JPH0481864A - Management device and management system for copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To allow the direct checking of the copying machine to be managed in a management center by transmitting the identification data of the copying machine to the copying machine management device according to the transmission request from the copying machine management device when the copying machine management device is installed to the copying machine and both are connected. CONSTITUTION:The copying machine 4, a DT (data terminal) 1, a MODEM 52 having a function as a communication terminal device and a telephone set 53 which is a call device is provided on the user side. The data terminal 1 is the device which takes in various kinds of information from the copying machine 4, executes prescribed processing and transmits signals to the computer on the center side. On the other hand, a MODEM 72 having the function as a communication terminal device, a computer (a main unit 90, a display 92, a keyboard 93, a printer 94, etc.) and a telephone set 73 as a cell device are installed on the center side where the data for copying machine management is formed in accordance with the data received via a communication circuit network (prescribed telephone circuit network) and the necessary processing for dealing with is executed.

Description

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

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

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

The copier management device collects various data on the copier,
In a system in which information is transmitted to a central management device at a management center via a communication line, the object directly managed by the central management device at the management center is not a copying machine but a copying machine management device. In other words, the copying machine is managed indirectly via the copying machine management device connected to the copying machine.In other words, the control center side receives the transmitted data from the copying machine being managed. It is not possible to directly confirm whether the data is the same or not, but it can only be confirmed indirectly using the ID (i-separate code) of the copying machine management device. Therefore, when installing a copy machine management device on a copy machine,
Sufficient care was required to avoid accidentally connecting to another copying machine (copying machine not subject to management). However, even if sufficient care is taken, if a plurality of copying machines of the same model are installed for the same user, there is a possibility that a connection error may occur. The present invention has been developed in view of the above circumstances, and allows copying machines to be managed to be managed at a management center. The purpose is to enable direct confirmation.

[Means to solve the problem]

The first invention is a copying machine management device that is used by being connected to a copying machine, calls a central management device of a management center, and performs data communication for copying machine management, and the copying machine means for requesting transmission of identification data unique to the copying machine; data management means for setting the identification data transmitted from the copying machine as initial data for transmission to the central control device; and means for instructing transmission of initial settings. and a communication management means that calls the centralized control unit in the management center and causes it to transmit initial data for transmission when initial setting transmission is commanded. Further, the second invention is a copying machine management system comprising a copying machine, a copying machine management device connected to the copying machine, and a central management device connected to the copying machine management device via a communication line, The copying machine stores identification data unique to the copying machine, and transmits the above identification data in response to a transmission request from the copying machine management device. In addition to requesting the transmission of the above identification data, the central control device is called in response to the initial setting transmission command and the above identification data is transmitted, and the central control device transmits the above identification data.
It is stored in association with the identification data of the copying machine management device that was transmitted together with the identification data. Identification data unique to a copying machine may include, for example, the model of the copying machine (
model) name, serial number, etc. Further, the identification data of the copying machine management device is, for example, an ID (identification code) number.

[Effect 1] When a copy machine management device is installed on the copy machine and the two are connected,
In response to a transmission request from the copying machine management device, identification data of the copying machine is transmitted to the copying machine management device. In the copying machine management device, when an initial setting call is commanded by an operation input, for example, the central control device of the management center is called. As a result, the copying machine management device and the central management device are connected, and the identification data of the copying machine is changed to the identification data (ID) of the copying machine management device.
The information is also transmitted to the central management device. The central management device stores identification data of the copying machine and the copying machine management device in association with each other. That is, management data that associates the copying machine with the copying machine management device is created and stored in the centralized management device. [Example] The present invention will be explained in detail below. [1] Overall configuration of the system First, the schematic configuration of this 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 line that connects these devices. It consists of a net. Here, on the user side, copy! i! 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 is a modem 72 that also functions as a communication terminal device, a computer (main body 90, display 92, keyboard 93, printer 94, etc.), and
A telephone 73, which is a communication device, is installed, and a communication line Wi (
For example, data for copying machine management is created based on data received via a telephone line network), and necessary measures are taken. Next, each device will be described. Copying machine 4> This is a device that forms a copy image on paper by scanning the 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 above various element data will be abstractly expressed as element data Xi (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)
, counters that serve as a guideline for maintenance (J
Each count value (JAM counter for each location indicating the number of AMs, trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles for each location, and PM counter for each component indicating the number of times each component is used) is counted, and the serial I/F 42 and serial I/F 42 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 (for instructing the start of copying operation) on the operation panel (Fig. 4).
PR) key 46. Numerical keypad group 479 for manual input, clear key 48 for commanding clearing of manual data, etc.), various switch groups other than the operation panel (for example, trouble reset switch 49 for commanding trouble reset)
), perform predetermined operations or mode settings, etc., in response to signals from the data terminal Send to the CPU II. In addition,
The transmission data also includes the numerical data displayed on the display unit 45. The copying machine 4 also stores the model name and/or real number data in the S-R and AM 44 at the time of shipment from the factory. C at the time of installing data terminal 1.
In response to a transmission request from the PUII, both of the above data are transmitted via the serial I/F 42 and the serial I/F 12. 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 control description section described later for details) is met, the modem 52
, connect the communication line with the center side, and download the copier management data (element data, count data, etc.).
Also, when making an initial setting call, this device sends the model name and serial number data of the connected copying machine 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 for storing selection number data (described later), etc., a battery-backed work system RAM 15, and a clock IC 17 that is also battery-backed. There is. The CPU'll transfers the data transmitted from the copying machine 4 to the serial I/F 12 or the serial I/F 13.
Then, the process described below is executed. 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 by the falling edge of pit b0, and the JAM code is represented by the falling edge of pit b7 = 1. b, expressed as =Q. Also, the draft code is bit by =
1. It is expressed as b6 = 1. CPt, '11 also executes a predetermined operation or mode setting, etc., in response to an input from an operation switch. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation switches include four dip switches DIP-5W1 to DIP-5W4,
and Punyu switch 21 are installed. DIP-3W4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP-3W1 is the center selection number (telephone number) input mode, DIF-3W2 is the data terminal 1 identification number (DT ID) input mode, and DIP-5W3 is the center identification number input mode. ID
These are dip switches for setting the number (center ID) input mode. Further, the bushing switch 21 is a switch for requesting transmission of identification data (model name and serial number) of the copying machine and for instructing transmission of initial settings (see 5151 in FIG. 8). The CPU II is also connected to a modem 52, which is a communication terminal device, via a communication interface (R3232CI/F) 18 on the CPLill side and a communication interface (R5232CI/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 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 (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. In addition, when the initial setting call is commanded, the copying machine's identification data (model name, serial number),
and identification data (DT ID) of the copying machine management device, etc., are transmitted to the center side. Center-side device> A computer 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 sent from the data terminal side to the modem 72 via the communication line network is transmitted through the communication interface (R3232CI/F) on the modem 72 side and the communication interface (R3232CI/F) on the converter side.
98, the data is sequentially input to the CPU 91 manually. C.P.
The U91 processes the data (the element data, count data, etc.) to create management data for the copying machine 4 connected to the data terminal 1, or
Update. For example, when communicating by initial setting transmission, the received identification data (model name and serial number of the copying machine, ID of the copying machine management device installed) is stored in the management data area of the 5-RAM 95 (see FIG. 18). In this embodiment, a battery-backed 5-RAM is used as an auxiliary storage device for the CPU 91, but a magnetic disk recording device or an optical disk recording device may be used instead. In addition, based on the advance management data, a bill is printed out, instructions are given as to whether or not to dispatch a service person, and furthermore, items such as defective items to be prepared at the time of dispatch are selected. Further, during scheduled communication (communication due to the scheduled transmission flag being set to "1"), the CPU 91 side transmits the next scheduled transmission time data, etc. to the data terminal 1 side. [2] Control of the system Next, in accordance with Figs. 6 to 18,
Explain control. <Processing on the copying machine side> First, the processing in the CPU 41 of the copying machine will be explained with reference to the flowchart of 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 559 are executed. In step S43, the key switch group on the operation baffle 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.), troubleshooting, etc. This process takes in data from a group of switches such as the reset switch 49, a group of sensors (not shown) disposed inside the copying machine, and data transmitted from the data terminal 1 side. Step 547 is the copying machine management system! The identification data (model (model)) of this copier is sent from the CPU II of
Request for model) name/real number) If f = (:
(S45; YES),! 3. Read 1il & other data from 5-RAM 44 and transfer it to Nreal I/F 42
・This is a process of transmitting the data to the CPU 11 via the real I/F 12. Step 551 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 553 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 (355). Further, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (S57;
YES) In the same manner as above, a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CPU II of the data terminal 1 (S59). Processing on the Data Terminal Side> Next, the processing on the control CPU 1 of the data terminal will be explained 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 II starts processing when the power is turned on, executes initial setting processing (513) as necessary, and then transmits a copy permission signal to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (515). After that, steps S17 to S53
The process moves to repeat loop processing of step 1. In each subroutine step, the following processing is roughly performed. *Initial setting: 513 When turning on the power, press the dip switch DIP -
If SW4 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. Sets the ID number of the center (center ID), obtains the copy machine model name/real number, and sends initial settings. *Reception of count data: S17 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control unit 1iflcPU4 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: 319 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 exasperation determination: S21 As will be described later, it is determined whether or not trouble data and trouble recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. Regular 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. Furthermore, after the scheduled transmission is completed, the center returns the next scheduled transmission time data, current time data, and bill cutoff date data. Main warning transmission determination: 525 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, and based on the results, the warning data and warning recovery data are Determine whether or not to send it to the center side. *72; Al transmission determination: S27 When the button switch 21 is turned on when the mode is not 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: 529 As described later, due to parts replacement, Karan)l is set to “0”
The count value of the PM counter before clearing is sent to the center. *Call processing: S31 As described later, when any call flag is set to "1", the communication terminal device on the center side is called. Further, after connection with the CPU 91 on the center side, 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. This initial setting process (Figure 8) This process is performed when the dip switch fD is turned on when the power is turned on.
If IP-5W4 is turned on (S11; YES)
is executed. In this process, the center selection number, data terminal ID (DTID), and initial setting of the center ID are accepted, and the identification data of the connected copier (model name/real number) is accepted. Acquisition and initialization are performed. First, initialize the memory 15 (5101), then 3
Dip switches DIP-3WI to DIP-3W3
Wait for the switch to turn on. When DIP-3Wl is turned on (Sll; YES),
The mode will be for inputting the selected number (telephone number). That is, it is input using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine, and the display iiF[S4
The numerical value displayed in the first digit of 5 is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as center selection number data (511; YES) in response to the manual input of the print key 46 (5113; YES).
5). In addition, the selection number manual mode is D r P -S
It is canceled by turning off the WI (5117). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W2 (Sl 21
, YES), the DTID input mode is set, and the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is changed to the print key 46.
(5123; YES), it is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as DTID data (5125
). Further, the DTID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-5W2 (5127). Similarly, in response to DIP-5W30 on (Sl 31
; YES), the center ID input mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is input (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 (3135). In addition, the center ID input mode is
It is canceled by turning off P-5W3 (S137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (5
141; YES), the bushing switch 21 is activated. That is, when the switch 21 is pressed (Sl 43
; YES), and on the condition that the connected copying machine is ready (S145; YES), the identification data (model name/real number) of the copying machine is requested (S147). In addition, when the identification data is transmitted from the copying machine in response to the above request (see 347 in Figure 6), the identification data is taken in from the 7 real I/F 12 (5149
), sends initial settings to the management center (S151)
. That is, after calling the management center, to the CPU 91,
The two types of ID data, identification data of the copying machine, etc. are transmitted. In addition, after the transmission is completed, the center CPU
Data sent from 91 (count data cut-off date, 5th scheduled transmission time, current time, dark value of warning judgment)
receive and store. Further, after the above-mentioned transmission/reception is completed, it is determined whether the communication was performed normally (5153). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S153, N
O〉, return to step 5111, and press Punyu switch 21
Wait for the switch to turn on again. On the other hand, if the process was performed normally (5153; YES), the process returns to the main routine and processes from step 515 onwards are executed. *Receiving element data, etc. (Figure 9) In this subroutine step, the dark value (warning transmission judgment: first
Data for comparison with (see Figure 1) is calculated. First, the element data group xl+1 transmitted from the copying machine each time a copy sheet is ejected is fetched from the real 1/F 13 (S201). 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 l to item number 2 (5203)
, for each item, maximum value XIIIAX, minimum value X +
m+x and the sum Xlk are updated sequentially (3205~
5217>. After that, the subscript J is incremented (S219), and j
If is 4 or less, return to the main routine. In this way, when the processing of steps 8201 to 5217 is performed four times for each item (S221; YES),
After resetting the subscript J to 1 (S223), the item number]
5225), and calculate the difference Riks between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average value Xlk of the four data for each item (S227 to 523).
3). Note that step 5229 is the next step 52.
This is a step of providing initial values of the maximum value XIMAX and the minimum value X LII11+ in preparation for the processing at 05 to 5211. After the processing in steps 5227 to 5233 above, step 323
7 to 5245 or steps 8247 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 R1
The sum of R + 5oxs and the average value of the four data
This step is to calculate the sum of lk, X isLIM, for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 3247 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 above difference R, w, sum Rt s
u m, and the above average value Xl * sum X + sux,
This step is to calculate the latest 32 data and calculate the respective average values Xi and Ri. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value X of the latest 128 (=4X32) pieces of data
1, and the value corresponding to the average or standard deviation of the deviation) R
get i. *Trouble call determination (Fig. 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble call and tramol recovery initiation. That is, in the state of "trouble flag 20"(S301;
YES), when a trouble code from the copying machine is detected (5303: YES), the trouble flag and trouble call flag are set to "1" (53
05). Also, in the state of “trouble flag = 1” (S301; 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). After all, ejecting paper from a copying machine is a temporary operation that must be performed after the problem has been resolved. Note that the call process (FIG. 13) is executed by setting the trouble call flag and the trouble recovery call flag, and 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. Steps 5401 to 5427 are processes for issuing a warning when the value of the element data falls outside the permissible range for the element data, and issuing a warning recovery when the value returns to within the permissible range. It is. First, set the initial value "1°" to "item number indicating the type of element data" (5401).Next, in step 5411, a warning for the target element data (first element data) is issued. 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, below the upper limit threshold 1UJ2I,
In addition, it is determined whether or not it is within a range equal to or greater than the lower limit threshold value i1, and if it is outside the above-mentioned allowable range (S413; YE
S or 5415, YES), the warning flag Fl 1 and the warning transmission flag for the element data are each set to "1" (5417). As a result, TEPCO processing (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 "l" in step 5411 (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 call process (Fig. 13) is executed, and the call is sent to the center.
Alert recovery data is sent. After performing this process until l 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 $431 to $5445 are the JAM counter and P
This is a process for issuing a warning when the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds a specific threshold, and issuing a recovery warning when the count value (frequency) of the M counter returns to below the threshold. First, the item number m indicating the type of JAM counter and PM counter is set to the initial value 'l (value of the last number of element data + 1)'' (S431). Next, in step 5433, the target JAM counter Or determine the warning flag for the PM counter. As a result, if the warning flag for the JAM counter or PM counter is “0” (S433; YES)
), it is determined whether the value of the counter is within the permissible range specific to the counter, that is, whether it exceeds the threshold value, and if it is exceeded (S435; YES), a warning flag is set for the counter. F, and the warning transmission flag to "1',
Set each (S437). As a result, the call process (FIG. 13) is executed and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, in step 5433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or PM counter is "1"(S433; No), it is determined whether the value of the counter has returned to below the threshold value. , if it returns (S44
1; YES), warning flag F for the counter
, is reset to "0", and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1". As a result, call processing (Figure 13)
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 5503 to 55
After executing the process No. 11, the value of l is incremented, that is, the type of the 9M counter is changed, and the above process is repeated. Here, the processing of steps 5503 to 5511 above is performed when the 9M counter is cleared (5505; YES and 5
507; YES), the count value of the 9M counter immediately before clearing is saved (S509), and the PM transmission flag is set to "1" (S511). In addition,
The clearing of the 4 counter to P is performed by the service 7 when replacing the part corresponding to the 9M counter. Also, when the PM call flag is set to 1', 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 (FIGS. 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. In addition, when making the initial setting (Fig. 8, 5151
(see), the initial setting call flag is set to "1" and the main call processing is executed. However, if any outgoing flag is set to 'I' (
5601; YES), not in redial standby (
5603; No), the communication line with the center side modem 72 is not connected (S6115; No>, and the off-hook signal and selection signal are not sent to the communication line (S60'; No). The modem 52 is instructed to send an off-hook signal and a selection signal to the communication line (5609).
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 therefore the modem 52 cannot send the off-hook signal and selection signal to the communication line (S 611
; YES) +t, the time after the fixed time is set as the redial time (S613). As a result of the process in step 5613, the determination in 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
;No-5609, again to modem 52,
Sending of an off-footer signal and a selection signal to the communication line is commanded. By the process of step 5609, the modem 52
If it is determined that the center modem 72 is "busy (the center communication line is occupied)" as a result of sending an off-footer signal and a selection signal to the communication line from Redial time processing (14th
c: (described later) is executed (5617). As a result, the time set in the redial time processing is reached at step 56.
The determination in step 03 is "YES", and the calling process of the center side modem 72 is not executed. Note that when the time set in this process comes, the center modem 72 is called again. On the other hand, as a result of the processing in step S6'09, an off-hook signal and a selection signal are sent from the modem 52 to the communication line, and as a result, when the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected (S6C15; YES), the center It waits for a transmission enabled state due to data transmission permission from the side, and when it becomes a transmission enabled state (S621; YES), the data is transmitted to the center side (5625). The data transmitted in step 5625 is data specified by the origination flag set to "1". For example, when making an initial setting call, the identification data (model name and real number) of the connected copying machine is transmitted along with the DTID and the like. In this way, when all data is transmitted (S623; 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 (362
9). Next, redial time processing (5617, FIG. 14) will be explained. The redial time process is a process of setting a redial (recall) time when connection with the center side CPU 91 cannot be established (3615: 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, it is determined whether or not the current call is in emergency mode (for example, trouble call). If the result is emergency mode (3653; YES), the redial counter value is a number of times. (=approximately 10 to 20 times) (S655YES), set the time one minute from now 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. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5653 that the mode is not in emergency mode (S653; No), ! On the condition that the J dial counter value is less than 5 times (S661; YES
), an arbitrary even minute time within 20 minutes from the current time is set as the next call (redial) time using a random number (5663). 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. Note that if the number of Nori dials in the non-emergency mode is equal to or greater than b times (S661; 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.). The current collection process 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 combiator
The processing at 91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. (a) Fl to F7F2 key operations (Figure 15) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting the power source, and first executes environment settings for the modem, printer, etc. (561). 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 (563; YES) Sets the reception mode for model registration (S65). That is, new registrations such as the model name, the number of element data items, the name of each element data, the threshold value of each element data, the threshold value of each count data, etc. are accepted. - F2 key operation (S67; YES) Sets the user mask registration reception mode (S69). That is, new registrations of user name, address, telephone number, scheduled call date and time, etc. are accepted. - F3 key operation (571; YES) Displays the trouble status (573). 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 imitation (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 failure (S79; YES) Displays 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 (383; YES) Enters user data display mode (385). That is, when a user is selected, user information is displayed on the display 92. If you select the submenu,
Various counters of the user copier (total counter 1
Count values of paper size counters, JAM counters, trouble counters, PM counters) and element data are displayed by month or by item. - Press F7 key (S87; YES) Print out the bill (389). For example, the billing 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 bill. (b) Interrupt processing (Figs. 16 to 18) 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 a communication line, data y transmitted from the data terminal side is received (S901). Here, in addition to the DTID, the data includes, for example, copy machine identification data (
The device (model) name, serial number), etc. are received. In addition, the received identification data, along with the DTID,
5-The data is stored in the management data area of the RAM 95 for each user as shown in FIG. Also, 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 of times (3913; YES), requests the data terminal side to retransmit data such as DTID (S905)
). Note that if the number of times the error has occurred exceeds a predetermined number (3913; No), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (S909). Also, when communication with the data terminal ends normally (
3907; YES) After disconnecting the communication line with the data terminal (S909), the data is totaled for each month by item, and data for screen display according to operator selection is created (5911). As described above, the CPU 41 of the copying machine, the CPU 1 of the data terminal, and the CPU 91 of the center perform processing to control this system that connects each user and the center, which is the administrator, through a communication line.

【Effect of the invention】

As described above, in the present invention, after a copying machine management device is installed in a copying machine, the identification data of the copying machine is read out and transmitted as initial data to the central management device, and the central management device identifies the copying machine management device. It is stored in association with the data (■D). According to the present invention, when the copying machine management device is installed, the copying machine and the management device for the copying machine are associated with each other and stored in the central management device. Therefore, the central management device can accurately grasp and manage the copying machines to be managed. In addition, when installing the copying machine management device, it is not necessary to pay close attention to the conventional copying machine (i.e., to avoid installing the copying machine in the wrong copying machine).

[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. 71!1 to 14 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. The subroutines are as follows: FIG. 10 shows a trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 1111+tiF complaint determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows a PM call determination subroutine, FIG. 13 shows a current collection processing subroutine, and FIG. 14 shows a beam dial time processing subroutine. FIG. 15 to FIG. 17 are flowcharts showing the processing by the control CPU of the center computer connected to the embodiment device via the communication line network.
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. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of management data for each copying machine management device that is centrally managed by a computer at the center. 1...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy machine, 90
...Center computer. 11... DT CPU, 41... Copy machine CPU, 91
...Center CPU. DIP-5WI~DIP-3W4...Deep switch, 21...Bushini switch. 52... DT side modem, 72... Center side modem, 5
3...DT side telephone, 73...Center side telephone

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) A copying machine management device that is used by being connected to a copying machine, calls the central management device of the management center, and performs data communication for copying machine management with the central management device, and the connected copying machine means for requesting the copying machine to transmit identification data unique to the copying machine; data management means for setting the identification data transmitted from the copying machine as initial data for transmission to the central control device; A copying machine management device comprising: means for commanding setting transmission; and communication management means for calling a central control device of a management center to transmit initial data for transmission when initial setting transmission is commanded. (2) A copying machine management system consisting of a copying machine, a copying machine management device connected to the copying machine, and a central management device connected to the copying machine management device via a communication line, the copying machine comprising: The copying machine management device has means for storing identification data unique to the copying machine, and means for transmitting the identification data in response to a transmission request from the copying machine management device, and the copying machine management device stores the identification data unique to the copying machine. means for requesting the transmission of data;
It has means for instructing the initial setting call, and means for calling the central control device and transmitting the identification data in response to the initial setting calling command, and the central control device is configured to transmit the identification data together with the identification data. A copying machine management system comprising means for storing identification data of a copying machine management device associated with the identification data of the copying machine management device.