JPH0460649A - Copying machine management device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To transmit warning data at a proper time by setting the warning mode in the case of data of a certain item on the outside of a peculiar allowable range and warning a center at a prescribed time or at the time when the number of copies after setting of the warning mode exceeds a prescribed value. CONSTITUTION:If data of a certain item is deviated from the peculiar allowable range, the warning mode is set as management data for transmission, and counting of the number of copies of a copying machine 4 after setting of the warning mode is started. Thereafter, a communication terminal equipment 72 on the management center side is called at a prescribed time thereafter to transmit management data set for transmission. Since warning data is set as management data for transmission when the warning mode is set, warning data is transmitted. When the number of copies after the warning mode set time exceeds the prescribed value, the communication terminal equipment on the management center side is called to transmit warning data set for transmission even though the prescribed time has not yet. Thus, warning data is transmitted at a proper time.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device that transmits copying machine management data to 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 1iIl device via the terminal device of each copying machine for processing. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522). (3) A system equivalent to the above system, in which communication with a central control unit is carried out via a communication network such as a public telephone line, has been proposed.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a copier management system that calls a communication terminal device on the management center side via a communication line and connects it to the central control device of that center, the reason for calling the center is that ``the value of the data collected from the copier is This is assumed to be the case when the data falls outside the permissible range specific to the data item. Here, "a case in which the specific tolerance range is exceeded" is, for example, a case in which "a case in which paper jams occur more frequently" or the like. In such a case, a warning mode is set, and data (warning data) indicating that the data is outside the permissible range is sent to the management center. However, it is generally considered that the warning data does not need to be sent in such a hurry. This is because even if the frequency of paper jams exceeds the allowable value to some extent, it does not pose a problem for small amounts of copying. In this case, it would be best to send the warning data, for example, during a time period when the communication line usage fee is low or when the communication line is not busy. However, if a large number of copies are made after setting the warning mode, serious consequences such as failure of the copying machine may occur. Therefore, in this case, it seems best to send the warning data as soon as possible. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a device that can transmit warning data at an appropriate time.

[Means to solve the problem]

The copying machine management device of the present invention collects data on connected copying machines, and connects to a central management device of a management center via a communication line network to transmit copying machine management data. , a means for setting a warning mode when data collected from the copier falls outside a specific tolerance range, a means for setting data related to the warning mode as management data for transmission, a means for measuring time, and a warning mode. means for counting the number of copies from the time of setting; means for setting as transmission conditions that the current time reaches a predetermined time and that the count value by the counting means reaches a predetermined value; and at least one transmission condition. When the conditions are satisfied, a call control means is configured to transmit a signal to the communication line network for calling the communication terminal device on the management center side. Items (data types) for which the allowable range is set are:
As shown in the examples, for example, various element data,
Alternatively, it may be jam count data, 2M count data, etc.

[Effect]

If the data of an item falls outside a specific tolerance range, a warning mode is set, and the warning data is set as management data for transmission. Additionally, counting of the number of copies after the warning mode setting time is started. Thereafter, at a predetermined time, the transmission condition is satisfied. As a result, the communication terminal device on the management center side is called, and the management data set for transmission is transmitted. For example, when the warning mode is set, the warning data is set as management data for transmission, so the warning data is transmitted. Further, even if the time is before the predetermined time, if the number of copies after the warning moto setting time exceeds the predetermined value, the transmission condition is satisfied. As a result, the communication terminal device on the management center side is called, and the warning data set for transmission is transmitted.

【Example】

The present invention will be explained in detail below. Overall structure of this system First, the general structure of this system will be explained in accordance with 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 line that connects these devices. It consists of a net. 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. 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, there are installed 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.
! Data for copying machine management is created based on the data received via the telephone line wI (for example, the telephone line wI), and necessary measures 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, (toner adhesion amount, charger grid voltage, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and are taken into the CPU 41 and processed, and then sent to the CPU II of the data terminal 1 via the serial I/F 43 and the serial I/F 13. Send. The various element data mentioned above will be abstractly expressed in - brackets as element y"-9x+ (i=1 to number of items of element data) in the explanation of control described later. In the copying machine 4, In addition, there are counters that are the basis of the amount billed by the administrator (total counter that indicates the number of paper outputs, counters by paper size that indicate the number of uses for each paper size),
A counter that serves as a guideline for maintenance (JA on the side
Count the count values of the location-side JAM counter indicating the number of times M, the location-side trouble counter indicating the number of troubles at the location, and the component-specific PM counter indicating the number of times each component has been used, and then connect the serial I/F 42 and serial I. /F12 to the data terminal 10 CPU 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. In addition, the copy ta4 is operated by various key switches on the operation bus (Fig. 4) (print (PR) key 46 for instructing the start of copying operation, numeric keypad group 47 for manual numerical input, clearing of input data, etc.). clear key 48 for issuing commands),
Various switches other than the operation panel (for example, trouble reset switch 4 for commanding trouble reset)
In response to the signals from 9), perform a predetermined operation or set a mode, and if necessary, send the corresponding signals to the data terminal l via the serial I/F 42 and serial J/F 12. Send to CPUI 1. Note that the transmission data also includes numerical data currently being displayed on the display section 45. Data terminal 1> Data from the copying machine 4 is taken in and processed, and a predetermined transmission condition (a condition in which any transmission flag, such as a warning transmission flag, is set to 1'') is given in the control description section described later. reference)
When the conditions are satisfied, the modem 52 is activated, connects a communication line with the center, and transmits copying machine management data (element data, count data, etc.) to the center. As shown in Figure 2, is this data terminal 10 system? 1I
CPU] 1 is a ROM 14 in which a control program is stored.
, a nonvolatile memory 16 for storing selection number data (described later), etc., a battery-backed working system RAM 5, and a clock IC 17 that is also battery-backed. The CPU II transmits data transmitted from the copying machine 4 to the /real I/F 12 or the serial I/F 13.
and execute various processes described below. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the paper ejection code, JAM code, and trouble need, which are data input via the serial I/F 12. That is, the paper ejection code is bit b. The JAM code is represented as a falling edge of 1. by = 1. bg=
Represented as 0. Also, the trouble code is bit bj
=1. b,=1. The CPU II also executes predetermined operations, mode settings, etc. in response to manual input of the operation switch. Here, as the operation switches, four dip switches DIP-3W1 to DIP-5W4 and a bush switch 21 are installed as shown in FIG. DIP-3W4 is a switch that sets the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP-5WI is the center selection number (telephone number) input mode, DI P-SW2 is the manual mode of the data terminal 1 identification ID number (DTID), and DIP-3W3 is the center identification number (DTID) input mode.
This is a switch for setting the manual mode for each number (from the center). In addition, the bush switch 21
is a switch used to issue commands such as 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 on the modem 52 side. That is, by sending an off-hook 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 computer at about one center is established. It is configured to be able to do the following. The contents of the data (data for copying machine management) 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 described in detail later. Center-side device> This is a combinatorial 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. That is, data transmitted from the data terminal 1 side to the modem 72 via the communication line network is transmitted through the communication interface (R5232CI/F) on the modem 72 side and the communication interface (R5232CI/F) on the converter side.
98, the eCPU is sequentially input to the CPU 91.
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, an invoice 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. [2] System Control Next, the control of this 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 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 543 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 lit 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 S47 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. That is, when a JAM or other trouble occurs (549; YES), a signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the control CPU II of the data terminal 1 (S51). Further, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (S5
3; YES) In the same manner as above, a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CPU II of the data terminal 1 (S55). 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 15. (a) Main Routine First, an overview 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: 513 When turning on the power, dip switch DIP-S
If W4 is on, that is, if 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: S1? It performs a process of receiving various count data transmitted from the control CPU 41 of the copying machine. The data contents are a discharge code, J, trouble code, J, trouble counter, paper size counter, and PM 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 will be described later, the average value of each element data and the data corresponding to standard deviation are calculated and updated to the latest values. *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. *Warning determination: 323 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 darkness value, and the warning flag is managed based on the results. *Determination of scheduled transmission, S25 As described later, a warning flag is determined at a predetermined scheduled transmission time, and the warning transmission flag or scheduled transmission flag is set to 1 according to the result. As a result, various count data and various element data for regular transmission, and, if necessary, warning data (data regarding items outside the permissible range) are transmitted to the center. In addition, after the scheduled transmission is completed, the center sends back the next scheduled transmission time data, current time data, and 3g request closing date data. *Manual transmission determination; S27 When the button 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. *P~1 transmission determination/S29 As described later, the count value is set to “O” by exchanging 8 items.
The count value of the P~1 counter that was cleared before being cleared is transmitted to the center. *Pear-shaped processing: S31 As described later, when any call flag is set to "1', the communication terminal device on the center side is called. Also, if the number of copies after the warning exceeds a predetermined value for,
To call a communication terminal device on the center side regardless of a call flag. (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) This process is performed when the dip switch D is turned on when the power is turned on.
When IP-SW4 is turned on (Sl 1
;YES). In this process, the center selection number, data terminal ID number (DTID), and
The reception and processing of the initial setting of the center ID number (center ID) and the initial setting transmission are performed. First, initialize the memory 15 (5101), then 3
Dip switch DIP・S W 1~DIP・s
Wait for w3 to turn on. D I P = S Vv' When l is turned on (Sl
ll; YES), the selected number (telephone number) becomes manual mode. That is, it is input using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine,
The numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is printed by pressing the print key 4.
6 (S113;, YES), it is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as center selection number data (5115).The selection number input mode is D.
It is canceled by turning off I P -S W 1 (5
117). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W2 (S121
; YES), the DTID manual mode is set, and the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as DTID data in response to the manual input of the print key 46 (5123; YES). be done (SI25),
The DTTD input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-5'2 (S12 completed). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP SW3 (5131;
YES), the manual power mode of the center ID is set, and each manual power of the print key 46 (S133; YES)
, the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as center ID data. In addition, center ID manual mode is
It is canceled by turning off P-5W3 (3137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (5
141; YES), the bushing switch 21 is enabled, and when the bushing switch 21 is pressed (5143; Y
ES), makes an initial setting call to the center (514
5). 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. In addition, when the transmission is completed, the data transmitted from the center CPU 91 (continuation of count data, next scheduled transmission time of the mortar 9, current time, threshold value for warning judgment) is received. It is determined whether or not it has been performed normally (5147). As a result, if it has not been performed normally, (5147;N
O), return to step 5ill and press the button 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 515 onwards are executed. *Reception of element data, etc. (FIG. 9) In this subroutine step, data for comparison with a threshold value (warning determination; see FIG. 11) is calculated based on the element data transmitted from the copying machine. First, element data group X8. which is transmitted from the copying machine each time copy paper is ejected. ．． is taken in from the serial f/F 13 (S201). Here, the subscript l 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 X IXAX, minimum value XIV
IN and sum Xlk are updated sequentially (S205 to 5
217). After that, the subscript j is incremented (5219) 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 number to 1 (S223), assign the initial value l to the item number l (5225), and calculate the difference Rik between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average 1i! of the four data for each item. IXIk is calculated respectively (5227 to 5
233). Note that step 5229 sets the maximum value X1jI in preparation for the next processing in steps 3205 to 5211.
This is a step of providing initial values of AX and the minimum value xlXI,l. Up! After processing self 5227 to 5233, step 52
37 to 5245 or steps 5247 to 5263 are executed. Steps 5237 to 5245 are steps S227 to 523 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 RL between the maximum value and the minimum value
The sum of k R+sux and the average value X of the four data
This step is to calculate the sum of lk (X+S) for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 5247 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 of the above differences R1k R + su,
ls and the sum of the average value Xlk X1. . This is the step of calculating the latest 32 times of data, and calculating the respective average values Xi and Ri. 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 (standard 1! value corresponding to the 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 = O"(5301; Y
ES), when a trouble code from the copier is detected (
3303; YES) , ) Set the trouble flag and trouble call flag to “lo” (3305
). y/-1 trouble flag = t” (S301, N
O), when the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (5
307; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "O", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (S309). This is because paper ejection in a copying machine is an operation that is performed after a trouble has been resolved. By setting the trouble transmission flag and the trouble recovery transmission flag, pear-shaped processing (FIG. 14) is executed, and trouble data and trouble recovery data are respectively transmitted to the center. *Warning determination (FIG. 11) This process is a subroutine that manages warning flags. Stella 7' 5401 to 5427 sets a warning flag to "1" when the value of an element pig is out of the permissible range specific to the element data, and sets a warning flag to "1" when the value returns to within the permissible range. This is the process of resetting the value to "0". First, an initial value "1" is set to the item number 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 permissible range specific to the element data. Upper threshold,. Below, it is determined whether or not it is within a range equal to or higher than the lower limit threshold l4, and if it is outside the above-mentioned allowable range (S413; YE
S or. S415; YES), the warning flag F for the element data is set to "1" (S417). 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-mentioned allowable range, and if it has returned, (5421; YES, and 5423; YES), resets the warning flag F1 for the element data to “0” (5425
). 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 5431-3445 include the JAM counter and P
When the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds the dark value specific to the counter, the warning flag is set to "1', and when it returns to the threshold value or less, the warning flag is set to "1'.
0". First, an initial value "l (the value of the final number of element data - 1)" is set to the item number m indicating the type of the JAM counter and PM counter (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 relevant JAM counter or P~1 counter is "0", the warning flag is set to 3433; YE
S) determining whether the value of the counter is within a tolerance specific to the counter, i.e., does not exceed a threshold;
If it exceeds (S435; YES),
The warning flag F for the counter is set to "l" (S437). On the other hand, in the previous 2S433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or 2M counter is "1"(S433; No), it is determined whether the value of the counter has returned to below the above threshold value. , if it returns (S 4
41 ; YES) and resets the warning flag F for the counter to 10'' (S433). After performing this process until m reaches the total number of counter and element data items, in other words, all After checking the counters, the process proceeds to step 5447. In step 5447 and subsequent steps, the post-warning counter is managed. That is, first, warning flags are determined for all items (S447). As a result, all warning flags are set to "0". “If (S447;
YES), resets the counter to 0 degrees after the warning, and prohibits the counter from counting up after the warning (S44
9) Return to the main routine. On the other hand, if any one or more warning flags are "1" (
5447; No), the counter is allowed to count up after the warning (5451), and the process returns to the main routine. As a result, a post-warning counter is incremented each time a copying operation is completed, and when the value of the post-warning counter exceeds a predetermined set value, warning data is transmitted to the center (Fig. 14, 5602). reference). Warning flags are managed as described above. * Scheduled transmission determination (Figure 12) The current time (hours, minutes, seconds) is the scheduled transmission time (hours, minutes, seconds)
If so, the warning flag is determined (S471). As a result, if the warning flag for any one or more items is set to "1"(3471; YES,
And, 5473: YES), the warning transmission flag is set to “l”.
” (S475). As a result, the pear-shaped process (Fig. 14) described later is executed, and various data including warning data (data related to items whose warning flag is set to 61) is sent to the center. Sent. On the other hand, if all warning flags are "0" at the scheduled transmission time (hours, minutes, seconds) (S471; NO), the current date is determined. As a result, if it is a scheduled dispatch mill (
S477; YES), set the scheduled speech flag to “1”
(S479). As a result, pear-shaped processing (FIG. 14), which will be described later, is executed, and various data for scheduled transmission are transmitted to the center. *PM call determination (Fig. 13) In this process, PM call is managed. First, the initial value “
5501), steps 5503 to 55
After executing the process in step 11, the value of 1 is incremented, that is, the type of the 2M counter is changed, and the process in step 8 is repeated. Here, the processing of steps 5503 to 5511 above is performed when the 2M counter is cleared (5505; YES and 5
507 ; YES), the count value of the 2M counter immediately before clearing is saved (5509), and the PM transmission flag is set to "1" (S511). In addition,
The 2M counter is cleared by a service person when replacing a part corresponding to the 2M counter. Also, when "PM transmission flag = 1" is set, pear-shaped processing (
14) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part, count value immediately before replacement) is transmitted to the center. *Pear-shaped processing (Figures 14 and 15) In this process, in response to "any transmission flag = 1",
Alternatively, in response to an overflow of the count value of the post-warning counter, the center-side terminal device is called and predetermined data is transmitted. That is, if any transmission flag is set to "1"(S601; YES), or if the count value of the post-warning counter (number of copies after warning) exceeds a predetermined setting value (5602; YES). , 5451) means that the system is not on redial standby (S603; No) and that the communication line with the center modem 72 is not yet connected (S603; No).
605; NO), and the modem 52 is commanded to send an off-hook signal and a selection signal to the communication line, on the condition that the off-hook signal and selection signal have not been sent to the communication line (S607; No). S609). However, this pear-shaped processing with "rs602;YES" is the first r
It is assumed that this is executed only in the case of YESJ. That is, after the warning data is sent to the center, 5602 is ignored. 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 busy (the communication line is in use) and the modem 52 does not send an off-footer signal or selection signal to the communication line (5611;
If YES), the time after the fixed time is set as the redial time (5613). As a result, the above-mentioned redial time has come; the determination in step 5603 becomes "YES", and the calling process of the center side modem 72 is not executed. Furthermore, when the redial time comes, 3603
;No-3605;No-5607;N0=S 60
9, 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
As a result of sending an off-hook signal and a selection signal to the communication line from ), redial time processing (15th
(see below) is executed (5617). As a result, the time set in the redial time processing is reached at step 36.
The determination at 03 is “YES”, and the center side modem T
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 (S621; YES), predetermined data determined according to the set call flag (in the case of a call due to the post-warning counter exceeding a predetermined setting value, predetermined data including warning data) ) is transmitted to the modem 72 on the center side (S625). Also, when all data transmission is completed (S623; Y
ES), reset the outgoing flag to "0" (S62
7), disconnect the communication line on the data terminal side (5)
629). Next, the redial time processing (S617, FIG. 15)
I'm going to ask about it. Redial time processing is performed when connection with the center 11fl CPU 91 cannot be established (<5615; YES).
This is the process of setting the re-calling (redial-re-calling) time. First, a counter for counting the number of redials (redial counter) is incremented (S65I).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)
It is determined whether the call is made by an emergency call (S
653; YES), redial counter value is a times (
-10 to 20 times) (S65
5; YES), the time one minute from now 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 (3655; No), a predetermined time of the next day is set as the redialing time (S659). If you are unable to connect to the center despite making a number of calls (possibly due to abnormal line congestion, center-side CPt, ;91 outage, etc.), the user's communication line is occupied and the telephone 53
This is to ensure that it does not interfere with the use of etc. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5653 that the mode is not emergency mode (S653; N○), the redial counter value is 5.
on the condition that it is less than 3 times (S651; YES),
Set an arbitrary even minute time within 20 minutes from the current time as the next call (redial) time using a random number (S6
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 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, and data communication with the center is performed. Processing at the center> Next, the CPU installed in the center combiator
The processing at 91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18. (a) Fl - FTF2 key operation 16) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting the power supply, and first, the modem,
Executes environment settings for printers, etc. (361). after that,
Depending on the input operation of each key switch Fl-F7 on the keyboard 93, the lower 8 mode is set or the following process is executed. - F1 key operation (S63; YES) Sets the reception mode for model registration (S65). 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 darkness 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, model name, machine number, scheduled call date and time, etc. are accepted. Also, DTID
automatically set. - F3 key operation (S71; YES) Displays the trouble status (S73). In other words, the user information (user name, address, q
The problem information (talk number 2 model name), date and time of occurrence, etc. are displayed on the display 92 along with the details of the trouble. On the right, the number of troubles is always displayed in the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F3 key. - F4 key operation (S75; YES) Displays the warning status (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) 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 (S83; 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 (389). For example, the billed amount is calculated based on the count value of the total counter and a predetermined calculation formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print out the amount. (b) Interrupt processing (Fig. 17, Fig. 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 interruption occurs due to an incoming call from the data terminal side, data is received after confirming the DTID and center fD (S901). Also, if a communication error occurs, S903, Y
ES), provided that the error is within a predetermined number of times (
5913; YES), requests retransmission to the data terminal side (S905). After that, when all data reception is completed (S907; Y
ES), disconnect the communication line on the center side (S909)
, the totals are calculated by item and by month. In addition, data for screen display based on operator selection is created (5911). Note that if the number of occurrences of communication errors exceeds a predetermined number (S913; No>), the communication line on the center side is disconnected (S909). Processing is performed by the CPU II and the CPU 91 of the center, and each user and the center, which is the administrator, are connected via a communication line.

[Effect of Hathu]

As described above, the copying machine management device according to the present invention is a device that sets a warning mode when the data of the following items deviates from a specific permissible range, and transmits warning data to the center at a predetermined time. If the number of copies exceeds the predetermined value after setting the warning mode, even if it is the previous time, immediately
This is a device that sends warning data to the center. According to the present invention, when there is no need to rush the transmission to the center, for example, during the time when the communication line usage fee is low,
Warning data is sent during times when communication lines are not busy. Further, after setting the warning mode, if a large number of copies are made, and if left unattended, there is a risk of serious failure, warning data is immediately sent to the center. That is, the warning data can be transmitted at an appropriate time.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system used in the embodiment device, 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 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 element data reception/data processing. Subroutine, III Figure 0 shows the trouble call determination subroutine, Figure 11 shows the warning determination subroutine, and Figure 11 shows the warning determination subroutine.
Figure 2 shows the regular transmission determination subroutine, Figure 13 shows the PM transmission determination subroutine, Figure 14 shows the pear-shaped processing subroutine,
FIG. 15 shows the dial time processing subroutine. FIGS. 16 to 18 are flowcharts showing the processing as a control #cP of the center computer connected to the embodiment device via a communication line network, and FIG. 16 shows the main part of the main routine, The figure shows the interrupt processing, and FIG. 18 shows the details of the interrupt processing. 1...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy ff1.
90 = Center Ninja User 11...0 CP
U, 41... CPU of the copying machine, 91... Center C
PjiDIP-5WI~DIP・SW4...Deep switch, 21...Button switch 52...DT side modem + 72...Center one side upper fA
, 53... DT side telephone, 73... Center side telephone.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A copying machine management device that collects data on connected copying machines, connects to a central management device of a management center via a communication line network, and transmits copying machine management data. a warning mode management means for setting a warning mode when the data collected from the copying machine falls outside a permissible range specific to the data item; a data management means for setting data as management data for transmission; a clock means for measuring time; a counting means for counting the number of copies since the warning mode is set when the warning mode is set; and a current time. a communication terminal device on the management center side, when at least one of the transmission conditions is satisfied; A copying machine management device comprising: a transmission management means for transmitting a signal for calling to a communication line network.