JPH09214659A - Copy management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the communication efficiency at interruption of power and its workability by delivering copy management data to a data communication equipment and storing the data therein. SOLUTION: In the case that a copying machine 101 receives a polling request from a data communication equipment 120, the copying machine 101 delivers copy management data at that point of time in response to the polling to the data communication equipment 120. Furthermore, when the copying machine 101 receives a selecting request from the data communication equipment 120, the copying machine 101 outputs an affirmative response to the data communication equipment in the case that the copying machine 101 copes with the request to start the communication. The data communication equipment 120 sends the data obtained by the response to a central processing unit and stores the data to its own machine when the data are copy management data. Thus, even when power of the copying machine 101 is interrupted, the central processing unit reads accurate copy management data of the copying machine 101 via a communication line 130 and the data communication equipment 120.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention connects a copying machine set to an unspecified number of customers and a central control unit installed at a sales / service base or the like with a communication line and a data communication unit. The present invention relates to a copy management system for exchanging various kinds of information between a copying machine and a central control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, copy management in which a copying machine or the like installed for an unspecified number of customers can be connected online with a central control unit installed at a base such as a service center using a public line network. The system is known.

In such a system, a plurality of copying machines installed at remote places and a central control unit provided in one place mutually communicate with each other to provide efficient and quick service correspondence. The following two operations are executed.

First, when a service man call (SC) that makes it impossible to start the copying operation occurs, an automatic notification is given to the central control unit (hereinafter, S) without the intervention of the operator of the copying machine.
C auto call), and informs the copying machine side of the automatic notification. Further, when the above notification normally reaches the central control unit, it is assumed that the notification has succeeded and a notification such as waiting until the serviceman arrives is sent to the copying machine.

On the other hand, when the above notification does not reach the central control unit due to a busy line or the like, it is determined that the notification has failed, and a notification such as calling the designated telephone number is sent to the copying machine.

Secondly, the operator of the copying machine presses a manual switch provided in the copying machine to make a manual call when some kind of problem occurs. When this manual call is made, the central control unit is automatically notified and the copier side is informed of the automatic notification. Further, when the above notification normally reaches the central control unit, it is assumed that the notification has succeeded, and a notification such as waiting for a call from the central control unit is sent to the copying machine.

On the other hand, if the above notification does not reach the central control unit due to a busy line, etc., please report again as a failure of the notification or call the designated telephone number. Is sent to the copier. In addition, when the central control unit receives the automatic notification, it inquires the operator of the copying machine about the requirements by using an ordinary telephone.

Further, in addition to the above communication function, the copying machine has
The copying machine is provided with a function of automatically shutting off the power supply of the copying machine. As is generally known, this power cutoff function is divided into three functions, which are a weekly timer described below, an auto shutoff, and an energy star.

(1) Weekly timer This is a function that allows the use start time and end time of the copying machine to be arbitrarily set, and automatically turns on / off the power of the copying machine when the set time is reached.

(2) Auto shut-off In the above weekly timer function, when the copying machine is used after the end time of use, it is clocked that the copying machine is not operated for a certain period of time, and the power of the copying machine is automatically turned on. It is a function to turn off.

(3) Energy Star A function of automatically turning off the power of the copying machine when the copying machine is not operated for a certain period of time and the time is counted.

Here, when various commands (for example, reading of copy management data) are transmitted from the central control device to the copying machine via the communication line and the data communication device, the copying machine which receives the command responds to them. Communication is complete. However, when the power of the copying machine which received the above command is turned off, it cannot respond to the transmission from the central control unit and the communication cannot be completed.

Therefore, when the above-mentioned communication cannot be completed in the conventional system (that is, the data communication device cannot connect to the copying machine and cannot transmit / receive data), the data communication device centrally reports that communication has failed. I was going to the device.

[0014]

However, in the conventional copying management system as described above, when the power of the copying machine is cut off, the communication function on the copying machine side is also turned off.
Since it is in the FF state, there is a problem that the accurate reading of the copy management data cannot be performed.

Further, in such a case, when the central control unit receives the notification that the communication has failed due to the power cutoff,
Since the retry is performed again by changing the time again, there is a problem that the work is troublesome and the work amount increases and the processing time also increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and enables accurate reading of copy management data even when the power of the copying machine is cut off, thereby improving the communication efficiency when the power is cut off. The purpose of this is to improve the workability.

[0017]

In order to achieve the above object, in a copy management system according to a first aspect of the present invention, a time during which no operation is performed for a certain period of time is timed, and after the timed time exceeds a predetermined time. A copying machine having a function of automatically shutting off power, a central control device for giving various commands to the copying machine, and the copying machine and the central control device are communicably connected by a communication line and a data communication device. , In a copy management system that automatically notifies the central control unit via the data communication device and communication line when a reporting factor of the copying machine occurs, immediately before the copying machine automatically shuts off the power. Of the copy management data is stored in the data communication device, and the data communication device stores the copy management data discharged from the copying machine. Storage means, in the case from the central control device there is copy management data read request to the copier, and if the copying machine is powered down,
And a communication control means for executing control for sending the stored copy management data to the central control unit.

That is, when the copying machine is not operated for a certain period of time due to the functions of auto shut-off and energy star, the copying management data at that point is discharged to the data communication device immediately before the power is automatically cut off. The data communication device stores the stored copy management data when the central control unit requests the copy machine to read the copy management data and when the power of the copy machine is cut off. By sending the data to the central control unit, there is no need to change the time and retry even when the power is cut off, and more accurate copy management data can be read.

In the copy management system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the copying machine has a function of measuring the current time and automatically turning off the power when the measured time reaches a preset time. And a central control unit that gives various commands to the copying machine, and the copying machine and the central control unit are communicably connected by a communication line and a data communication unit, and automatically when a notification factor occurs in the copying machine. In a copy management system for notifying a central control unit via the data communication device and a communication line, a control for ejecting the copy management data at that time point to the data communication device immediately before the copying machine automatically shuts off the power supply. A data storage unit for storing copy management data discharged from the copying machine, and a copy control unit for executing the above. Communication control for executing control to send the stored copy management data to the central control unit when a copy management data read request is issued to the copy machine and when the power of the copy machine is cut off And means.

That is, immediately before the copying machine is powered off at an arbitrary end time by the weekly timer function, the copy management data at that time is discharged to the data communication device,
The data communication device stores this copy management data,
When the central control unit requests the copying machine to read the copying control data, and when the copying machine is powered off, the stored copying control data is sent to the central control unit to supply power. Even when shutting down, there is no need to change the time and retry, and more accurate copy management data can be read.

Further, in the copy management system according to a third aspect of the present invention, when the data communication device has a request for reading the copy management data from the central control device and the power of the copying machine is in an ON state. , Performing a read operation of copy management data to the copying machine, transferring the copy management data to the central control unit, and rewriting and storing the copy management data stored in the data communication unit. is there.

That is, even when various commands such as reading of copy management data are transmitted from the central control unit to the copying machine through the communication line / data communication device while the power source of the copying machine is cut off by the manual AC switch. By rewriting and storing the copy management data stored in the data communication device, accurate reading of the copy management data is realized.

Further, in the copy management system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a copying machine having a function of measuring a time during which the operation is not performed for a certain period of time and automatically turning off the power after the predetermined time has elapsed. , A central control unit for giving various commands to the copying machine and the copying machine and the central control unit are communicably connected to each other through a communication line and a data communication unit, and the copying machine is automatically operated by the generation of a report factor. In a copy management system for notifying a central control unit via a data communication device and a communication line, the copying machine reads the copy management data from the central control unit to the copying machine immediately before power-off of the copying machine itself. When it is being executed, it is provided with a copy control means for executing control to shut off the power after the reading operation is completed.

That is, when the copying machine is not operated for a certain period of time due to the functions of the auto shut-off and the energy star, at the time when the power is automatically cut off, the central control unit is reading the copying management data into the copying machine. In some cases, even if the copying control data of the copying machine is being read from the central control unit via the communication line / data communication unit by cutting off the power supply after the reading operation is completed, accurate copying is possible. Reading of management data is realized.

Further, in the copy management system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the copying machine has a function of measuring the current time and automatically turning off the power when the measured time reaches a preset time. And a central control unit that gives various commands to the copying machine, and the copying machine and the central control unit are communicably connected by a communication line and a data communication unit, and automatically when a notification factor occurs in the copying machine. In a copy management system for notifying a central control device via the data communication device and a communication line, the copying machine sends copy management data from the central control device to the copying machine immediately before power-off of itself. When the reading operation is being executed, the copying control means is provided for executing control for cutting off the power supply after the reading operation is completed.

That is, if the central control unit is in the process of reading the copy management data from the central controller at the time when the power of the copying machine is cut off by the weekly timer function, the reading operation is completed. By cutting off the power supply later, accurate reading of the copy management data can be realized even while the copy management data of the copying machine is being read from the central control unit via the communication line / data communication device.

Further, in the copy management system according to the sixth aspect, the copy management data is at least the number of copies of the copying machine, the number of copies of each paper feed stage, the number of copies of each recording paper size, and the number of misfeeds. , The number of misfeeds for each recording sheet size, and the number of misfeeds for each recording sheet transport position.

That is, the content of the copy management data obtained from the copying machine is at least the number of copies of the copying machine, the number of copies for each paper feed stage, the number of copies for each recording paper size, the number of misfeeds, and the error for each recording paper size. By setting either the number of feeds or the number of misfeeds for each recording paper transport position, accurate service support based on these data is realized.

[0029]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of a copy management system according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Embodiment] (Arrangement of Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the arrangement of a copy management system according to this embodiment. In the figure, this copying management system includes a copying machine group 100 including a plurality of copying machines 101 to 105, a data communication device 120 connected to each of the copying machines 101 to 105, and a communication line using a public line network. 130 and a central control device 140. In the following description, the copying machine 101 will be used as a representative unless there is a problem.

The data communication device 120 includes a communication line 130.
Is connected to the copying machine 101 to transfer a command (for example, reading the characteristic value of the copying machine 101, change the set value, etc.) from the central control device 140, or vice versa.
It has a function of transferring various notifications from the computer to the central control device 140 via the communication line 130.

The data communication device 120 is energized for 24 hours, and normally the power source of the copying machine 101 is OF.
The communication with the central control unit 140 is enabled even at night when it is turned off.

Further, the data communication device 120 and the copying machine 1
01 is multi-drop connected by serial communication RS-485, and communicates with a plurality of copying machines 101 to 105 by polling from the data communication device 120 (see FIG. 5) and selecting (see FIG. 4). Has been realized.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the data communication device 120. As shown in FIG. 2, the data communication device 120 controls a plurality of copying machines 101 to 105,
And a control unit 201 as a communication control unit that controls the transmission and reception of commands from the central control unit 140 via the communication line 130, and an auto dialer unit that makes a call to the central control unit 140 by various notifications from the copying machine 101. 202
And a line control unit 203 for controlling whether the communication line 130 is connected to the copying machine 101 side or the general telephone 204 side.

Further, the control unit 201 is provided with an NV-RAM (nonvolatile memory) 205 as a data storage means backed up by a battery, which is not shown,
It is configured to perform control using a microcomputer system.

That is, the RO storing the control program
M, a CPU that executes control based on a control program,
A RAM used as a work memory is mounted, and a timekeeping unit, like the configuration of the copying machine 101 described later,
It consists of a serial communication control unit, an input / output port, and so on.

Further, the NV-RAM 205 has a central control unit 140, transfer data from one of the copying machines 101 to the other, device codes for identifying one of the copying machines 101 to 105, and a central control. Data such as the telephone number of the device 140, the number of re-calls when the line connection is unsuccessful, and the re-call interval are stored.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal structure of the copying machine. In the figure, 301 is a CPU as copy control means for executing control based on a control program, and 30
Reference numeral 2 is a bus that serves as a path for the address bus, data bus, and control bus of the CPU 301, 303 is a ROM storing a control program, 304 is a RAM used as a working memory, and 305 is an NV-RAM.
(Non-volatile memory).

306 is a CPU via the bus 302
Input / output port connected to 301. To the input / output port, output signals such as motors, solenoids, and clutches in the copying machine 101, and input signals such as sensors are connected.

Reference numeral 307 is a CPU via the bus 302.
A timing unit connected to 301. The clock unit 307 is backed up by a battery so that the clock can be accurately measured even when the power of the copying machine 101 is turned off. The CPU 301 is adapted to read out the present time by the clock unit 307.

Reference numeral 308 denotes a serial communication control unit. Although only one set is shown in FIG. 3 for convenience, a plurality of devices are mounted, and an operation display section, a document feeding section, and a document feeding section, respectively.
Signals are exchanged with the recording paper post-processing unit and the like.
An interface 309 is provided between the data communication device 120 and the data communication device 120 to reduce the load of the CPU 301 for communication processing. Reference numeral 310 denotes an LCD panel type operation display unit for performing various operations and their display.

If the processing capacity of the CPU 301 is sufficient, the function of the interface 309 may be incorporated in the CPU 301. The device code can be set by a dip switch (not shown) of the interface 309.

The interface 309 is the first
The polling from the data communication device 120, the monitoring of the selecting, the second, the positive response, the negative response processing, the third.
4 functions of a validity check of transmission / reception data to / from the data communication device 120, a parity check and a re-request process when an error occurs, and a fourth process of a header process of transmission / reception data to / from the data communication device 120. Is equipped with.

(Operation of Embodiment) Next, each operation of the copy management system configured as described above will be described. The general function of the copy management system in this embodiment is as follows.
It has the following two functions. That is, first, various commands are transmitted from the central control device 140 to the copying machines 101 to 105 (selecting operation), and secondly, the copying machines 101 to 105.
5 to send various notifications to the central controller 140 (polling operation). The details will be described below.

(1) Selecting Operation For controlling by various commands from the central control unit 140 to the copying machines 101 to 105, for example, the specified copying machine 1 is used.
01 Setting of adjustment values such as control voltage, current, resistance, timing, etc. of each unit, reading of counter values such as reading, number of copies, number of misfeeds for each recording paper size, number of misfeeds for each recording paper transport position, etc. , Initialization, etc. This control is performed by receiving a command from the central controller 140 and selecting from the data communication device 120.

The selecting in this embodiment is a function of selecting one from a plurality of connected copying machines 101 to 105 and communicating with it. Each of the copying machines 101 to 105 has a unique device code, and the data communication device 120 has a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined selecting function.
And the device code are sent to the serial communication RS-485.

On the copying machine 101 side, the following device code is compared with the device code owned by the own machine by the specific code (or combination of codes) indicating the above selection. Recognize that you have been selected.

Next, the copying machine 101 judges whether or not it is possible to cope with the above-mentioned selecting, and if it is possible, it affirms by a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes). A response is output and communication between the control unit 201 and the copying machine 101 is executed.

If it is not possible to respond due to a reason such as copying, a negative response by a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) is output, and the process ends.

When neither a positive response nor a negative response is output because the copying machine corresponding to the device code output by the data communication device 120 is not connected or the power is off, a predetermined fixed time is set. After the elapse, the selecting operation ends. in this case,
The data communication device 120 executes error handling with the central control device 140.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the selecting operation according to this embodiment. In the figure, first, it is determined whether an affirmative response is output (S401), and when it is determined that an affirmative response is output, a communication operation is executed (S402).

Thereafter, it is judged whether or not this communication operation is completed (S403). If the communication is completed, this selecting operation is completed, and if the communication is not completed, the procedure returns to step S402. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S401 that the positive response is not output,
Further, it is determined whether or not a negative response is output (S40).
4).

Here, if it is determined that the negative response is not output, it is further determined whether or not a timeout has occurred (S
405). If it is determined that a timeout has occurred,
When this selecting operation is completed and it is determined that the time-out has not occurred, the process returns to step S401.

(2) Polling Operation By the way, when various notifications are transmitted from the copying machine 101 to the central control unit 140 in (1) above, the data communication device 120 is previously discharged from the copying machine 101 by the polling operation. The copy management data stored in the data communication device 120 is sent to the central controller 140.

That is, for communication from the copying machine 101 to the central control device 140 or the data communication device 120, firstly, immediately before the copying machine 101 automatically cuts off the power, the copy management data at that time is data-communicated. Secondly, when an abnormality that makes the copying operation impossible occurs in the copying machine 101, the abnormality is generated by the central controller 1.
Thirdly, the copying machine 101 can start the copying operation, but the preventive maintenance (P is performed, such as the specified number of replacement parts, approaching the specified time, and reaching the standard level of the sensor).
It is possible to notify the central controller 140 of an alarm call made when an event requiring M) occurs. This control is executed by polling from the data communication device 120.

The polling in this embodiment designates a plurality of connected copying machines 101 to 105 in order,
This is a function of checking whether or not there is a connection request from the copying machines 101 to 105. The data communication device 120 sends a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined polling function and a device code to the serial communication RS-485.

On the side of the copying machine 101, the following device code is compared with the device code possessed by the own device by a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating the polling, and if they match, the device itself is polled. Know that

The response of the copying machine 101 to the polling is the central control unit 140 or the data communication unit 1.
When there is a report request to 20, communication is started,
When there is no report request, an end response is output with a specific code (or combination of codes) determined in advance. Upon receiving the end response, the data communication device 120 shifts to polling the next copying machine 102.

Further, when neither a positive response nor a negative response is output because the copying machine corresponding to the device code output by the data communication device 120 is not connected or the power is off, a predetermined fixed time After a lapse of time, the polling operation ends.

In this case, the data communication device 120 executes error processing with the central control device 140. Further, polling is sequentially executed for the connected copying machines 101 to 105 unless the above selection occurs.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the polling operation according to this embodiment. In the figure, first, polling of the copying machine 101 is executed (S501). Therefore, it is determined whether or not the data is transmitted (S50).
2).

If it is determined that the data has been transmitted, it is further determined whether or not there is an end response (S50).
3). If there is no termination response, it is further determined whether or not the communication is terminated (S504).

If it is determined that the communication has not ended, the process returns to step S502, and if it is determined that the communication has ended, the next copying machine 102 polls (S506).
Move to

On the other hand, when it is determined in the above step S502 that the data has not been transmitted, it is determined whether or not the time is out (S505). If the time is out, the next copying machine 102 is polled (S506).
If it does not time out, the process returns to step S502.

Next, using the configuration of the copying machine 101 shown in FIG. 3, the control operation of the copying machine 101, which is a feature of the present invention, will be described based on a flowchart.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing the control operation when the power is cut off on the copying machine 101 side according to the present embodiment. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not it is the timing of powering off the copying machine 101 (S601). That is, it is determined whether it is the timing of the above-mentioned weekly timer, auto shut-off, or power-off of the own device by Energy Star.

When it is determined in step S601 that it is the power-off timing, it is further determined whether communication with the data communication device 120 is being executed (S602).

If it is determined in step S602 that communication with the data communication device 120 is being executed,
Further, it is determined whether or not the communication is completed (S603).
That is, it is in a standby state until the communication is completed.

Here, when it is determined that the communication is completed,
Alternatively, when it is determined in step S602 that communication with the data communication device 120 is not being executed, it is determined whether polling has been performed by the data communication device 120 (S604).

In step S604, if there is a polling from the data communication device 120, the copy management data at that time is discharged to the data communication device 120 in response to the polling (S605). Then, it is determined whether or not the communication is completed (S606), and when it is determined that the communication is completed, the power of the copying machine 101 is cut off (S6).
07).

Further, the copying machine 101 includes the data communication device 12
When the selection from 0 is received, an affirmative response is output to the data communication device 120 to start communication if it is possible. The data communication device 120 sends the data obtained by this response to the central control device 140 and, at the same time, stores it in its own machine when the data is copy management data.

(Effect of Embodiment) Next, the effect of the present embodiment described above will be described. By connecting the copying machines 101 to 105 installed by an unspecified number of customers and the central control unit 140 installed at a sales / service base, etc., by a communication line 130 and exchanging copy management data. ， Efficient and quick service response is realized. Furthermore, even a copier having its own power cutoff function can provide the same service.

Further, the above-mentioned service is generally performed within a customer's closing time, but it is particularly effective when concentrated at night when the line efficiency is high.

By the way, recently, in order to contribute to the power saving of the customer, there is a so-called energy star mode in which the power of the copying machine 101 is automatically shut off by measuring the time when the copying machine 101 is not operated for a certain time. It is provided as a general function.

In the case of such a mode setting, there are many cases in which it becomes impossible to read the copy management data even during the customer's closing time. Therefore, in this embodiment, as described above, the transfer of the copy management data is enabled even when the power is cut off, so that the following effects can be obtained.

First, when the copying machine 101 is not operated for a certain time by the auto shut-off and energy star functions, even when the power of the copying machine 101 is automatically cut off by measuring the time. It is possible to accurately read the copy management data of the copying machine 101 from the central control device 140 via the communication line 130 and the data communication device 120.

Secondly, the weekly timer function allows the use start time and the end time of the copying machine 101 to be arbitrarily set, and when the ending time comes, the power of the copying machine 101 is automatically cut off. Even from the central controller 140 to the communication line 130 and the data communication device 1
It is possible to accurately read the copy management data of the copying machine 101 via 20.

Thirdly, even when the power source of the copying machine 101 is cut off by the manual AC switch, the communication line 130 and the data communication device 1 are operated from the central control device 140.
It is possible to read the accurate copy management data of the copying machine 101 via the 20.

Fourthly, when the copying machine 101 is not operated for a certain period of time by the auto shut-off and energy star functions, the central control unit 140 controls the time when the copying machine 101 is timed and the power of the copying machine 101 is automatically cut off. Communication line 13
Even when the copy management data of the copying machine 101 is being read through the data communication device 0 and the data communication device 120, the accurate copy management data can be read.

Fifth, the weekly timer function allows the use start time and the end time of the copying machine 101 to be arbitrarily set, and the central control is performed when the power of the copying machine 101 is automatically cut off at the ending time. From the device 140 via the communication line 130 and the data communication device 120,
Even while the copy management data of the copying machine 101 is being read, the accurate copy management data can be read.

[0081]

As described above, according to the copy management system of the present invention (Claim 1), when the copying machine is not operated for a certain period of time due to the functions of auto shut-off and energy star, the power is automatically cut off. Immediately before the execution, the copy management data at that time is discharged to the data communication device, the data communication device stores this copy management data, and the central control unit requests the copy machine to read the copy management data. In this case, and when the power of the copying machine is cut off, by sending the stored copy management data to the central control unit, it is not necessary to change the time and retry even when the power is cut off. Since accurate copy management data can be read, it is possible to improve communication efficiency and workability when the power is cut off.

According to the copy management system of the present invention (claim 2), the copy management data at that time is immediately transferred to the data communication device immediately before the power of the copying machine is cut off at an arbitrary end time by the weekly timer function. When the central control unit requests the copying machine to read the copying management data, and the copying machine is powered off, the memory is stored. By sending certain copy management data to the central control unit, there is no need to change the time and retry even when the power is cut off, and more accurate copy management data can be read. It is possible to improve communication efficiency and workability.

According to the copy management system of the present invention (Claim 3), while the power of the copying machine is cut off by the manual AC switch, copying is performed from the central control unit via the communication line / data communication unit. Even when various commands such as reading of copy management data are sent to the machine, the copy management data stored in the data communication device is rewritten,
Since it is stored, it is possible to accurately read the copy management data.

According to the copy management system of the present invention (Claim 4), when the copying machine is not operated for a certain period of time due to the functions of auto shut-off and energy star, the power is automatically cut off at the center. When the control device is in the process of reading the copy management data to the copying machine, the power supply is cut off after the reading operation is completed, and the copying of the copying machine is performed from the central control device through the communication line / data communication device. Even while the management data is being read, accurate copy management data can be read, so that it is possible to improve communication efficiency and workability when the power is cut off.

According to the copy management system of the present invention (Claim 5), when the power of the copying machine is cut off at an arbitrary end time by the weekly timer function,
When the copying control data is being read from the central control unit to the copying machine, the power supply is cut off after the reading operation is completed, so that the copying of the copying machine from the central control unit via the communication line / data communication device is performed. Even while the copy management data is being read, it is possible to read the copy management data accurately, so that it is possible to improve communication efficiency and workability when the power is cut off.

According to the copy management system of the present invention (claim 6), the contents of the copy management data obtained from the copying machine are at least the number of copies of the copying machine, the number of copies for each paper feed stage, and the recording paper. Since the number of copies for each size, the number of misfeeds, the number of misfeeds for each recording paper size, and the number of misfeeds for each recording paper transport position are set, accurate service response based on these data is promptly performed. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a copy management system according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a data communication apparatus according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a copying machine according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a selecting operation according to this embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a polling operation according to this embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation at the time of power-off on the copying machine side according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 101-105 Copier 120 Data communication device 130 Communication line 140 Central control device 201 Control part 205 NV-RAM 301 CPU 305 NV-RAM 307 Timing unit

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A copying machine having a function of timing a time during which a certain period of time is not operated, and automatically turning off the power after the counted time has passed a predetermined time, and a central control unit for giving various commands to the copying machine. , The copying machine and the central control unit are communicably connected by a communication line and a data communication unit, and the central control unit is automatically connected through the data communication unit and the communication line when a notification factor of the copying machine is generated. In the copy management system that reports to the above, the copy machine includes copy control means for executing control for discharging the copy management data at that time point to the data communication device immediately before the power is automatically shut off, and the data communication device is There is a data storage unit for storing the copy management data discharged from the copying machine, and a request for reading the copy management data from the central control unit to the copying machine. And a communication control means for executing control to send the stored copy management data to the central control unit when the power of the copying machine is cut off. system. 2. A copying machine having a function of measuring the current time and automatically turning off the power when the measured time reaches a preset time, and a central control for giving various commands to the copying machine. A device, the copying machine, and the central control device so that they can communicate with each other through a communication line and a data communication device,
In a copy management system that automatically notifies the central control unit via the data communication device and communication line when a report factor of the copy machine is generated, immediately before the copy machine is automatically shut down, The data communication device comprises a copy control means for executing control of discharging copy management data to the data communication device, the data communication device storing data for copying management data discharged from the copying machine; Communication control for executing control to send the stored copy management data to the central control unit when a copy management data read request is issued to the copy machine and when the power of the copy machine is cut off A copy management system comprising means and. 3. The data communication device, when there is a request for reading the copy management data from the central control unit and the power of the copying machine is in an ON state, performs a reading operation of the copying management data to the copying machine. The copy management according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the copy management data is executed and transferred to the central control unit, and the copy management data stored in the data communication unit is rewritten and stored. system. 4. A copying machine having a function of measuring a time during which the operation is not performed for a certain period of time, and automatically turning off the power after the measured time has passed a predetermined time, and a central control unit for giving various commands to the copying machine. , The copying machine and the central control unit are communicably connected by a communication line and a data communication unit, and the central control unit is automatically connected through the data communication unit and the communication line when a notification factor of the copying machine is generated. In the copying management system for notifying the copying machine, when the copying machine is in the process of reading the copying management data from the central control unit to the copying machine immediately before power-off of the copying machine, after the reading operation is completed. A copy management system comprising copy control means for executing control for cutting off a power source. 5. A copying machine having a function of measuring the current time and automatically cutting off the power when the measured time reaches a predetermined time, and a central control for giving various commands to the copying machine. A device, the copying machine, and the central control device so that they can communicate with each other through a communication line and a data communication device,
In a copy management system for automatically reporting to a central control unit via the data communication device and a communication line when a reporting factor of the copying machine is generated, the copying machine is provided with the central control unit immediately before power-off of itself. When the copying management data is being read from the copying machine to the copying machine, the copying management system is provided with a copying control means for controlling the power supply to be cut off after the reading operation is completed. 6. The copy management data includes at least the number of copies of a copying machine, the number of copies for each paper feed stage, the number of copies for each recording paper size, the number of misfeeds, the number of misfeeds for each recording paper size, and the recording paper conveyance. 6. The copy management system according to claim 1, wherein the copy management system includes any one of data of misfeed count for each position.