JPH07177587A - Method and device for notification - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To provide the method and device for notifying a receiver of a fault of a device, a monitor object, to in which complication of processing by a service center is suppressed and coping with a device requiring repair by a service man is made promptly. CONSTITUTION:The notification device is provided with a detection section 201 detecting a fault of a device of monitor object, a storage section 202 storing state data representing a state of the fault, a decision section 203 discriminating whether the fault is a 1st kind fault or a 2nd kind fault, a transmission section 204 sending the state data stored in the storage section 202 to a receiver 300, and a control section that allows the storage section 202 to store the state data representing the state of the detected fault to be sent in a timing independent of the discrimination when the decision section 203 discriminates the fault to be the 1st kind fault and allows the transmission section 204 to send the state data representing the state of the detected fault in the timing depending on the discrimination when the discrimination section 203 discriminates the fault to be the 2nd kind fault.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an informing device and an informing method for informing a receiving device of a change in a device to be monitored.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in order to notify an abnormality that has occurred in a device, as shown in the block of FIG.
State is detected by the detection unit 102, the detection information is determined by the determination unit 103 based on a predetermined determination reference unit 104, and the state of the device 101 is displayed according to the determination result.
The configuration shown in was adopted.

In such a configuration, the user needs to contact the service person by looking at the display, and since there is a problem that the state of the device cannot be accurately transmitted by the contact from the user, an abnormality occurs in the device. A system has been proposed in which a service center is called to send an abnormal state of a device.

[0004]

However, there are some abnormalities of the apparatus that cannot be recovered without repair by a service person, and some abnormalities that the user can deal with. When called, the service center receives an extremely large amount of notifications of abnormalities, which complicates the processing of the service center and delays the handling of a device requiring repair by a service person.

[0005]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides a notifying device for notifying a receiving device of an abnormality of a device to be monitored, and a detecting means for detecting an abnormality of the device to be monitored, A storage unit that stores state data representing an abnormal state detected by the detection unit, and determines whether the abnormal state detected by the detection unit is a first type abnormal state or a second type abnormal state. A discriminating unit, a transmitting unit for transmitting the state data stored in the storage unit to the receiving device, and a discriminated state detected when the discriminating unit discriminates the first type of abnormal condition. Is stored in the storage unit so as to be transmitted at a timing independent of the determination, and when the determination unit determines that the second type of abnormality is detected, the detected abnormal state is detected. There is provided a sensing apparatus characterized by a control means for transmitting by said transmission unit state data at a timing corresponding to the determination representative.

Further, according to the present invention, in the informing method of informing the receiving device of the abnormality of the device to be monitored, the step of detecting the abnormality of the device to be monitored and the detected abnormality are the first type of abnormality. Or a second type of anomaly, and when it is determined that the first type of anomaly is detected, the state data representing the detected abnormal state is detected at a timing independent of the determination. Storing the data to be transmitted to the receiving device, and transmitting the state data representing the detected abnormal state to the receiving device at a timing according to the determination when it is determined that the second type of abnormal condition is detected. An informing method is provided, which comprises:

[0007]

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an apparatus for realizing the notification system of the present invention. As shown in the figure,
The state of the apparatus body 100 is detected by the detection unit 201,
The detection information is stored in the storage unit 202, and the determination unit 203 makes a determination according to the reference data 203a previously input from the input unit 205. Detection information is reference data 2
03a, the detection information stored in the storage unit 202 is changed to the designated data 2 previously input from the input unit 205.
04a, after dialing in a predetermined procedure, it is transmitted to the designated destination via the transmission unit 204. The transmitted detection information is received by the receiving unit 301 of the receiving device 300, is analyzed as raw data or is output to the output unit 302.

Although the detector 201 is placed in the notification device 200, it may be integrated with the device main body 100. or,
How much data can be input in the transmission procedure is arbitrary. As the apparatus main body 100, various things such as a copying machine, a printer, a document scanner, a word processor, etc. can be applied. In this embodiment described below, 16 mm is used.
An explanation will be given by taking a microfilm scan as an example.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the communication device of this embodiment. Reference numeral 211 denotes a detection circuit that detects a signal from the apparatus main body, 212 denotes a CPU that performs processing / calculation,
213 is an RO for storing the processing program of the CPU 212
Reference numerals M and 214 denote a detection data portion 214a that stores the detection data detected by the detection circuit 211 together with the date and the like, and a reference data portion 214b that stores reference data for whether or not to make a notification.
And a RAM 215 including a designated data portion 214c for storing exchanges at the time of transmission or dial numbers and the like, and a keyboard 216 for inputting the reference data, designated data and the like.
Is a transmission circuit for transmission, and 217 is a backup power supply for operating the communication device 200 even when the power supply of the device main body is turned off.

FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective perspective view of a 16 mm microfilm scanner incorporating the notification system of the present invention. In this figure, a roll-shaped microfilm F is housed in a detachable film supply cartridge 1 and is delivered from the cartridge 1 by a capstan roller 2 and a pinch roller 3. The film is sent to a take-up reel 6 by a film guide member (not shown) and guide rollers 4 and 5, and is taken up by a take-up reel 6 driven by a motor (not shown).

The microfilm F is shown in FIG. 4 (b), for example.
As described above, a frame f in which a large number of patent publications are recorded in page order, a frame mark m ₁ recorded in the lower side of each frame, and a matter mark m _{2 in} the upper side of the frame in which the information of the first item of each patent publication is recorded. Have. The microfilm F is irradiated by a lamp 7 at a predetermined position, and the irradiated image information is scanned by a lens 8 for a one-dimensional photoelectric conversion element (hereinafter referred to as a line sensor) 9 such as a CCD (charge coupled device). An image is formed on the surface. By electrically main scanning the line sensor 9 and driving and scanning the carriage 13 on which the line sensor 9 is installed by the motor 12 along the guide rails 10 and 11,
Image information is read. The line sensor 9 is also used as a detector for detecting the state of the main body of the apparatus, here, a lamp burnout.

Reference numeral 14 is a frame mark detector for detecting the frame mark m ₁ , and 15 is a case mark detector for detecting the case mark m ₂ . Frame mark m _{1 The} mark m ₂ has a different density from the surrounding (base density of the film), and the mark recording part of the microfilm F between the lamp 7 and each of the detectors 14 and 15 passes to detect the frame mark. The light incident on the container 14 and the case mark detector 15 is interrupted by the marks m ₁ and m ₂ , and a mark signal is output from each detector.

The controller shown in FIG. 3, which will be described later, counts the case mark signals output when the case mark detector 15 detects the case mark m ₂ , and stops feeding the film according to the count value, and the micro film F is moved to the above-mentioned state. Stop at the predetermined illumination position. Also, the frame mark detector is
It is also used as a detector for detecting the state of the main body of the apparatus, here the abnormality of the film transport system.

The operator monitors the image projected on the optical screen 20 through the half mirror 16, the attachment lens 17, and the fixed mirrors 18 and 19 and confirms that it is the desired one, and then a keyboard (not shown). Press the scanning start button provided above. This allows
The reading operation using the above line sensor 9 is started. Reference numeral 21 is a photo interrupter for detecting the home position of the line sensor 9, and the carriage 1
The position signal is output when the emitted light is blocked by the light shielding plate 22 fixed to 3. The sensor 21 is also used as a detection unit for detecting a state of the entire apparatus, here, a change in the drive system of the carriage 13.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a configuration in which the reporting device shown in FIG. 2 is integrated with the device body. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 30 is a controller composed of a well-known microcomputer that performs the entire sequence for each component. Reference numeral 32 is a signal processing circuit for performing necessary signal processing such as digitization on the analog signal of the line sensor 9, 33 is a motor for conveying a microfilm, 34 is a reading start button, a change button and a dial of a transmission partner. A keyboard having a numeric keypad as a setting unit, a transmitting unit 35 for performing modulation for transmitting the detection information, which has been raster-converted and data-compressed in the controller 30, to an external line,
Reference numeral 31 is the control procedure shown in FIGS. 5 to 9 and the reference data 203 shown in FIG. 1 input by the reference change button on the keyboard.
It is a memory that stores a and designation data 204a such as dial.

Next, the operation procedure of this embodiment having the above-mentioned structure will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. First, an example of a setting method of an apparatus incorporating the notification method of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The device incorporating the notification system has a personal identification number. At step S1, the serviceman inputs the personal identification number from the numeric keypad on the keyboard 34, and at step S2, if the input number coincides with the personal identification number of this device, at step S3, the sensors 9, 14 installed on the main body of the device are detected. , 21
The judgment standard of the detection information output from can be input by the standard change button on the keyboard 34. Then, step S4
Then, the serviceman inputs the dial of the service station, which is the transmission destination when the detection information matches the reference data, using the ten keys on the keyboard 34. The memory that stores these data is not erased by the backup power supply 217 even when the main power supply is turned off. The above operation completes the installation of the device.

Next, FIG. 6A shows a flow chart in the case where an abnormality is detected in the operation of the apparatus main body. In step S5, when the detection unit that detects the state of the apparatus body detects an abnormality in the apparatus, the interrupt sequence is started.
All the abnormal states that can be detected by the detection circuit 211 are coded information and stored in the RAM 214. During operation of the device, RA depending on the type of detected anomaly
Access M214 to read the corresponding code. The abnormal state (code) is stored in the detection data 214a together with the date and time in step S6. If the abnormal state matches the reference data 214b in step S7, the CPU
In step S8, 212 reads out the service station dial from the designation data 214c, and calls the service station through the public line. After the transmission control signal is exchanged between the transmitter (this device) and the receiver (service station), the date, time and abnormal state (code) are modulated by the modem and transmitted to the service station.

On the other hand, if the abnormal state does not match the reference data in step S7, the abnormal state is stored in the detection data 214a in coded form without any notification to the service station. After that, when an abnormality occurs such as notifying the service station, in step S8, the abnormality condition that occurred before is also notified at the same time.

FIG. 6B shows a flow chart for explaining the notification to the service station in step S8 in more detail. In step S81, the dial number stored in advance is read, and in step S82, auto dialing is executed. Waiting for connection of the line in step S83, and when the line is connected, connection is established with the receiving device in step S84 according to a predetermined protocol. Waiting for connection with the receiving device in step S85, when the connection is completed, the abnormal change information is sequentially read and transmitted in step S86. In step S87, the transmission is completed after waiting for the transmission of all the information.

On the service station side, the transmitted information is demodulated by a modem and printed out by a recorder such as a thermal printer. Here, the received data may be output after being analyzed. Next, the reading operation of the 16 mm microfilm scanner, which is the device incorporating the notification system of the present invention, will be described, and several examples of the method of detecting the abnormality will be described below. The operator sets the film supply cartridge 1 to this apparatus and inputs a desired case mark count value using the ten keys on the keyboard 34. Then, the microfilm F is taken up by the take-up reel 6 via the capstan roller 2, the pinch roller 3, the film guide portion (not shown), and the guide rollers 4 and 5. At that time, the case mark signal output from the case mark detector is counted, and when the count value matches the desired case mark count value, the film feeding is stopped.

When the operator confirms the image contents on the screen 20 and presses the reading start button on the keyboard 34, the controller 30 sends a drive signal to the carriage motor 12, and the line sensor 9 causes the guide rail 10 to move.
A frame image is read and scanned along line 11. This reading scan is started in response to an output signal from the photo interrupter 21 generated when the light blocking plate 22 provided on the carriage 13 of the line sensor 9 passes through the photo interrupter 21 fixed to the apparatus main body.

As described above, when the scanning of the image is completed, the film transport motor 33 is automatically activated by the command of the controller 30 and the frame mark detector 14 detects the next frame mark m _1. The microfilm F is sent to. When the next frame mark m ₁ is detected, the delivery of the film F is stopped and the frame is positioned at the image reading position. After that, the image reading is performed by the same sequential operation as described above until the next matter mark m ₂ is detected.

Next, a detailed example of detecting an abnormality will be described. This device uses a photo interrupter 21 and a line sensor 9 as a sensor of a detection unit that detects the state of the device body.
And the frame mark detector 14 are used. The photo interrupter 21 is a sensor that detects the home position of the line sensor 9, and outputs a position signal when the emitted light is blocked by the light shielding plate 22 fixed to the carriage 13. If the movement distance L to the moving speed V and the home position Chillon the carriage 13 is known, time T _a required for movement
Is calculated by T _a = L / V. However, this required time T _a is effective only when the drive system has an ideal drive system, and even if the drive system of the carriage 13 is normal in actual movement, it may occur due to slip of the drive wire or fluctuation of the drive voltage of the carriage motor 12. The time required for movement fluctuates within T _a ± ΔT _a .

FIG. 7 shows an example of a method for detecting an abnormality in the drive system of the carriage 13. Controller 30
At step S51 monitors the time (moving time of the carriage 13) T from when the drive signal is input to the carriage motor 12 until the position signal of the photo interrupter 21 is obtained. At steps S52 and S53, the moving time T is allowed. If the value is within the value (T _a ± ΔT _a ), it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the drive system of the carriage 13. Travel time T
Is outside the allowable value (T _a ± ΔT _a ), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the drive system of the carriage 13, and in step S6 the abnormal state (here, the actually required moving time), the date,
The time and the like are stored in the memory.

Next, it is judged in the control steps of steps S71 to S73 whether or not it is necessary to immediately notify the serviceman of the abnormal state. When an abnormality occurs in the drive system of the carriage 13, it is a sudden abnormality, and it is judged whether the abnormality occurred only at that time or is likely to continue, and the abnormality continues. In this case, in step S8, the abnormal state, the occurrence date, the time, etc. are transmitted to the service station.

The criterion for determining whether or not the abnormal condition continues is that the abnormal condition of steps S71 and S72 has not occurred n times in a row, or the abnormal condition of step S73 is more than necessary (T _a + ΔT _a << T _b ) Is it not continuing, etc.,
These standards are based on the keyboard 3
It is input from the standard change button on 4. At the time of transmission, "Transmitting to service station" is displayed on the liquid crystal display panel (not shown). Also, due to the incident that occurred before that,
The contents stored in the memory are transmitted at the same time without urgent need.

The frame mark detector 14 is a sensor for detecting the frame mark m ₁ . Assuming that the film conveyance speed on the frame mark detector is V _F and the interval between the frame marks m ₁ is D, the time required for detection between frames by the frame mark detector T _F
Becomes T _F = D / V _F. However, this required time T _F varies within T _F ± ΔT _F due to variations in the film transport speed even if the film transport system is normal. Here, an example of a method for detecting an abnormality in the film transport system is shown in FIG. When the film is conveyed, the light incident on the frame mark detector 14 is interrupted by the frame mark m ₁ and a mark signal is output from the detector. Therefore, the controller 30 causes the controller 30 to convey the time between the frame marks. T can be monitored. If the transport time T is within the allowable value (T _F ± ΔT _F ) in steps S55 and S56, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the film transport system. If the transport time is outside the allowable value (T _F ± ΔT _F ), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the transport system of the film, and the date / time at step S6
The time and abnormal state are stored in the memory.

Next, in the control steps of steps S74 to S76, it is judged whether or not it is necessary to immediately notify the serviceman of the abnormal state. When an abnormality occurs in the film transport system, it is determined whether it is a sudden abnormality and it occurred only at that time, or an abnormality that is likely to continue, and if it is a continuous abnormality, the step In S8, the date / time of occurrence and the abnormal state are transmitted to the service station.

The criterion for determining whether or not the abnormal condition continues is that here, the abnormal condition of steps S74 and S75 has not occurred continuously m times, or the abnormal condition of step S76 is necessary (T _F + ΔT _F << T _G ) Is it not continuing, etc.,
These standards are entered by the serviceman using the standard change button on the keyboard 34 when the apparatus is installed. The line sensor 9 is a sensor for reading an image on the film, but here it is also used as a sensor for detecting a lamp burnout. An example of the detection method is shown in FIG. The controller 30 monitors the light emission state of the lamp 7 by the output signal from the line sensor 9 in step S57, and determines the lamp out. If it is determined in step S6 that the lamp has burned out, the date / time of occurrence and its state are stored in the memory.

In the next control step S77, it is determined whether or not it is necessary to notify the service person immediately of the lamp burnout. If the lamp has burned out within the reading operation within p times since the last lamp burned out, it is determined that the abnormality has occurred in the lamp light emission circuit, and the abnormal state is transmitted to the service station. On the other hand, if the lamp has burned out more than p times since the last replacement, it is determined that the lamp has burned out due to the life of the lamp, and the service station is not contacted.

By incorporating the above-described notification method into the device, the service person can monitor the condition of the device while staying at the service station, and periodic patrol is unnecessary. For example, regarding the detection of the lamp burnout in the present embodiment, when the service station is notified that the lamp burnout is caused by an abnormality in the lamp light emission circuit, the contents include the user's personal information. Therefore, the service person can bring the tool necessary for the repair and the optimum replacement parts to the user directly based on the content of the notification.

In the above-described embodiment, as a detection unit for detecting the state of the apparatus main body, a photo interrupter for detecting a change in the drive system of the carriage 13 and a line sensor 9 for detecting lamp burnout of the lamp 7. , The frame mark detector 14 is used to detect an abnormality in the film transport system, but the detector and the detection location are not limited to these.

Further, the judgment standard of the detection information and the dial of the service station are input by the service person from the input keys on the keyboard, but the input method is not limited to this. Furthermore, it is obvious that the technical idea of the present invention can be applied to other devices. As described above, according to the present invention, when an abnormality occurs in the apparatus body, the sensor detects the abnormal state, and the detection information is transmitted to the service person using the external line. It has the following advantages. (1) It is not necessary for the service person to make regular inspections, and if the reference data is set appropriately, the condition of the device can be known before a failure. (2) When the device breaks down, the user does not need to contact the service person, and the history up to the failure is stored, so the user can know the process up to the failure. (3) Since the content of the report does not include the user's personal information, the service person can know the tools necessary for repair and the optimum replacement parts.

These reduce the burden on both the user and the service person.

[0035]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Detects an abnormality in the monitored device, and the detected abnormality is the first
If it is determined that the detected abnormal state is the second abnormal state, the data indicating the detected abnormal state is stored so as to be transmitted to the receiving device at a timing independent of the determination.
When it is determined that the abnormal state is the abnormal type, the receiving apparatus transmits the state data representing the detected abnormal state to the receiving apparatus at a timing according to the determination, and therefore the receiving apparatus uses the abnormal type of the first type having low urgency. The state of can be known when needed, and the second type of abnormal state of high urgency can be immediately known.

For example, a service person at a service center in which the receiving device is installed can know the device which needs to be repaired and the state thereof, and can quickly take action on the device. Further, since the service person of the service center can refer to the past history of the abnormal state of the notified apparatus as necessary, it is possible to accurately deal with the apparatus.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a basic configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an apparatus that realizes a notification system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration example of a notification device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an example in which a reporting device is integrated with a device body.

FIG. 4 (a) is a perspective perspective view of a microfilm scanner incorporating the notification system of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a diagram showing an example of a microfilm.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the procedure of the notification system of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 (a) is a flow chart showing the procedure of the notification system of this embodiment.

FIG. 6 (b) is a flow chart showing the procedure of the notification method of this embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing a procedure when the present reporting method is applied to a microfilm scan.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a procedure when the present notification method is applied to a microfilm scan.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing the procedure when the present notification method is applied to a microfilm scanner.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a conventional notification method.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Device body 200 Notification device 201 Detection unit 202 Storage unit 203 Judgment unit 203a Reference data 204 Transmission unit 204a Designated data 205 Input unit 300 Reception device 301 Reception unit 302 Output unit 211 Detection circuit 212 CPU 213 ROM 214 RAM 214a Detection data unit 214b Reference data part 214c Designated data part 215 Keyboard 216 Transmission circuit 217 Backup power supply

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An informing device for informing a receiving device of an abnormality in a device to be monitored, wherein detection means for detecting an abnormality in the device to be monitored and state data representing an abnormal state detected by the detecting means are stored. Storage means, determination means for determining whether the abnormality detected by the detection means is a first type abnormality or a second type abnormality, and the status data stored in the storage means is received by the storage means. When it is determined by the transmitting unit that transmits to the device and the first type of abnormality by the determining unit, state data representing the detected abnormal state should be transmitted at a timing independent of the determination. When the determination unit determines that the second type of abnormality is stored in the storage unit, the state data representing the detected abnormal state is forwarded at a timing corresponding to the determination. Sensing apparatus characterized by a control means for transmitting by the transmission means. 2. A notification method for notifying a receiving device of an abnormality of a device to be monitored, the step of detecting an abnormality of the device to be monitored, and whether the detected abnormality is a first-type abnormality or a second type. A step of determining whether there is a change in the type, and when determining that there is a change in the first type, the state data representing the detected change state is transmitted to the receiving device at a timing independent of the determination. And a step of storing the state data representing the detected abnormal state when it is determined that the abnormal type is the second type, to the receiving device at a timing according to the determination. A notification method characterized by the above.