined processing is performed on the received data (S91). First, when an interrupt occurs from the data terminal side, D
TIDS and transmission data are received (S901). Note that if a communication error occurs (S903; Y
ES), on the condition that the number of occurrences of the error is less than a predetermined number (S913; YES), requests the pig terminal side to resend the DTID and transmission data (59).
05). If the number of times the error has occurred exceeds a predetermined number (S913; No), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (S909). On the other hand, if communication with the data terminal ends normally (
S907; YES) After disconnecting the communication line with the data terminal (S909), aggregation is performed for each item and month, and data for screen display according to operator selection is created (5911). As described above, processing is performed by the CPU 41 of the copying machine, the CPU 1 of the Pig Terminal, and the CPU 91 of the center, and the system that connects each user and the center, which is the administrator, through a communication line is controlled.

【Effect of the invention】

As described above, the present invention is a copying machine management cover that, when an abnormality occurs in the connection state with the copying machine, calls the central control device of the management center and transmits data regarding the connection abnormality. According to the present invention, data regarding an abnormality in the connection with the copying machine is promptly transmitted to the management center, and the management center can take necessary measures. Further, on the management center side, it is guaranteed that various data of the copying machine are accurately monitored as long as connection abnormality data is not received. Furthermore, in the case of a copying machine whose copy operation is prohibited due to an abnormality in the connection state with the present copying machine management device, the management center can promptly notify the user of the reason why copying is not possible.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system in which the embodiment device is used, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the system, and Fig. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation switch of the embodiment device.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine to which the embodiment device is connected, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of data transmitted from the copying machine to the embodiment device, and FIG. 6 is the control CPU of the copying machine. 12 is a flowchart showing the processing in FIG. 7 to 15 are flowcharts showing the processing in the control CPU of the embodiment device, in which FIG. 7 is the main routine, FIG. 8 is the initial setting processing subroutine, and FIG. 9 is the element data reception/data processing subroutine. , FIG. 10 shows the trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 11 shows the warning call determination subroutine, and the first
2 shows the PM transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 13 shows the connector disconnection transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 14 shows the pear-shaped processing subroutine, and FIG. 15 shows the beam dial time processing subroutine. 16 to 18 are flowcharts showing the processing in the control CPU of the center computer connected to the embodiment device via a communication line network, with FIG. 16 showing the main part of the main routine, and FIG. Interrupt Processing FIG. 18 shows details of the interrupt processing. 1...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy a, 90
...Center computer 11...DT CPU, 41...Copier CPtj
91...Center CPU 44a...Management device, 44b...Micro switch f, 4
4c...Micro switch DTP-5WI~DIP-3W4...Deep switch, 21...Punyu switch 52...DT side modem, 72...Center side modem, 5
3...DT side telephone, 73...Center side telephone

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A copying machine management device that calls a central management device of a management center via a communication line network and transmits data for copying machine management to the central management device, the device being connected to a copying machine. means for receiving and processing data from the copying machine; means for detecting the state of connection with the copying machine; and transmission management means for calling the central control device when the connection with the copying machine is severed. A copying machine management device comprising: a transmission data management means for transmitting data regarding an abnormality in connection with the copying machine to the centralized management device after connection with the centralized management device.