JPH07199745A - Copying machine control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To comprehensively monitor and diagnose the communication abnormality in the whole system by connecting a copying machine to a controller and a centralized controller to a host computer, monitoring a communication response and automatically deciding and informing of the copying machine and a line becoming the communication abnormality. CONSTITUTION:In the copying machine control system, when the state that no response is obtained from the controller 900 within a second fixed time occurs after the host computer 800 communicates with the controller 900, a CPU in the host computer 800 decides the presence of the line abnormality between with the controller 900 according to the number of times. A display 803 is informed the decision result, etc., by the host computer 800. Thus, the communication between the host computer 800 and the controller 900 is executed at a prescribed interval, and the abnormality of the controller 900 and the line becoming the communication abnormality is diagnosed by a host side from the response condition.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a host computer on the management base side through a line such as a public line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a copying machine management system which manages using at least one copying machine and a central management unit which connects a host computer on the management base side with one public line. For example, if a certain copying machine does not reach a certain temperature even after adjusting the temperature of the fixing device, the copying machine judges that there is an abnormality, stops the copying operation, generates an error code (E code), and displays it on the operation panel. indicate.

Then, the E code is automatically transmitted together with the ID of the copying machine to the host computer on the management base side through the public line.

As a result, the management base side can immediately know which copying machine has generated what E code, and can promptly dispatch a service person to the user side.

Further, when an error occurs, the user does not have to call the management site and explain the content of the error.

[0006]

However, since the E code calls the host computer from the copying machine only when the copying machine automatically detects the abnormality,
Unless the host computer makes a call to the host computer at regular time intervals, it cannot distinguish whether the E code is not generated or the abnormality of the public line has occurred, and even if such an abnormality occurs, The host computer did not warn.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and in a copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a host computer on the management base side via a line, each copying machine Machine and management device or centralized management device and host computer are connected to the respective lines, and communication responses between each copying machine and each management device, each management device and centralized management device, management device and host computer, centralized management device and host computer By monitoring and recognizing a copier or line that has a communication error and notifying it, the communication error of the entire system can be comprehensively monitored and diagnosed.
An object of the present invention is to provide a copying machine management system in which a host computer can detect a copying machine disconnected from a public line or an abnormality in a communication device of a copying machine and warn an administrator.

[0008]

A first copying machine management system according to the present invention is provided with a management apparatus for managing the copying machine by communicating with the copying machine or the host computer, and the management apparatus is operated from the host computer. To the host computer, in response to the communication from the first host control means, a first host control means for communicating at a first fixed time interval is provided to the host computer. First call within a second fixed time
Management communication control means is provided in the management device, and the management device is responsive to the number of times that the management device does not respond within a second fixed time after communication from the host computer to the management device. Or second host control means for determining whether there is a line abnormality with the management device,
The host computer is provided with notifying means for notifying the determination result of the second host control means.

A second copying machine management system according to the present invention is provided with a management device that communicates with the copying machine or the host computer to manage the copying machine, and the host computer sends the first management device to the management device. The host computer is provided with a first host control means for communicating at fixed time intervals, and in response to communication from the first host control means, the management device side sends a second fixed time to the host computer. First management control means for making a call within the management device is provided, and the number of times that the management device does not respond within a second fixed time after communication from the host computer to the management device occurs. In response, a second host control unit that determines whether there is a line abnormality between the management device or the management device and a determination result of the second host control unit are displayed. The third host that communicates the warning information to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the management device determined to be abnormal by the second host control unit The control means is provided in the host computer.

A third copying machine management system according to the present invention is provided with a management apparatus for managing the copying machine by communicating with the copying machine or the host computer, and the management apparatus provides the first copying machine with respect to the copying machine. The first to communicate at regular time intervals
Management control means of the first management control means is provided in the management apparatus, and in response to communication by the first management control means, first copying control means for communicating from the copying machine to the management apparatus within a second fixed time; A line between the copying machine or the copying machine depending on the number of times that a state in which there is no response from the copying machine occurs within the second predetermined time after the communication from the management device to the copying machine. The management device is provided with second management control means for determining whether or not there is an abnormality, and third management control means for communicating warning information based on the determination result by the second management control means to the host computer. is there.

In a fourth copying machine management system according to the present invention, a centralized management apparatus for managing a plurality of copying machines is provided for one public line while communicating with a host computer, and the copying is performed from the centralized management apparatus. A first centralized control means for communicating with a copying machine at a first fixed time interval is provided in the centralized management apparatus, and in response to communication by the first centralized control means, the copying machine transfers to the centralized management apparatus. The copying machine is provided with a first copying control means for communicating within a second fixed time, and the copying machine responds within the second fixed time after starting communication from the central control device to the copying machine. A second centralized control unit that determines whether there is an abnormality in the copying machine or a line between the copying machine and the copying machine according to the number of occurrences of the state where there is no error is determined to be abnormal in the second host control unit. What is the line Comprising a third central control means for communicating the warning information to a predetermined device connected to the line in which provided in the central control device.

In a fifth copying machine management system according to the present invention, the management apparatus centrally manages a plurality of copying machines for one public line.

In the sixth copying machine management system according to the present invention, the predetermined apparatus is constituted by any one of a copying machine, a management apparatus and a computer.

In the seventh copying machine management system according to the present invention, the warning information comprises an ID of the copying machine having an abnormal line and a code indicating the abnormality.

[0015]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the second host control means operates in accordance with the number of times that the management device does not respond within a second fixed time after the host computer communicates with the management device. The presence / absence of a line abnormality between the management device or the management device is determined, and the notification means notifies the determination result. Therefore, communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at a predetermined interval, and a communication error is detected from the response state. It becomes possible for the host side to diagnose an abnormality in the management device or line that has become defective.

In a second aspect of the present invention, the second host control means is provided according to the number of times that the management device does not respond within a second fixed time after the host computer communicates with the management device. Determines whether there is an abnormality in the management device or the line with the management device, the notification means notifies the determination result, and the third host control means is determined to be abnormal in the second host control means. Since the warning information is communicated to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the management device, communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at a predetermined interval, and a communication error occurs from the response state. The host side diagnoses an abnormality in the management device and the line, and the predetermined warning information is sent to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the management device that is determined to be abnormal. It is possible to knowledge.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the second aspect of the present invention is determined according to the number of times that no response from the copying machine occurs within the second predetermined time after the communication from the management device to the copying machine is started. The management control means determines whether there is a line abnormality between the copying machine or the copying machine, and the third management control means communicates warning information based on the determination result to the host computer. It is possible to notify the host computer by diagnosing the abnormality of the copying machine and the line in which the communication state is abnormal due to the execution of the communication.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in accordance with the number of times a state in which there is no response from the copying machine occurs within the second fixed time after the communication from the central control device to the copying machine is started, The second centralized control means determines whether or not there is a line abnormality between the copying machine or the copying machine, and the third centralized control means warns a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line where the abnormality is determined. Since the information is communicated, the centralized management device diagnoses the abnormalities of the copying machine and the line, in which the communication between the centralized management device and the copying machine is executed at a predetermined interval and the communication error occurs from the response state, and the predetermined warning information is sent. It is possible to notify a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the device determined to be abnormal.

In the fifth invention, the management device centrally manages a plurality of copying machines for one public line.
It is possible to diagnose the communication status of each copying machine at predetermined intervals.

In the sixth aspect of the invention, the predetermined device is either a copying machine, a management device or a computer.
It is possible to notify the warning information to any of a copying machine, a management device, and a computer that can normally communicate.

In the seventh invention, since the warning information is the ID of the copying machine having the abnormal line and the code indicating the abnormal condition, the device having the communication error and its abnormal state can be reliably notified with a small amount of information. can do.

[0022]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a copying machine management system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 100 is a copying machine main body and 190
Is a CPU (central processing unit) that controls the main body of the copying machine,
Reference numeral 191 is a bus line, and 192 is a RAM for storing the status of the copying machine.

Reference numeral 900 denotes a management device, which is information of the copying machine,
For example, the number of copies for each department is managed. Management device 900
Exchanges information with the copying machine 100 via a serial communication line 903 between the CPUs. Reference numeral 101 denotes a copying machine, which includes a copying machine main body 100 and a management apparatus 900.

A host computer 800 has a display 803 and a warning buzzer 802. When the management device 900 or the central management device 500 has an abnormality, or when the ID and warning information of the copying device 101 having an abnormality is received from the central management device 500, the warning buzzer is sounded and the corresponding warning content is displayed on the display 803. To do.

The management apparatus 900 also transfers jam information, abnormality information, etc. of the copying machine 100 to the host computer 800 through the centralized management apparatus 500 and the public line 801.

When one copying machine is connected to one public line, the centralized management device 500 may be omitted. In that case, the management device 900 has a built-in modem and is directly connected to the host computer 800. . A CPU 902 controls the management device 900.

Reference numeral 901 denotes communication control means including an RS-422 interface and the like, which is hardware for flowing information sent from the CPU 902 via the bus line 904 to the RS-422 interface.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a centralized management device, which manages a maximum of 6 management devices 900 with one telephone line. CPU5
Reference numeral 04 is a communication control means 901 of the copying machine management apparatus, using the communication control means 502 connected by a bus line 503.
And an RS-422 communication line 501.

Further, it has a liquid crystal display unit 510 and a warning buzzer 511, which are controlled by the CPU 504. When the copying apparatus 101 is in an abnormal state or the central management apparatus 500
When a communication line with the copying apparatus 101 is abnormal, the warning buzzer 511 is sounded and the warning content is displayed.
Display on 10. Since a public line is used for communication with the host computer, a modem 505 is used as an interface, which is connected to the CPU 504 by a bus line 503.

In the copying machine management system thus constructed, the host computer 800 to the management device 900
Within 90 seconds after communication with the management device 90
Since the CPU of the host computer 800 determines whether there is a line abnormality with the management apparatus 900 according to the number of times of no response from 0, the host computer 800 notifies the display 803 and the like of the determination result. The communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at a predetermined interval, and the host side can diagnose the abnormality of the management device and the line in which the communication error occurs from the response state.

Further, the CPU of the host computer 800 manages the management according to the number of times that the management device 900 does not respond within a second fixed time after the host computer 800 communicates with the management device 900. The presence / absence of a line abnormality between the device 900 or the management device 900 is determined, the notification means notifies the determination result, and the CPU of the host computer 800 is adjacent to the management device determined to be abnormal. Since warning information is communicated to a specified device connected to a line different from the line, communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at a specified interval, and communication error occurs from the response status. The host side diagnoses the specified warning information to a line different from the line adjacent to the management device that is determined to be abnormal. It is possible to notify the connection, predetermined device.

Further, from the management apparatus 900 to the copying machine 1
According to the number of times that a state in which there is no response from the copying machine occurs within the second fixed time after the communication is started.
The CPU 902 determines whether or not there is a line abnormality between the copying machine or the copying machine, and the communication control means 901 communicates warning information based on the determination result to the host computer 800.
The communication between the management apparatus and the copying machine is executed at a predetermined interval, and the management apparatus 900 can diagnose the abnormality of the copying machine and the line in which the response state becomes communication abnormality and notify the host computer 800 of the abnormality.

In addition, the CPU 504 determines that the copying machine is in response to the number of times that the copying machine does not respond within the second constant time after the communication from the central control device 500 to the copying machine 100 is started. Alternatively, the CPU 504 determines whether or not there is a line abnormality with the copying machine, and the CPU 504 communicates the warning information to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line where the abnormality is determined. The line adjacent to the copying machine in which the communication of the copying machine is executed and the communication abnormality occurs from the response state, and the centralized management apparatus diagnoses the abnormality of the line and the predetermined warning information is determined to be abnormal. It is possible to notify a predetermined device connected to a line different from.

Further, since the predetermined apparatus is either the copying machine 100, the management apparatus 900 or the computer, it is possible to notify the warning information to any of the copying machine, the management apparatus and the computer which can normally communicate. Become.

Further, since the warning information is the ID of the copying machine in which the line is abnormal and the code indicating the abnormality, it is possible to reliably notify the device in which the communication is abnormal and its abnormal state with a small amount of information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining the control configuration of the management device 900 shown in FIG.

Reference numeral 910 is an RO in which a program or the like describing the control procedure of the copying machine management system according to the present invention is stored.
It is M. Reference numeral 911 denotes a counter that counts the number of copies for each department, and an SRAM that stores a personal identification number set by the administrator for each department. Reference numeral 912 is a DRAM used as a work area of a program. 913 is the CPU 902
Is a line connected to the I / O port and the interrupt terminal of, and is connected to the card reader 1001 and the printer 1002.

The card reader 1001 is a magnetic card reader and is used, for example, to read the department number of a card distributed by department.

It is also used to read the administrator card used by the administrator and the counting card used for counting. This is embedded in the operation unit of the main body of the copying machine.

The printer 1002 is a tally printer and is used by the administrator to tally the number of copies of each department at the end of the month. At the time of tabulation, the cable of the printer is connected to the connector 1003 on the operation panel of the copying machine body.
The CPU 902 is a central processing unit that controls the copying machine management apparatus, and is connected to the CPU 190 of the copying machine body through serial communication.

For example, if the department number read from the card reader 1001 is valid, data indicating that copying is possible is communicated to the CPU 901, and the CPU 901 enables the copying operation. Further, the CPU 902 directly controls the card reader and the printer by using the I / O port and the interrupt terminal.

Further, the CPU 902 controls the operation panels 600 and 700 of the copying machine main body via the CPU 190. This is because, for example, the administrator uses the operation panels 600 and 700 of the copying machine main body when setting the personal identification number or the like stored in the SRAM 911. At this time, the CPU 190 of the main body of the copying machine controls the reading of the input value of the keys and the display of the liquid crystal screen.

If the key input sequence is related to the management of the copying machine, the key input value is transmitted to the CPU 902, or if the display data of the liquid crystal screen is received from the CPU 902, it is displayed on the liquid crystal screen.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of the copying machine main body 100 shown in FIG.

In the main body 100, 101 is a platen glass on which an original is placed, 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) for illuminating the original, and 105, 107 and 109 are scanning mirrors (scanning mirrors) for changing the optical path of the original. 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes a lens having focusing and zooming functions, and 113 denotes a fourth reflecting mirror (scanning mirror) that changes the optical path.
115 is an optical system motor for driving the optical system, 117, 11
Reference numerals 9 and 121 denote sensors, respectively. 131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high-voltage unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developing device, 140 is a developing roller, 141 is a transfer charger, 143 is a separation charger, and Reference numeral 145 is a cleaning device.

Reference numeral 151 is an upper cassette, 153 is a lower cassette, 171 is a manual paper feed port, 155 and 157 are paper feed rollers, and 159 is a registration roller. Also, 16
Reference numeral 1 is a conveyor belt that conveys the recording paper on which an image has been recorded to the fixing side, 163 is a fixing device that fixes the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression bonding, and 167 is a sensor used during double-sided recording. The surface of the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 131 is composed of a photoconductor and a seamless photoconductor using the conductor.
Is rotatably supported, and starts to rotate in the direction of the arrow in the figure by the main motor 133 that operates in response to the pressing of a copy start key, which will be described later.

Next, when the predetermined rotation control of the drum 131 and the potential control processing (pre-processing) are completed, the original placed on the platen glass 101 is illuminated by the illumination lamp 103 which is integrated with the first scanning mirror 105. An image is formed on the drum 131 via the reflection mirror 109, the lens 111, and the fourth scanning mirror 113 of the original. The drum 131 is corona charged by the high voltage unit 135.

After that, the image (original image) irradiated by the illumination lamp 103 is slit-exposed, and an electrostatic image is formed on the drum 131 by the known Carlson method. Next, the electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 131 is developed by the developing roller 140 of the developing device 139 and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto the transfer paper by the transfer charger 141 as described later.

That is, the transfer paper in the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153 or the manual feed port 171.
The transfer paper set in the
7 is sent into the main body apparatus and is sent by the registration roller 159 toward the photosensitive drum 131 at accurate timing, so that the leading edge of the latent image and the leading edge of the transfer sheet are aligned with each other.

After that, the transfer charger 141 and the drum 131
The toner image on the drum 131 is transferred onto the transfer paper by passing the transfer paper between the transfer paper and the transfer paper. After this transfer ends,
The transfer paper is separated from the drum 131 by a separation charger 143, guided to a fixing device 163 by a transport belt 161,
It is fixed by pressure and overheating, and then the discharge roller 1
It is discharged to the outside of the main body 100 by 65. After the transfer, the drum 131 continues to rotate and the cleaning device 1 including the cleaning roller and the elastic blade
The surface is cleaned by 45.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of the operation panel 600 provided in the copying machine main body 100 shown in FIG.

The operation panel 600 has a key group 600 and a display group 700 as described below.

In FIG. 4, an asterisk (*) key 601 is used by the operator (user) to set the binding margin amount and the mode such as the size of the document frame erasing. An all reset key 606 is pressed when returning to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 602 denotes a preheat key, which is pressed to bring the machine of the main body 100 into a preheat state and release the preheat state. The key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto shutoff state to the standard mode. 6
Reference numeral 05 denotes a copy start key (copy start key), which is pressed to start copying.

A clear / stop key 604 has the function of a clear key during standby (standby) and a stop key during copy recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. Also, * (asterisk)
It is also used when canceling the mode. The stop key is pressed when interrupting continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pushing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 is a ten-key pad which is pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used when setting the * (asterisk) mode. A job mode memory key 619 allows the user to register the job mode of a code that the user frequently uses. Here, four types of registration of M1 to M4 can be performed.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys, which are pressed to manually adjust the copy density. 613 is A
The E key is pressed to automatically adjust the copy density according to the density of the original, or to cancel the AE (automatic density adjustment) and switch the density adjustment to manual (manual). Reference numeral 607 denotes a cassette selection key, which is an upper cassette 151, a middle cassette 153, and a lower paper deck 20.
Press to select 1. When a document is placed on the RDF 300, APS (automatic paper selection) can be selected with this key. When APS is selected, a transfer paper cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. 61
0 is a 1x key, which is pressed to make a 1x (actual size) copy. An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the designated transfer paper size. Reference numerals 617 and 618 are zoom keys, which are pressed to specify an arbitrary magnification between 64-142%.

Reference numerals 608 and 609 denote fixed-size variable magnification keys, which are pressed to specify reduction / enlargement of fixed-size. 62
Reference numeral 6 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet.

Reference numeral 624 is a photographic key, which is pressed when copying a photographic original. A multiple key 623 is pressed when creating (combining) images from the two originals on the same surface of the transfer paper. A document frame erasing key 620 is pressed when the user uses the frame erasing of a standard size document, and the size of the document at that time is set by the asterisk key 601. Reference numeral 621 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame according to the size of the cassette.

Reference numeral 622 denotes a page continuous copy key, which is pressed when the left and right pages of the original are separately copied on different sheets. Reference numeral 614 denotes a sheet discharge method (stable, sort, group) selection key. When a stapler capable of stapling the printed sheets by staple is connected, the staple mode or the sort mode can be selected or released.
If a sorting tray (sorter) is connected, you can select or cancel the sort mode or group mode. 6
27 is an ID key, which allows the user to enter the personal identification number (I
This is a key for inputting D). For example, even if the departmental card is not inserted, if the personal identification number is input and the verification is performed, the copying operation can be performed.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display (LCD display).
The information for displaying information relating to copying is displayed. For example, one character is made up of 5 × 7 dots, a message for 40 characters, and fixed size scaling keys 608, 609 and the same size key 6 are displayed.
10. The copy magnification set with the zoom keys 617 and 618 can be displayed. The display 701 is a semi-transmissive liquid crystal and uses two colors for the backlight. Normally, the green backlight is lit, and the orange backlight is lit when there is an abnormality or the copying is impossible.

Reference numeral 706 denotes a unity-magnification display, which lights up when the unity-size is selected. Reference numeral 703 denotes a color developing device display, which lights up when the sepia developing device is set. A copy number display 702 displays the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code. Reference numeral 705 denotes a used cassette indicator, which includes an upper cassette 151, a middle cassette 153, and a lower deck 201.
Is displayed.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, which is an AE key 61.
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheat indicator, which is a two-color LED of green and orange, which lights up green when ready (when copying is possible) and lights up orange when waiting (when copying is not possible). Reference numeral 708 denotes a double-sided copy display, which lights up when either double-sided copy from double-sided original or double-sided copy from single-sided original is selected.

When the RDF 300 is used in the standard mode, the number of copies is 1, the density AE mode, automatic paper selection, normal magnification, single-sided copy to single-sided copy are set.

In the standard mode when the RDF 300 is not used, the number of copies is 1, the density manual mode is set, and the setting is set to single-sided copying from a single-sided original. The difference between when the RDF 300 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 300.

A power lamp 710 is turned on when the power switch is turned on. Reference numeral 1004 denotes a magnetic card such as a departmental card, a copying machine status card, a destination designation card, and an administrator card.

The communication control operation of the centralized management device 500 shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of a communication control procedure by the centralized management device in the copying machine management system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (8) indicate each step.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the central control device is connected to six copying machine control devices # 1 to # 6.

First, in step (1), the central control unit 5
00 monitors whether there is a communication request from the host computer (hereinafter referred to as host) 800 to the copying machine management system, and if there is, the designated copying machine management devices # 1 to # 6 and the host in step (2). To pass through.

If there is no communication request from the host in step (1), first in step (3), copy machine management apparatus # 1
Issue a communication permission command to. Since the central management device serves as the master and the copy management device serves as the slave, communication cannot be made from the slave unless it receives a communication permission command from the master. Then, in step (4), if the copying machine management apparatus # 1 issues a communication request command immediately after this, in step (6), the centralized management apparatus changes the copying machine management apparatus # 1.
And put the host computer into the pass-through state. If it is not issued, in step (5), the transmission destination of the communication permission command is set to the copying machine management apparatus # 2, and the process returns to step (1) and is performed in the same manner. In step (7), the central control device constantly monitors the command from the host and waits until the end command is sent to the pass-through copying machine control device. When it is sent, in step (8), it waits for the pass-through copy management apparatus to send the end command to the host.
When sent, it returns to step (1) and is processed in the same manner.

Next, the communication control operation of the host computer 800 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of the communication control procedure by the host computer 800 in the copying machine management system according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (1
2) shows each step.

In step (1), the subtraction timer value T # 1 for detecting the connection of the public line is set with the central control device 500 at regular intervals. In step (2), a subtraction timer value T # 2 for measuring the time from the host computer communicating with the centralized management device 500 until the centralized management device responds is set. In step (3), the host computer 800 issues a command including the meaning of connection detection to the central control device 500 through the public line. On the other hand, the central control device 500 disconnects the line once for security, and once again the host computer 8
00 is called.

In step (4), it is checked whether or not there is this response. If not, the process proceeds to step (5) and the timer value T # 2
See if the time is up. If the time has not expired, the process proceeds to step (4). If the time has expired, the process proceeds to step (12) to determine whether this has occurred three times.

If it is the third occurrence, it is judged to be abnormal, and the process proceeds to step (6). If not, proceed to step (4). In step (6), after calling the central control unit,
Since there will be no response within a certain period of time, it is judged that a situation such as a physical disconnection of the line has occurred, and the host computer warns that a buzzer sounds.

In step (7), it is determined whether or not the command call cycle for detecting the connection of the central control unit comes.
When the timer value T # 1 has timed out, that is, when the command call cycle comes, the process returns to step (1). If not, it is checked in step (8) whether there is a received command.
If there is, the command is processed in step (9), and if not, the process proceeds to step (10). In step (10), it is checked if there is a send command. If there is, the command is transmitted in (11), and if not, the process proceeds to step (7). [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, the host computer 80
When 0 and the abnormality of the communication line of the central control device 500 occur, the host computer 800 performs a warning process such as sounding a buzzer.

In this embodiment, as a warning process in step (6) of FIG. 6, a case will be described in which the host computer 800 performs a warning process using a line different from the communication line in which the abnormality has occurred.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the first warning processing procedure by the host computer 800 in the copying machine management system according to the present invention. Note that (1)
(6) shows each step.

In FIG. 7, in step (1), it is checked whether or not there is a line different from the line between the host computer 800 and the central control unit in which the abnormality has occurred.

However, another line is connected to, for example, a centralized control device in the same building that owns the centralized control device in which an abnormality has occurred.

If there is no other line, in step (2), the host computer 800 sounds a buzzer to display warning contents on the display 803 and performs warning processing. If there is another line, in step (3), the connection of the centralized management device is detected, and the same processing as in FIG. 6 is performed. In step (4), the host computer 800 is connected to another centralized management device through a line different from the line in which the abnormality has occurred, and then in step (5), the centralized management device in which the abnormality has occurred And the warning information.

In step (6), the central control unit receiving the warning information sounds the warning buzzer, and displays the ID of the central control unit in which an abnormality has occurred on the display panel attached to the central control unit to manage the user side. Prompt confirmation.

Further, the host computer also transfers the warning information even if the communication destination of the line different from the line in which the abnormality has occurred is the copying machine or the computer. Similarly, the transferred copying machine or computer sounds, for example, a warning buzzer and displays the ID of the centralized management device in which the abnormality has occurred. [Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the warning process of the host computer when the central control unit or the line between the host computer and the central control unit is abnormal has been described.

In this embodiment, a warning process when the communication line between the copying machine or the central control device 500 and the copying machine is abnormal will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second warning processing procedure by the centralized management device 500 in the copying machine management system according to the present invention. In addition, (1) to (1
4) shows each step.

In FIG. 8, in step (1), the central control device sets a subtraction timer value T # 3 for detecting connection of the communication line with the copying machine at regular intervals. In step (2), the subtraction timer value T # 4 for measuring the time from the central control device communicating with the copying machine until the copying machine responds is set. In step (3), the central control device issues a command including the meaning of connection detection to the copying machine through the communication line.

In step (4), it is checked whether or not there is this response. If not, the process proceeds to step (5) and the timer value T # 4
See if the time is up. If the time has not expired, the process proceeds to step (14). If the time has expired, the process proceeds to step (12) to determine whether this has occurred three times. If it is the third occurrence, it is determined to be abnormal, and the process proceeds to step (6). If not, proceed to step (14).

In step (14), other copiers connected to the centralized control device are similarly processed by multitasking. If you do the same for all other copiers,
After the step (14), that is, the step (4) is restarted. In step (6), since there is no response within a fixed time after calling the copying machine, it is judged that the communication line is physically cut off, and the central control unit determines that there is an abnormality. The ID of the copier that occurred and the warning information are transferred to the host computer through the public line. Step (7)
Now, let's see if the command call cycle for detecting the connection of the central control unit comes. That is, when the timer value T # 3 has timed out, that is, when the command call cycle comes, the process returns to step (1). If not, it is checked in step (8) whether there is a received command. If there is, the command is processed in step (9), and if not, the process proceeds to step (10). In step (10), it is checked if there is a send command. If there is a step (1
The command is transmitted in 1), and if not, the process proceeds to step (13).

In step (13), other copiers connected to the central control unit are similarly processed by multitasking. If you do the same for all other copiers,
After the step (13), that is, the step (7) is restarted.

In the warning process of step (6), instead of transferring the warning information to the host computer, the central control unit establishes a communication line with the copying machine in which an abnormality has occurred, which is connected to the central control unit. May be transferred to another copying machine connected to another communication line, or to a computer.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the host computer communicates with the (centralized) management device at the first fixed time interval, and the first control means of the host computer.
In response to this, the (centralized) management device makes a call to the host computer within a second fixed time, and the first control means of the (centralized) management device and the host computer conducts the (centralized) operation. If there is no response from the copying machine to the management device within the second fixed time, one or more times, the (central) management device is abnormal or a public line between the (central) management devices. Second control means of the host computer for detecting that the
Second control means of the (centralized) management device, which communicates from the (centralized) management device to the copying machine at a third fixed time interval, and in response thereto, the (centralized) management device from the copying machine. The first control means of the copying machine, which communicates with the management apparatus within a fourth fixed time, and the copying machine, within a fourth fixed time, after the (centralized) management apparatus communicates with the copying machine. If there is no response, and one or more times occur,
Third control means of the (centralized) management apparatus and third control means of the (centralized) management apparatus for detecting that the copying machine is abnormal or the line between the copying machine and the (centralized) management apparatus is abnormal According to the fourth control means of the (centralized) management device, when the abnormality of the copying machine or the line between the (centralized) management devices of the copying machine is detected, the warning information is communicated to the host computer. In the case of a centralized control device, when it is detected by the first control means of the centralized control device that there is an abnormality in the copying machine or an abnormality in the line between the centralized control apparatuses of the copying machine, those warning information are given, The fifth control means of the centralized control device is characterized in that it communicates with the device via another line which is not abnormal.

As a result, the host computer communicates with the (centralized) management device at a fixed time interval for connection check, and the (centralized) management device returns a response to the host computer within the fixed time. If the host computer makes a call to the (centralized) management device a certain number of times, for example, three times, but the response is not returned, the host computer indicates that the (centralized) management device is abnormal or the public line is abnormal. Judgment is made, and first, the administrator of the host computer is warned using a warning buzzer or the like.
Then, the manager on the host computer side immediately dispatches a service person to the place where the copying machine is located, or informs the manager on the copying machine side of the situation by telephone or the like. Alternatively, when the host computer determines that the line to a (centralized) management device is abnormal, for example, it is attached to another copying machine or a copying machine located near the administrator and having a different line to the host computer. (Centralized) Notify the management device or host computer of the situation and warn.

With this, the administrator on the user side can also check the copier that has been warned by the warning. Further, the (centralized) management device communicates with the copying machine at a fixed time interval for the connection check, and the copying machine returns a response to the communication to the (centralized) management device within a fixed time. If the (centralized) management device calls the copier a certain number of times, for example, three times and no response is returned, the (centralized) management device has an error in the line of the copier, or the (centralized) management device and the copying device. It is judged that the line of the copying machine is abnormal, and first,
Alert the host computer of the abnormality. Further, in the case of the centralized control device, another copying machine or a computer whose line is not abnormal is warned of the abnormality.

[0097]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to another aspect of the invention, the second host control means is configured to operate the management device or the management device according to the number of times the management device does not respond within a second fixed time after the host computer communicates with the management device. The presence / absence of a line abnormality with the management device is determined, and the notification means notifies the determination result. Therefore, communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at a predetermined interval, and the management device has a communication error from the response state. ， The host side can diagnose the line abnormality.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the second host control is performed according to the number of times that there is no response from the management device within a second fixed time after the host computer communicates with the management device. Means determines whether there is an abnormality in the management device or the line with the management device, the notification means notifies the determination result, and the third host control means determines that the second host control means is abnormal. Since the warning information is communicated to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the managed device, communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at a predetermined interval, and a communication error occurs from the response state. The host side diagnoses an abnormality in the management device or line that has become abnormal, and sends the specified warning information to a specified device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the management device that is determined to be abnormal. It can be.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the number of times that no response from the copying machine occurs within the second fixed time after the communication from the management device to the copying machine is started,
The second management control means determines whether or not there is a line abnormality between the copying machine and the copying machine, and outputs warning information based on the determination result to the third.
Since the management control means of communicates with the host computer,
The communication between the management device and the copying machine is executed at a predetermined interval, and the management device can notify the host computer by diagnosing the abnormalities of the copying machine and the line that have become communication abnormal due to the response state.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, according to the number of times that there is no response from the copying machine within the second constant time after the communication from the central control device to the copying machine is started, The second centralized control means determines whether or not there is a line abnormality between the copying machine or the copying machine, and the third centralized control means controls a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line where the abnormality is determined. Since the warning information is communicated, the centralized management unit diagnoses the abnormalities of the copying machine and the line, in which the communication between the centralized management unit and the copying machine is executed at a predetermined interval and the communication error occurs from the response state, and the predetermined warning information is transmitted. Can be notified to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the device determined to be abnormal.

According to the fifth aspect of the invention, the management device centrally manages a plurality of copying machines for one public line, so that the communication status of each copying machine can be diagnosed at predetermined intervals.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined device is any one of the copying machine, the management device and the computer. Therefore, the warning information is notified to any of the copying machine, the management device and the computer which can normally communicate. be able to.

According to the seventh invention, since the warning information is the ID of the copying machine having the abnormal line and the code indicating the abnormal condition, the device having the communication error and its abnormal state can be surely confirmed with a small amount of information. You can be notified.

Therefore, the host computer side detects the communication abnormality of the entire system by comprehensively monitoring and diagnosing, and the abnormality of the communication apparatus of the copying machine is detected by the host computer side, and the administrator is warned. There is an effect that can be.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a copying machine management system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of the management device shown in FIG.

3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the copying machine main body shown in FIG.

4 is a plan view showing the configuration of an operation panel provided in the copying machine main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication control procedure by the centralized management device in the copying machine management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication control procedure by the host computer in the copying machine management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a first warning processing procedure by the host computer in the copying machine management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second warning processing procedure by the centralized management device in the copying machine management system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 Copier main body 101 Copying device 190 CPU 500 Central management device 501 Communication line 504 CPU 502 Communication control means 505 Modem 800 Host computer 801 Public line 802 Warning buzzer

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a host computer at a management site via a line, and managing the copying machine or communicating with the host computer to manage the copying machine. A device is provided, and the host computer is provided with first host control means for communicating from the host computer to the management device at a first fixed time interval, and in response to communication from the first host control means. The management apparatus is provided with a first management communication control means for making a call from the management apparatus side to the host computer within a second fixed time, and a second management communication control means is provided after the host computer communicates with the management apparatus. Depending on the number of times that there is no response from the management device within a certain time, a line error between the management device or the management device A copying machine management system characterized in that the host computer is provided with a second host control means for judging the presence or absence and a notifying means for notifying the judgment result of the second host control means. 2. A copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a host computer on the management site side via a line. Management for managing the copying machine by communicating with the copying machine or the host computer. A device is provided, and the host computer is provided with first host control means for communicating from the host computer to the management device at a first fixed time interval, and in response to communication from the first host control means. First management control means for calling the host computer from the management device side to the host computer within a second fixed time is provided in the management device, and second communication is performed from the host computer to the management device.
Second host control means for judging the presence or absence of line abnormality between the management device or the management device according to the number of times that the management device does not respond within a certain period of time. A warning is given to a notifying unit for notifying a determination result of the host control unit and a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the management device determined to be abnormal by the second host control unit. A copying machine management system characterized in that the host computer is provided with the third host control means for communicating information. 3. A copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a host computer on the management site side via a line, and management for managing the copying machine by communicating with the copying machine or the host computer. An apparatus is provided, and the management apparatus is provided with first management control means for communicating from the management apparatus to the copying machine at a first constant time interval, and in response to communication by the first management control means, First copying control means for communicating from the copying machine to the management device within a second fixed time, and the copying machine within the second fixed time after starting communication from the management device to the copying machine. From the second management control means for determining whether there is a line abnormality between the copying machine or the copying machine according to the number of times that no response is generated from the second management control means. A copying machine management system, wherein the management apparatus is provided with a third management control means for communicating warning information based on the host computer. 4. A copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a host computer on the management site side via a line, and a plurality of copying operations for one public line while communicating with the host computer. A centralized control device for controlling a copying machine is provided, and a first centralized control means for communicating from the centralized control device to the copying machine at a first fixed time interval is provided in the centralized control device. In response to the communication by the means, the copying machine is provided with a first copying control means for communicating from the copying machine to the centralized management apparatus within a second fixed time, and the centralized management apparatus communicates with the copying machine. A second concentration for determining whether there is a line error between the copying machine or the copying machine according to the number of times that the copying machine does not respond within the second fixed time after the start. The centralized management device includes control means and third centralized control means for communicating warning information to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line determined to be abnormal by the second host control means. A copier management system characterized by being installed in the. 5. The management device centrally manages a plurality of copying machines for one public line.
3. A copying machine management system according to any one of 3 above. 6. The copying machine management system according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined apparatus is composed of one of a copying machine, a management apparatus and a computer. 7. The copying machine management system according to claim 2, wherein the warning information comprises an ID of a copying machine whose line is abnormal and a code indicating the abnormality.