JPH0456870A - Copying machine control device and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve safeness of data communication by providing the control system with a password transmission/reception control means, a data communication control means and a password memory control means. CONSTITUTION:The control system is provided with the password transmission/ reception control means for transmitting a center password and receiving a data terminal(DT) 1 password after being connected to a central control unit(CCU) 90, the data communication control means for permitting data communication with the CCU 90 when a received DT password is correct and the password memory control means for newly storing a center password and a DT password transmitted after permitting data communication. Since a new password is set up in each data communication and an originating subscriber is checked, the safeness of data communication can be furthermore improved.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device and a management system that transmit and receive copying machine management data to and from a central management device.

[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 for processing. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522).

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

Setting a password in a system consisting of a copying machine management device that has a data collection function for copying machines and a connection function with a communication line, and a device that centrally manages a large number of copying machine management devices via the communication line. There is a desire to improve the security of data communication between the copying machine management device and the central management device by doing so. There are also requests to increase the security of passwords set to the highest level. The present invention aims to meet such demands.

[Means to solve the problem]

The first invention is a copying machine management device that performs data communication for copying machine management with a central management device of a management center,
a password transmission/reception management means for transmitting a center password and receiving a DT password after connection with the central management device; a data communication management means for permitting data communication with the central management device when the received DT password is correct; Change the center password and DT password sent after permission to the new center password and DT
The password memory management means stores the password as a password. Further, the second invention is a system comprising a copying machine management device having a data collection function for copying machines and a central management device for managing each copying machine management device via a communication line. Here, the copying machine management device transmits the center password and receives the DT password after connecting with the central management device, and if the DT password is correct, allows data communication with the central management device, and then sends the data after data communication is permitted. The incoming center password and DT password are stored as new center password and DT password. on the other hand,
The central management device receives the center password and sends the DT password after connecting with the copying machine management device, and if the center password is correct, allows data communication with the copying machine management device, and after data communication is authorized, a new This creates a center password and a DT password and sends them to the copying machine management device.

[Effect]

When the copier management device and central management device are connected,
First, a password is sent and received and verified in each device. As a result, data communication between both devices is permitted if each password is correct. When data communication is permitted, the central management device creates and stores a new password, and sends it to the copying machine management device before the line is disconnected due to termination of the data communication. As a result, the new password will be verified at the next communication.

【Example】

The present invention will be explained in detail below. 21] 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 consists of a large number of user-side devices (one set of user-side devices is shown in the figure), a center-side device that is the administrator, and a communication system that connects these devices. It consists of a 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 telephone cover are installed. 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 convenience store 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 a network (for example, a telephone line 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 in the developer, exposure amount of the photoreceptor drum, development bias voltage, The amount of attached toner, the grid voltage of the charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and after being taken into the CPU 41 and processed, it is sent to the CPU II of the data terminal 1 via the serial I/F 43 and serial I/F 13. do. In addition,
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 explanation 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
Count the respective count values (JAM counter for each location indicating the number of AMs, trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles at the location, and PM counter for each part indicating the number of times each of the 8 items have been used), and then use the It is sent to the CPU II of data terminal 1 via F12. 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 on the operation panel (Fig. 4) (a printout (P.
R) key 46. numeric keypad group 471 for numerical input, clear key 48 for instructing manual data clearing, etc.), various switch groups other than the operation panel (for example, trouble reset switch 49 for instructing trouble reset)
In response to signals from
It is transmitted to the data terminal 10 CPU II via the serial I/F 42 and the serial I/F 12. In addition,
The transmission data also includes the numerical data being displayed on the display section 45. Data terminal 1> When the data from the copying machine 4 is taken in and processed, and a predetermined transmission condition (a condition for the transmission flag to be set to "1", see the control description section 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
U11 includes a ROM 14 storing a control program, a nonvolatile memory 16 for storing selection number data (described later), etc., and a battery-backed system RAM 15 for working (a password memory area is set in the RAM 15). , is connected to a clock IC 17 which is also backed up by a battery. The CPU II receives data transmitted from the copying machine 4 from the real I/F 12 or the serial 1/F 13, and executes the processing described below. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the paper ejection code, JAM code, and trouble code, which are data input via the serial I/F 12. That is, the paper ejection code is represented as the falling edge of b)bo, and the JAM code is represented as bt)bt = 1. It is expressed as b6=0. Also, the trouble code is bit b7 =
1. It is expressed as be = 1. CPt, :11 also responds to the input of the operation switch,
Execute a predetermined operation, set a mode, etc. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation switches include four dip switches DIP-3W1 to DIP-3W4,
and a bushing switch 21 are installed. DIP-SW4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP-3Wl allows the center selection number (telephone number) manual mode to be set to DI P-SW.
2 is the ID number (DTID) for identifying data terminal 1.
), and DIP-3W3 is a switch for setting the manual mode of the center ID number (center ■D). Further, the plan switch 21 is a switch for instructing initial setting transmission (see 5145 in FIG. 8). The CPU II is also connected to a modem 52, which is a communication terminal device, via a communication interface (R5232CI/F) 18 on the CPUII side and a communication interface (R3232CI/F) 51 of a modem 52ω11. That is, by sending an off-hook signal and a center selection number signal from the modem 52 to the communication line through these devices, the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected, and communication with the center computer is performed. It is configured to obtain. The contents of the data (copy machine management data) transmitted from the data terminal 1 to the center side are determined by the type of the transmission flag set to "1#", as will be explained in detail later. > This is a computer-generated device configured to be connected to a large number of data terminals via a communication line network.This device manages each copying machine connected to each data terminal. The data sent to the modem 72 via the terminal 1 side is the communication interface (R5232CI/F) on the modem 72 side and the communication interface (R3232CI/F) on the computer side.
98, the data is sequentially input to the CPU 91 manually. CPU
91 processes the data (the 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 receiving the data transmitted from the data terminal side, various data such as a new password are transmitted from the CPU 91 side to the data terminal 1 side. [2] Control of the system Next, the control of the present system will be explained with reference to FIGS. ff6 to 17. Processing on the copying machine side> The processing in the control CPU 41 of the copying machine will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. For example, the CPU 41 starts processing by turning on the power, and performs initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode (541). Thereafter, the processes of steps 543 to S49 are executed. Step 343 includes a group of key switches on the operation panel 40 (numeric keypad group 47 for numerical input, print (PR) key 46 for copy start command, clear key 48 for command to clear the set number, etc.), trouble reset switch 49 This is a process for taking in data from a group of switches such as the above, 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 347 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 551 and subsequent steps are processing when a trouble occurs. In other words, if a JAM or other trouble occurs (
S49; YES), data terminal 1 control C
A signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the PUII (551). Also, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (353; Y
ES) In the same way as above, a trouble reset signal is sent to the control CFULL of the data terminal 1 (355). Processing on the Data Terminal Side> Next, the processing on the control CPU II of the data terminal will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 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, executes initial setting processing (S13) as necessary, and then transmits a copy permission signal to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (S15). Then, steps 317~
The process moves to the repeat loop process of 531. In each subroutine step, the following processing is generally performed. *Initial setting: S13 When turning on the power, dip switch DrP/SW
4 is on, that is, when it is the initial setting moto (S 11 ; YES), it is executed. Center selection (telephone) number, data terminal ID number (DTID), as described below. Set the center ID number (center ID) and make the initial settings call. *Count data reception: 817 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control 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 II of the data terminal updates and holds these data to the latest values. *Element data reception/data processing: S19 As described later, data corresponding to the average value and standard deviation of each element data is 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: 523 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
The next scheduled call time data, current time data, and bill closing date data are returned. *Warning generation determination: S25 As described later, the element data, the count value of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are compared with respective predetermined threshold values. Also, based on the results, it is determined whether or not warning data and warning recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. *Manual call determination: 827 When the bushing switch 21 is turned on when the mode is not the initial setting mode, the manual call flag is set to 1. As a result, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. *PM transmission judgment: 829 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. *Call processing: 831 As will be described later, when any call flag is set to "1", the communication terminal on the center side is called. Further, after the communication line is connected, a password is sent and received, and then data communication is performed. Also, after data communication is completed, a new password will be received. (b) Subroutine Next, details of each subroutine step will be explained in order with reference to FIGS. 8 to 14. *Initial setting process (Fig. 8) This process is performed when the dip switch DIP-3W4 is turned on (Sl 1 ;
YES). In this process, the initial settings of the center selection number, data terminal ID number (DTID), and center ID number (center ID) are accepted, and the initial settings are sent. First, initialize the memory 15 (5101), then 3
Dip switches DIP-3WI to DIP-3W3
Wait for the switch to turn on. When DIP-3WI is turned on ('S 111; Y
ES), enters the selection number (telephone number) input mode. That is, the display unit 4 is manually operated using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine.
In response to the input of the print key 46 (5113; YES), the numerical value displayed in the first digit of 5 is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as center selection number data (311
5). Note that the selection number input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3WI (5117). Similarly, in response to turning on DfP-5W2 (Sl 21
; YES), the manual mode of the DTID is set, and the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is changed to the print key 46.
In response to the human effort (S123; YES), the data is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as DTID data (5125
). Furthermore, the DTID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-5W2 (S127). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W3 (S131;
YES), the center ID input mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is manually pressed (5133, YES), the number displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is the center ID.
It is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as data (313
5). In addition, the center ID input mode is DIP-5W
3 is released (S137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (S
141 ; YES), the push switch 21 is enabled and the pull switch 21 is pressed (S 1
43; YES), an initial setting call is made to the center (Sl 45). In other words, after the line is connected to the center, the center's CPU
91, the above two types of ID data are transmitted. Further, when the transmission is completed, the data transmitted from the center CPLI 91 (count data cut-off date, 9th scheduled transmission time, current time, threshold value for warning judgment) is received. Note that when the above-mentioned transmission and reception are completed, it is determined whether the communication was performed normally (S147). As a result, if it is not performed normally, (5147;N
o) Return to step 5ill and press the bush switch 21
Wait for the switch to turn on again. Further, if the process is performed normally (3147; YES), the process returns to the main routine and processes from step 315 onwards are executed. *Reception of element data, etc. (Figure 9) In this subroutine step, a threshold value (warning transmission judgment: first
Data for comparison with (see Figure 1) is calculated. First, a group of element data x11 transmitted from the copying machine each time copy paper is ejected. wo, import from the real I/F 13 (5201). Here, the subscript 1 represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript J represents the order within each item. Next, after assigning the initial value 1 to item number 1 (S203)
, for each item, maximum value X1lIAX% minimum value X1)
111. Then, the sum Xlk is updated sequentially (S205~
S21.7). After that, the subscript J is incremented (S219), and J
If is 4 or less, return to the main routine. In this way, steps 3201 to 5217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES).
, after resetting the subscript J to 1 (5223), assign the initial [1] to the item number l (5225), and for each item, calculate the difference Ri k s between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average value XIk of the 4 data. are calculated respectively (S227-3
233). Note that step 5229 sets the maximum values X, □,
and the minimum value x01. After the processing in steps 5227 to 5233 above, step 523
7 to 5245 or steps 5247 to 5263 are executed. Steps 5237 to 5245 are the steps 5227 to 523 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of the processes in step 3 has not reached 33 times, and for each item, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value R□
The sum RLSUX% and the average value Xi of the four data
This is a step in which the sum Xtsux of k is calculated 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 or more, and for each item, the sum R + sum of the above differences RLk
, and the above average value x, the sum of X+sun, the latest 32
This is a step of calculating the data of each batch and calculating the respective average values Xi and Ri. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value T of the latest 128 (=4×32) pieces of data is calculated.
, and the average value of the deviation (value corresponding to the standard deviation). *Trouble call determination (Figure 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble call and trouble recovery call. = 0” (3301; Y
ES), when a trouble code from the copying machine is detected (S, 303; YES), the trouble flag and trouble call flag are set to "1" (S, 303; YES).
305). Also, in the state of “trouble flag = 1” (5301;N
O), when the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (5
307; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "0", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (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. 13) 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 are designed to issue a warning when the value of an element pig goes out of the permissible range specific to the element data, and send a warning recovery when the value returns to within the permissible range. It is processing. First, an initial value "1" is set to the item number I indicating the type of element data (5401). Next, in step 5411, a warning flag for the target element data (first element data for the first time) is determined. As a result, if the warning flag for the element data is "0"(5411; YES), it is determined whether the element data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data, in other words, the upper limit. It is determined whether the dark value is below U and within the range above the lower threshold L, and if the upper limit is outside the allowable range (S4 L 3 ; Y
ES or 5415; YES), the warning flag F1 and the warning transmission flag for the element data A are each set to "1" (5417). As a result, the call process (FIG. 13) is executed, and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, if the warning flag of the target element data is "1" in step 5411 (S411; No),
Determine whether the value of the m element data has returned to the above tolerance range, and if it has returned (5421; 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 call process (FIG. 13) is executed and warning recovery data is sent to the center. After performing this process until 1 reaches the number of items of element data, in other words, after performing this process for all element data, the process moves to step 5431 and subsequent steps. Steps 5431 to 5445 are the JAM counter and P
This process is for issuing a warning when the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds the fixed threshold, and issuing a recovery warning when the count value (frequency) of the M counter returns to the dark value or less. First, an initial value "l (!+1 of the final number of element data)" is set to the item number m indicating the type of JAM counter and 2M counter (S431). Next, in step 8433, 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 0", then 5433; YES)
, determines whether the value of the counter is within the permissible range for the counter, that is, does not exceed the dark value, and if it exceeds the value (S435; YES), a warning about the counter is issued. The flag Fyo and the warning transmission flag are each set to 1" (S437). As a result, the call process (
13) is executed and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, in 8433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or 2M counter is "1"(3433; No), it is determined whether the value of the counter has returned to the dark value or less. and if it returns (S44
1; YES), warning flag F for the counter
, to 0", and also set the warning recovery transmission flag to "
1". As a result, the call processing (Fig. 13) is executed and the warning recovery data is sent to the center. This processing is carried out until m reaches the total number of counter and element data items. In other words, after all the counters have been processed, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, warning transmission and warning recovery transmission are managed. *PM transmission determination (Figure 12) In the process, the PM emission is managed. First, the initial value "
Set 1° (5501), steps 8503 to 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 (3505; YES and
5507; YES), the count value of the 2M counter immediately before clearing is saved (S509), and the PM transmission flag is set to "1" (S511). Note that the 2M counter is cleared by a service person when replacing a component corresponding to the 2M counter. Also, when "PM call flag = 1" is set, the call processing (
13) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part, count value immediately before replacement) is transmitted to the center. *Call processing (Figures 13 and 14) 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, if any call flag is set to "1" (
S601; YES), is not on redial standby (5603; No), the communication line with the center side modem 72 is not connected 5605; NO), and off-footer signals and selection signals are not sent to the communication line. (S607: NO), the modem 52 is commanded to send an off-hook signal and a selection signal to the communication line (3609). 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;
If YES), the time after the fixed time is set as the redial time (3613). As a result, the determination in step 5603 is "YES" until the redial time described above is reached.
Therefore, the calling process of the center side modem 72 is not executed. In addition, when the redial time comes, 5603
:NO-3605;NO-360"・No-5609
As a result, the modem 52 is again instructed 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 Redial time processing (14th
(see below) is executed (5617). As a result, the time set in the redial time processing is reached at step 56.
The judgment at 03 is “YES”, and the center side modem 7
The call process 2 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, and as a result, when the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected (S605; YES), it waits for a data transmission enabled state due to data transmission permission from the center side. In this way, when transmission becomes possible (3621; YES), first, DTID and center ID are transmitted (S6
22). As a result, if both ID data are correct, the communication line on the center side will not be disconnected (S623; No
, 5903; see YES), and then send the center password (see S624, 3905). the result,
If the center password is correct, the communication line on the center side will not be disconnected (3625; No, 5907
; YES), and the DT password is transmitted from the center side, so the DT password is received (see S626, 5909). The DT password is processed in the previous step 5630 (
The password is compared with the DT password stored in (described later), and if they match (S627; YES), the data is transmitted to the center side (S628). Also, after the above data transmission is completed (3629; YES),
Two “new passwords” sent from the center
and by the two “new/(swads)”, the RA
Update the data in the predetermined password area in M15 (see 5630.3919). After that, the call flag should be reset to “0” (S631)
, disconnect the communication line on the data terminal side (S
632). In addition, if the communication line on the center side is disconnected due to an error in the ID or password (S623; YES, 5903
;No reference, or 5625;YES, 5907;N
o), and if the password sent from the center is incorrect (S627; No), proceed to step 55631, reset the call flag to "0", and then close the communication line on the data terminal side. Cut (S6
32). Next, the redial time processing (S617, FIG. 14) will be explained in detail. 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. Nidorable call)
If the call is in emergency mode (
3653; YES), redial counter value is a times (
= about 10 to 20 times) (S 6
55; YES), the time one minute after the current time is set as the next calling (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. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with On the other hand, if it is determined that the emergency mode is not in step 5653 (3653; N○), the redial counter value is b.
On the condition that the number is full (S661; YES),
Set any even minute time within 20 minutes from the current time as the next call (redial) time using a random number (36
63), 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, when the number of Nori dials becomes b times or more in the non-emergency mode (5661; No), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the next Nori dial time (S665). If you cannot connect to the center despite calling the center b times (abnormal communication line congestion, center CPU
This is to prevent the use of the telephone 53 etc. from being monopolized by the user's communication line when the telephone 91 stops operating, etc.). Call processing is performed as described above, and data communication with the center is performed. Furthermore, after the communication ends, a new password is received and stored in a predetermined memory area. Note that the new password will be used the next time you make a call. <Processing at the center> Next, the CP installed in computer 1 at the center
The processing at U91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. (a) Fl - FTF2 key operation 15) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting the power supply, and first, the modem,
The environment settings for the printer, etc. are executed (561). after that,
Depending on the manual operation of each key switch F1 to F7 on the keyboard 93, the lower! Set your own mode or perform the following processing. - F1 key operation (363; YES) Sets the reception mode for model registration (S65). Accepts new registrations such as part, model name, number of element data items, name of each element data, standard darkness value of each element data, standard darkness value of each counter, etc. - F2 key operation (S67; YES) Sets the user master registration reception mode (S69). That is, new registrations such as user name, address, phone number, 2 model names, 1 model number, scheduled call date and time, etc. 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, model name) 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 (S81). 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 (583; YES) Enters user data display mode (S85). 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) and element data of the user copying machine are displayed by month or by item. - F7 key operation (S87; YES) Print out the bill (S89). For example, the billed amount is calculated at A based on the count value of the talk counter and a predetermined calculation formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print it out. (b) Interrupt processing (Figs. 16 and 17) The CPU 91
Data transmitted from the data terminal is received by interrupt processing, and predetermined processing is performed on the received data (591). First, when an interruption occurs due to an incoming call from the data terminal side, the DTID and center ID are received (S901
, 5622), check. As a result, if both IDs are correct (S 903; YE
S): Receive the center password sent from the data terminal side and compare it with the center password stored during the previous process in step 5917 (described later) (see 5905.5624). As a result, if both match (3907YES)
, the DT stored in the previous step 5917
Send the password to the data terminal side (590
9.5626). If the DT password is correct, the communication line on the data terminal side will not be disconnected (S911, NO, 56
27; see YES), and receive data transmitted from the data terminal side (see 3913.3628). When the data reception is completed (3915; YES), a new password (DT password and
center password) and store it in a predetermined memory area (S917), and the two "new passwords" are
Send to data terminal side (S919.5630
reference). Thereafter, the communication line is disconnected (3921), and the data is aggregated for each item and September to create data for screen display based on operator selection (S923). In addition, if the DTID, center ID, or password sent from the data terminal side at the time of receiving the call is incorrect (3903; NO, or 5907; No), and
If the communication line on the data terminal side is disconnected because the password sent to the data terminal side is incorrect (5911: YES, see S627: No), the communication line on the center side is disconnected (3921). As described above, processing is performed by the CPU 41 of the copying machine, the CPU 11 of the data terminal, and the CPU 91 of the center, and each user and the center serving as the administrator are connected via a communication line. Additionally, a new password is set each time communication ends.

【Effect of the invention】

As described above, the present invention consists of a copying machine management device and a central management device connected to the management device via a communication line, and before starting data communication between the two devices, each device verifies the other party using a password. and mutually set a new password before data communication ends. According to the present invention, a new password is set for each data communication, and at the time of the next communication, the other party is verified using the newly set password. Therefore, the security of data communication can be further improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system in which the embodiment device is used, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the system, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation switch of the embodiment device, and FIG.
The figure is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine to which the embodiment device is connected, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of data transmitted from the copying machine to the embodiment device, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of FIG. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing the processing by the control CPU of the embodiment device, in which FIG. 7 is the main routine, FIG. 8 is the initial setting processing subroutine, and FIG. 9 is the element data reception/data processing subroutine. , FIG. 10 shows a trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 11 shows a warning call determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows a PM call determination subroutine, FIG. 13 shows a call processing subroutine, and FIG. 14 shows a beam dial time processing subroutine. Figures 15 to 17 show the control system 1iOc of the center computer connected to the embodiment device via the communication line network.
15 is a flowchart showing the processing of the PU, FIG. 15 shows the main part of the main routine, FIG. 16 shows the interrupt processing, and FIG. 17 shows the details of the interrupt processing. l...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy lfe,
90...Center computer 11...DT CPU
, 41... CPU of the copying machine, 91... Center CPU DIP-3Wl to DIP'SW4... Day t7' switch, 21... Punyu switch. 52...DT II modem + 72...Center side modem, 53...DT side telephone, 73...Center side telephone.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A copying machine management device that is connected to a central control device of a control center via a communication line network and performs data communication for copying machine management, and after connecting with the central control device, the center password in the password memory area is stored. a password transmission/reception management means for transmitting the DT password to the central management device and for receiving the DT password transmitted from the central management device; , a data communication management means that permits data communication with the central management device, and after data communication with the central management device is permitted, the center password and DT password in the password memory area are stored using the center password and DT password sent from the central management device. A copying machine management device comprising: password memory management means for updating a password; (2) A copying machine management system consisting of a copying machine management device that has a data collection function for copying machines and a connection function with a communication line, and a central management device that manages each copying machine management device via the communication line. After connecting with the central management device, the copying machine management device transmits the center password and receives the DT password, and if the DT password is correct, allows data communication with the central management device, and after data communication is permitted, the copy machine management device transmits the center password and receives the DT password. The central management device has means for storing the incoming center password and DT password as a new center password and DT password, and the central management device receives the center password and sends the DT password after connecting with the copier management device, and stores the center password and DT password as new center passwords and DT passwords. A copying machine management system having means for permitting data communication with a copying machine management device if the information is correct, and after the data communication is permitted, creating a new center password and DT password and transmitting the new center password and DT password to the copying machine management device.