JPH11164033A - Image forming device managing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent the generation of a malfunction as much as possible at the time of line connection due to data communication equipment in the case of communication between a central control unit and an image forming device. SOLUTION: When a telephone number has been detected continuously to a calling signal from an exchange inside a communication line 8, data communication equipment 7 judges whether the telephone number of a central control unit 6 is registered or nor and when that telephone number is registered, that telephone number is compared with the detected telephone number. It is judged whether both the respective telephone numbers are matched with or not and when they are not matched with, the connection of the communication line 8 is switched to communication equipment such as a telephone set but when they are matched with, the connection of the communication line 8 is switched to an internal communicating means for controlling the communication of the central control unit 6 with image forming devices 1 to 5. Then, a positive response is returned through the communication line to the central control unit 6 of a call originating source so that the central control unit 6 can communicate with the image forming devices 1 to 5.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile machine and the like and a central control unit are connected via a data communication device and a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As such an image forming apparatus management system, a plurality of image forming apparatuses (copiers and the like premised on remote diagnosis) installed in offices and the like of an unspecified number of users (customers) are used for data communication. It is generally known that a device can be connected to a central control device installed at a sales and service base (hereinafter, referred to as a "central management center") using a device and a communication line such as a public line.

[0003] Such an image forming apparatus management system includes:
By centrally managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses installed at remote locations by a central control device (host machine) provided at one or more locations, the usage status of each image forming apparatus can be totaled, The management information is used for maintenance of the image forming apparatus. The contents of usage include the number of copies, etc., and the contents of maintenance include automatic calling to the central control unit by self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus, and adjustment of each part of the image forming apparatus by access from the central control unit. is there.

Further, a counter value (generally, the number of image formation such as the number of copies, etc.) for billing a maintenance contract for an image forming apparatus, which has conventionally been confirmed by a serviceman's visit or telephone call to a customer. Is read out by remote control using this system.

When an image forming apparatus for remote diagnosis is installed in a user's office or the like, it is necessary to install a data communication apparatus to enable communication with a central control unit. Has to draw a dedicated line for connecting the data communication device and the central control device, and there is a problem that a huge cost is generated as the number of installed data communication devices increases.

Therefore, in recent years, there has been proposed an image forming apparatus management system which can use a line for communication equipment such as a telephone or a facsimile machine owned by a user. For example, when the data communication device includes means for connecting a communication device such as a telephone, and performs communication between an external communication device and a communication device connected to the own device, the communication device includes:
In the case where communication is performed between the central control device and the image forming apparatus, there is a type in which a communication line is switched and connected to the internal communication means.

[0007]

However, in such a conventional image forming apparatus management system, the data communication apparatus establishes a communication line by receiving identification information based on a tone signal such as a DTMF signal of the central control unit. Since it is switched to the internal communication means, it is susceptible to external noise and various communication devices such as a communication adapter connected to the same line. For example, the value matches a value indicated by a tone signal used in various communication devices. At such times, malfunctions were likely to occur.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-described problems, and has as its object to minimize malfunction when a line is connected to a data communication device when a central control device communicates with an image forming device. And

[0009]

The present invention achieves the above object in an image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus and a central control unit are connected via a data communication device and a communication line. Therefore, it is characterized as follows.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there are provided a data communication device, a communication device such as a telephone or a facsimile device, a telephone number registration device for registering a telephone number of a central control device, and an exchange in a communication line. Call signal detecting means for detecting the incoming call signal, telephone number detecting means for detecting the telephone number transmitted from the exchange in the communication line,
When a telephone number is detected by the telephone number detecting means after the call signal is detected by the call signal detecting means, registration presence / absence determining means for determining whether or not the telephone number is registered by the telephone number registering means; If it is determined that the telephone number has been registered by the telephone number, the telephone number is compared with the telephone number detected by the telephone number detecting means to determine whether each telephone number matches. Comparing and judging means; and internal communication means for controlling communication between the image forming apparatus and the central control device when the respective telephone numbers are judged to be coincident with each other; When the line control means for switching and connecting the communication lines to the respective devices and the telephone number comparing and judging means determine that the telephone numbers match, an acknowledgment is sent to the communication line. Through is provided with a ACKnowledgments returning means for returning to the central control unit is a call source.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, after the call signal is detected by the call signal detecting means in the data communication apparatus, the telephone number is not detected by the telephone number detecting means. If the telephone number has not been registered, or if the telephone number is not registered by the registration presence / absence determining means, a negative response returning means for returning a negative response to the caller via the communication line; Identification information detecting means for detecting identification information based on a tone signal transmitted via a communication line, and a negative response detection for detecting the negative response transmitted from the data communication device via the communication line to the central control device. Means for communicating the identification information of the central control unit by means of a tone signal through a communication line when the negative response is detected by the means. An identification information transmitting means for transmitting the identification information to the internal communication means when the identification information is detected by the identification information detecting means; To
When the identification information is detected by the identification information detecting means, a means for returning an acknowledgment to the central control device which is the caller via the communication line is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the second aspect, when the telephone number registration means determines that the telephone number is not registered by the registration presence / absence determining means, If the telephone number is detected by the telephone number detecting means after the communication control between the telephone number and the central control device is completed, there is provided a means for registering the telephone number.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to any one of the first to third aspects, a telephone is transmitted to the data communication device by a specific command sent from the central control device via a communication line. A telephone number erasing means for erasing a telephone number registered by the number registering means is provided.

In the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the data communication device detects a telephone number following a call signal from an exchange in the communication line, it determines whether or not the telephone number is registered in the central control device. If the telephone number is registered, the telephone number is compared with the detected telephone number to determine whether or not each telephone number matches. Since the communication line is switched and connected to the communication device, communication between the communication device and an external communication device becomes possible.

When the telephone numbers match each other, the communication line is switched to the internal communication means for connection, and an acknowledgment is returned to the central control device which is the caller via the communication line. Communication between the apparatus and the image forming apparatus becomes possible. As described above, since the data communication device can establish a line connection with the central control device by detecting the telephone number of the central control device, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of malfunction with a simple circuit.

In the image forming apparatus management system according to the second aspect of the present invention, further, when the data communication apparatus cannot detect a telephone number following a call signal from an exchange in the communication line, or if the telephone number of the central control apparatus is not detected. If not registered, a negative response is returned to the caller via the communication line. When the central control unit detects the negative response,
The identification information of the own device is transmitted to the data communication device via the communication line by a tone signal.

When the data communication device detects the identification information, the data communication device switches and connects the communication line to the internal communication means, and returns an acknowledgment to the central control device which is the caller via the communication line. And communication with the image forming apparatus. As described above, since the data communication device can establish a line connection with the central control device by detecting the identification information based on the tone signal of the central control device, there is no function of transmitting the telephone number to the central control device, Even when the telephone number of the control device is not registered, there is a high possibility that communication between the central control device and the image forming apparatus can be performed.

In the image forming apparatus management system according to the third aspect of the present invention, if the telephone number of the central control unit is not registered, the communication control between the image forming apparatus and the central control unit is terminated. After that, if the telephone number of the central controller is detected, the telephone number is registered, so that the user does not need to register the telephone number of the central controller in advance, and the telephone number of the central controller is used as the telephone number. There is no possibility of registering an incorrect telephone number, and the usability is improved.

In the image forming apparatus management system according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the data communication device may delete the telephone number registered by a specific command sent from the central control device via the communication line. Therefore, when the telephone number of the central control device is changed due to circumstances of the central control center or the like, a service person or the like goes to the user's office or the like and changes the telephone number of the central control device registered in the data communication device. There is no need to change or delete.

[0020]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

This image forming apparatus management system includes five image forming apparatuses (copiers, etc.) 1 to
5 and a central control device 6 are connected via a data communication device 7 and a communication line 8 so that the central control device 6 can centrally manage the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.

The data communication device 7 selectively transmits a command signal from the central control device 6 to the image forming devices 1 to 5 and conversely transmits various reports from the image forming devices 1 to 5 via the communication line 8. And sends it to the central controller 6. The data communication device 7 is managed by the management terminal 9.

The data communication device 7 is energized for 24 hours, and enables communication with the central control device 6 even at night when the power of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is normally off. The data communication apparatus 7 and each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 are connected in a multi-drop connection by a serial communication interface RS-485.
Communication with each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is performed by polling and selecting.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a control unit of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. The control units of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 are a CPU 11, a real-time clock circuit 12, a ROM 13, a RAM 14, and a nonvolatile RAM 1, respectively.
5, a PPC (image forming apparatus) controller including an input / output port 16, and serial communication control units 17a, 17b, 17c, a personal interface (hereinafter, "interface" is abbreviated as "I / F") 18,
A system bus 19 is provided.

The CPU 11 is a central processing unit that controls the whole of the control unit by a control program in the ROM 13. The real-time clock circuit 12 generates time information, and the CPU 11 can know the current time by reading the time information. ROM
A read-only memory 13 stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 11.

The RAM 14 is a random access memory used as a work memory or the like when the CPU 11 performs data processing. The non-volatile RAM 15
A memory for storing the contents of mode instructions from an operation display unit (not shown) and the like, and is backed up by a battery. The input / output port 16 connects output loads such as a motor, a solenoid, and a clutch in the image forming apparatus, and sensors and switches.

The serial communication control unit 17a exchanges signals with an operation display unit (not shown).
The serial communication control unit 17b exchanges signals with a document feed unit (not shown). The serial communication control unit 17c exchanges signals with a transfer paper post-processing unit (not shown).

The personal I / F 18 is an interface circuit that controls communication with the data communication device 7, and has a CP
It is provided to reduce the load for communication processing with the data communication device 7 of U11. Of course, CPU11
If the processing capacity of the personal I / F 18 is sufficient,
This function may be incorporated in the CPU 11. The main functions of this personal I / F 18 are as follows (1) to
This is as shown in (4).

(1) Monitoring polling and selecting from the data communication device 7 (2) Processing for acknowledgment and negative response to the data communication device 7 (3) Validity of data transmitted and received with the data communication device 7 Check, parity check, and retransmission request processing when an error occurs (4) Header processing of data transmitted / received to / from data communication device 7

The system bus 19 is a bus line including an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus.
PU11, real-time clock circuit 12, ROM1
3, RAM 14, non-volatile RAM 15, input / output port 1
6, Serial communication control units 17a, 17b, 17
c and the personal I / F 18 are mutually connected.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the personal I / F 18 of FIG. This personal I / F1
8 includes a CPU 21, a dual port memory 22, registers 23 to 26, an input port 27, a serial communication control unit 28, a local bus 29, and a device code setting switch 30.

The CPU 21 has a central processing unit, ROM, R
This is a one-chip microcomputer composed of an AM or the like, and controls the entire personal I / F 18 as a whole. The dual port memory 22 is a data memory that is readable and writable by both the CPU 21 and the CPU 11 of FIG. 2, and is used for exchanging text data between the personal I / F 18 and the PPC controller 31.

The PPC controller 31 includes the CPU 11, the real-time clock circuit 12, the ROM 1
3, RAM 14, non-volatile RAM 15, input / output port 1
6, and serial communication control units 17a, 17b, 1
7c. The registers 23 to 26 are used for control when the text data is transmitted and received.
Detailed description is omitted.

The device code setting switch 30 is used to set a unique device code for each image forming apparatus, and is used for device code identification at the time of polling and selecting from the data communication device 7. The serial communication control unit 28 is connected to the personal I / O of the data communication device 7 and / or another image forming device.
Connected to F18.

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram showing a configuration example of the operation display unit of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. This operation display unit is a general control unit (for example, the image forming apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 2).
5), a ROM for storing a control program, a CPU for executing various controls by the control program, a RAM for temporarily storing data, a non-volatile RAM backed up by a battery, a serial communication control unit, It has an input / output port and the like, and exchanges data with the serial communication control unit 17a in FIG. 2, but details thereof are omitted.

This operation display unit is, in addition to the control unit described above,
Numeric keys 71, clear / stop key 72, print key 73, enter key 74, interrupt key 75, preheat / mode clear key 76, mode confirmation key 77, screen switching key 78, call key 79, registration key 80, guidance key 81, display And a character display 83.

A ten key 71 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of images to be formed (the number of copies) and the magnification. The clear / stop key 72 is a key for clearing the set number (the number of formed images) and for stopping the copying operation. The print key 73 is a key for starting execution of an image forming (copying) operation.

An enter key 74 is a key for confirming designation of numerical values such as a zoom magnification and a number for binding margin size. The interrupt key 75 is a key used when interrupting a copy and copying another original. The preheat / mode clear key 76 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set image forming modes, and for setting the preheat to set the power saving state.

The mode confirmation key 77 is a key for confirming each image forming mode selectively displayed on the character display 83 in a list display. The screen switching key 78 is a key for switching the display mode of the character display 83 according to the skill level. The call key 79 is a key for calling a user program.

The registration key 80 is a key for registering a user program. The guidance key 81 is a key for displaying a guidance message or the like on the character display 83. The display contrast volume 82 is for adjusting the contrast of the character display 83.

The character display 83 uses a full-dot display element such as a liquid crystal (LCD) or a fluorescent display tube, and has a large number of touch sensors built therein (for example, every 8 × 8 display pixels).
A substantially transparent sheet-shaped matrix touch panel is overlapped, and details are omitted, but a normal image forming mode screen is displayed when the power is turned on.

Here, when the image forming mode screen is being displayed, by pressing (touching) a key (display section) on the screen, the number of formed images, the transfer paper size (paper feed tray), the image Various image forming modes relating to image forming operations such as density (copy density), scaling ratio, double-sided mode, binding margin mode, sort mode, etc. can be arbitrarily selected.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the data communication device 7 of FIG. This data communication device 7
Control section 41, auto dialer section 42, line control section 43,
And a display unit 44. The control unit 41 controls five image forming apparatuses 1 to 5, controls reception of a command signal from the central control device 6 via the communication line 8, and displays various information on the display unit 44. Or

The control section 41 is managed by the management terminal 9. The auto dialer unit 42 makes a self-call to the central controller 6 based on various reports from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. The line control unit 43 connects the communication line 8 to a telephone 45 (or a facsimile machine (not shown)), which is a communication device, and internal communication means (control unit 4) of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5.
Switch and connect to one of 1).

Although not shown, the control unit 41 includes a ROM storing a control program, a CPU for executing various controls by the control program, and a CPU similar to a general control unit.
It has a nonvolatile RAM backed up by a battery for storing data, a serial communication control unit, an input / output port, a real-time clock circuit for knowing the current time, and the like.

The non-volatile RAM stores data transmitted from one of the central control device 6 and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. Specify each device code and I
The D code, the telephone number of the central control unit 6, the number of recalls when the line connection is not successful, the recall interval, and the like are stored.

Next, a schematic function of the image forming apparatus management system will be described. The functions of the image forming apparatus management system are roughly classified into the following three types (1) to (3). (1) Communication control from the central control device 6 to the image forming devices 1 to 5 (2) Communication control from the image forming devices 1 to 5 to the central control device 6 or the data communication device 7 (3) Data communication device 7 control

The communication control from the central control unit 6 to the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in (1) includes, for example, the following (a) to (c)
There are the following. (A) The total number of images formed for a specific image forming apparatus, the number of images formed for each paper feed tray (paper feed tray), the number of images formed for each transfer paper size, the number of misfeeds, the number of misfeeds for each transfer paper size, Read and reset the number of misfeeds for each transfer paper transport position

(B) Setting and reading of adjustment values such as control voltage, current, resistance, and timing of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus. (C) Central control from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by communication control of (2). Return of communication result to device 6

These controls are performed by receiving a command signal from the central control unit 6 and selecting the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 from the data communication apparatus 7. The term “selecting” refers to a function of selecting one of the five connected image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 for communication.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the selecting operation in the data communication device 7. Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 has a unique (specific) device code, and the data communication apparatus 7 includes a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined selecting function and an image forming apparatus to be selected. Serial communication interface RS-48 with device code of device
5 on.

Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 compares the next device code with its own device code by using a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating the selecting function. We know that we were selected. Here, if there is data to be transmitted, the selected image forming apparatus
Predetermined specific code (or combination of codes)
Output a busy response.

When receiving the busy response, the data communication device 7 suspends the selecting operation and shifts to the polling operation described below. When there is no data to be transmitted, the selected image forming apparatus determines whether or not it is possible to support the selecting, and if it is possible, an acknowledgment with a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes). To perform communication with the data communication device 7.

If it is not possible to respond, a negative response is output using a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes), and the communication with the data communication device 7 is terminated. If the image forming apparatus corresponding to the device code output from the data communication device 7 cannot output an affirmative response or a negative response due to power-off or the like, the data communication device 7 selects after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. Ending operation.

The communication control from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to the central control device 6 or the data communication device 7 in (2) includes, for example, the following (a) to (e). (A) When an abnormality (failure) that disables the image forming operation occurs, the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 immediately transmit data notifying the abnormality to the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8.
To the central control device 6 via the PC (emergency call).

(B) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is operated by a user (customer) by operating a key on the operation display unit, and requires a different user from the image forming mode (repair request or supply replenishment request). ) Is entered to enter the user request input mode, and the character display 8 of the operation display section is operated.
3 displays a user request input screen, and when a user inputs a required request by pressing a predetermined key on the screen, data notifying the request is immediately transmitted through the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8. To the central controller 6 automatically (emergency call).

(C) When the total number of image formations reaches a preset predetermined number, the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 immediately transmit data notifying the fact to the data communication device 7.
Then, an automatic report is sent to the central control device 6 via the communication line 8 (emergency report). (D) When the cumulative number of image formations reaches a preset fixed period, the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 transmit data notifying the fact to the designated time of the day (this is set by the central control unit 6, Automatically notify the central control device 6 via the data communication device 7 and the communication line 8 (stored in the data communication device 7) (non-emergency notification).

(E) Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 can start the image forming operation.
Approaching the specified time, reaching the sensor's standard level, etc.
When an event requiring preventive maintenance occurs, data notifying the occurrence of the event at a specified time of the day (this is set by the central control device 6 and stored in the data communication device 7). A notification is sent to the central control device 6 via the communication line 8 (non-emergency notification). The communication control includes a control for transmitting to the central control device 6 without waiting for the specified time when the number of times reaches a predetermined number before reaching the specified time.

These communication controls are performed at the time of polling from the data communication device 7. Polling refers to a function of sequentially designating five connected image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and confirming the presence or absence of a communication request from the designated image forming apparatus. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the polling operation in the data communication device 7.

The data communication device 7 sends out a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined polling function and a device code of the image forming apparatus to be selected to the serial communication interface RS-485. Each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 compares the next device code with its own device code by using a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a polling function, and when the two codes match, it is polled. Know.

Next, the polled image forming apparatus:
If there is transmission data (a communication request to the data communication device 7 or the central control device 6), communication with the data communication device 7 is started, and if there is no communication request or when the started communication ends, a predetermined specific code is used. The communication with the data communication device 7 is terminated by outputting a termination response (or a combination of codes). Upon receiving the end response, the data communication device 7 shifts to polling of the next image forming device.

If the image forming apparatus corresponding to the device code output from the data communication device 7 cannot start communication or cannot output an end response due to power OFF or the like, the data communication device 7 is determined in advance. After the elapse of the given time, the polling operation ends. This polling is sequentially repeated for the connected image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 unless selecting occurs.

The control unique to the data communication device 7 of (3) includes, for example, the following (a) and (b). (A) Reading the total counter value (b) Returning the result of communication from the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 to the data communication apparatus 7 by the communication control of (2)

The reading of the total counter value is controlled as follows.
Once a day from the data communication device 7 to the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 at regular time (00:00, but if the power of the image forming apparatus is turned off at this time, the power is turned on for the first time after this time) (When it becomes).

The data communication device 7 has two memories for the total counter (these are assumed to be A and B, respectively).
The total counter value which is prepared and read by the above-mentioned once-a-day selection is written in the memory A.
Therefore, the value of the previous day is rewritten in the memory A every day (except when the power supply of the image forming apparatus is not turned on all day, such as a holiday, for example).

The total counter value stored in the memory A at a predetermined date and time once a month (this is set by the central control device 6 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication device 7). Copy to memory B. The contents of the memory B are sent from the data communication device 7 to the central control device 6, and there are two transfer methods shown in (a) and (b) below.

(A) The central controller 6 reads the total counter value stored in the memory B of the data communication device 7 after the above date and time (date and time when the contents of the memory A are copied to the memory B). (B) The data communication device 7 makes a self-call after the date and time and stores the total counter value stored in the memory B in the communication line 8
To the central control device 6 via The date and time at which the self-originating call is made is also set by the central control device 6 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication device 7.

The data communication device 7 has memories A and B
Are prepared in plural sets. this is,
For example, various total counter values for black-and-white copying, application copying, and color copying can be considered.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of text data exchanged between the central control device 6 and the data communication device 7. In FIG. 8, the serial number is a communication block number in one transmission. The first block starts with “01”, and is incremented by 1 thereafter, and is set to “00” after “99”.

The ID code is stored in the data communication device 7 and the five image forming devices 1 to 5 connected to the data communication device 7.
The purpose is to specify five to one image forming apparatus. The identification code is obtained by adding the source and destination of text data to a code (processing code) indicating the type of communication purpose. The processing code is determined as shown in Table 1.

[0071]

[Table 1]

An information record is composed of an information code, the number of digits of a data part, and a data part, and is determined as shown in Table 2. A semicolon (;) separator is inserted between the ID code and the identification code, between the identification code and the information record, and between the information records.

[0073]

[Table 2]

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between the data communication device 7 and the personal I / F 18 of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. As described above, the device code is uniquely set for each of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by the device code setting switch 30 (see FIG. 3), and the association with the ID code in FIG. The data communication device 7 reads from the image forming device at the time of installation connected to the device 7.
The data is stored in the non-volatile RAM, and is appropriately converted according to the transmission direction of the text data.

As described above, the processing code is a code indicating the type of communication purpose, and is obtained by deleting the source and destination of text data from the identification code of FIG. This is also appropriately added or deleted by the data communication device 7 depending on the transmission direction of the text data.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of text data exchanged between the personal I / F 18 (see FIG. 3) of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 and the PPC controller 31, and the data shown in FIG. Communication device 7 and personal I / F
The header, the device code, and the parity part are removed from the text data exchanged with the H.18.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the central control device 6. The central control unit 6 connects two terminals (host machines) 50 and 60 via a network 49 such as a LAN (local area network), and connects the terminals 50 and 60 via a communication line 8 and a data communication device 7.
The image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 can be centrally managed.

The terminal 50 includes a central processing unit 51, a monitor unit 5
2, a keyboard 53, a storage unit 54, a printer unit 55, a modem 56, and the like. Central processing unit 51
Is to control the terminal 50 as a whole. The monitor 52 displays various kinds of information such as the details of the abnormality to notify the operator.

The keyboard 53 is for inputting various information. The storage unit 54 is for storing received data. The printer unit 55 prints the received data on transfer paper. The modem 56 is connected to the communication line 8, and modulates / demodulates an analog signal between the communication line 8 and the central processing unit 51. Since the terminal 60 has substantially the same configuration as the terminal 50, the description of each unit is omitted.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the data communication device 7 of FIG. The display unit 44 in FIG. 5 is omitted. The data communication device 7 includes analog switches 91a and 91b, a modem 92, a ringer detection circuit 93, an ID detection circuit 94, and a telephone number detection circuit 9 constituting the auto dialer unit 42 and the line control unit 43 of FIG.
5, a ringer control circuit 96 and a current detection circuit 97 are provided.

Further, a DC power supply 98 and CPUs 99 and R
OM 100, RAM 101, I / O control circuit 102, serial communication interface (SC
I) 103, 104, real-time clock circuit (RT
C) 105, communication interface (RS-485) 10
6, communication interface (RS-232-C) 107,
A mode changeover switch 108.

The analog switches 91a and 91b are switches for switching lines. Note that a relay may be used instead of the analog switch. Modem 92
Is a modem, which performs digital / analog conversion of data transmitted via the communication line 8 and analog / digital conversion of data transmitted via the communication line 8 when the analog switch 91b is closed. The ringer detection circuit 93 is a circuit that detects a ringer signal (call signal) sent from an exchange in the communication line 8.

The ID (identification information) detecting circuit 94 is provided with ID information (0-9, *) of the central control unit 6 based on a tone signal (push-button dial signal) transmitted from the central control unit 6 via the communication line 8. , #) Or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, a DTMF signal (for example, a combination code of * # 0 #) is used as ID information of the central control device 6.

The telephone number detection circuit 95 is connected to the central control unit 6
This is a circuit for detecting the telephone number of the central control device 6 sent from the communication line 8 via the communication line 8. Ringer control circuit 96
Is a DC voltage of -48 V supplied from the DC power supply 98 when the analog switch 91a is switched to the NO side.
Generates a ringer signal, which is a calling signal, and outputs it to a telephone (TEL) 45 connected to the data communication device 7. When a facsimile machine (FAX) is connected, a ringer signal can be output to the facsimile machine.

The current detection circuit 97 detects a current of a signal output to the telephone 45 (or the facsimile machine) which is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. The CPU 99 is a central processing unit that controls the entire control unit by a control program in the ROM 100. The ROM 100 is a read-only memory that stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 99.

The RAM 101 is a nonvolatile RAM for storing various data, and is backed up by a battery. The I / O control circuit 102 controls input and output of signals of each unit. The serial communication interface 103 is used when the data communication device 7 is connected to the image forming apparatuses 1 to 1.
5 is subjected to predetermined processing to output a signal input from both directions so that serial communication with the device 5 can be performed.

The serial communication interface 104 is connected to the data communication device 7 by the management terminal 9 shown in FIG.
The signal input from both directions is subjected to predetermined processing and output so that serial communication can be performed. The real-time clock circuit 105 generates time information.
By reading it, the PU 99 can know the current time.

The communication interface 106 is an RS-48
5 is a serial interface using a transceiver for 5 and controls serial communication with the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5. The communication interface 107 is a serial interface using an RS-232-C transceiver, and controls serial communication with the management terminal 9.

The mode switch 108 is connected to the telephone 45
Is a switch for setting a switch between a TEL mode (telephone mode) in which communication by FAX can be performed and a FAX mode (fax mode) in which communication by a facsimile apparatus (not shown) can be performed. The TEL mode is set when connected, and the FAX mode is set when the facsimile machine is connected.

The respective parts of the central control device 6 shown in FIG. 11 function as the telephone number transmitting means, the negative response detecting means, and the identification information transmitting means of the first to fifth aspects. The respective parts of the data communication apparatus 7 shown in FIG. 12 are the telephone number registration means, the call signal detection means, the telephone number detection means, the registration presence / absence determination means, the telephone number comparison / judgment means, the line control means. Function as a positive response returning means, a negative response returning means, an identification information detecting means, and a telephone number erasing means.

Hereinafter, the control according to the present invention in the image forming apparatus management system will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. Recently, as a new service of Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT), a function to notify the called party of the telephone number of the calling party has been released. It is very convenient because you know who you are calling.

In the image forming apparatus management system (remote diagnosis system) of this embodiment, the data communication device 7 uses the above-described functions to connect the communication line 8 to the control unit 41 constituting the internal communication means and the communication device. Is switched and connected to one of the telephones 45.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a signal transmitted from the exchange in the communication line 8 to the data communication device 7. The data communication device 7 starts communication control between the central control device 6 and the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 by calling from the central control device 6 or an external telephone (or facsimile device). After a call signal is sent from the exchange for about one second, the telephone number of the calling side is sent by 1200 bps data communication.

FIGS. 14 to 16 are flowcharts showing an example of control according to the present invention by the data communication device 7 shown in FIG. The CPU 99 of the data communication device 7
When there is a dialing call from the central control unit 6 or an external telephone (facsimile machine), a ringer signal (call signal) is sent from the exchange in the communication line 8, and the ringer signal is transmitted to the ringer detection circuit 93.
, Which determines that the ringer signal has been detected, and initializes the modem 92.

Next, it is determined whether or not the telephone number (caller telephone number) of the calling side has been detected by the telephone number detection circuit 95.
If the source telephone number is detected, the telephone number is set to R
After storing in the AM 101, it is determined whether or not the telephone number of the central control device 6 has been registered. The telephone number of the central control device 6 can be registered in advance by a command from the management terminal 9 or the central control device 6 and stored in the RAM 101.

If the source telephone number is not detected,
Alternatively, when the telephone number of the central control device 6 is not registered, the analog switch (SW) 91b is closed to close the line (the communication line 8 is switched to the modem 92 for connection).
Then, a negative response (for example, 0 to 9, *, #
D indicating a specific value or a combination thereof
After returning the TMF signal to the caller via the communication line 8, the analog switch 91b is opened to open the line.

Thereafter, if the ID information (switching signal) based on the DTMF signal of the central control unit 6 is not detected by the ID detection circuit 94 before the predetermined time elapses (time-out), the central control unit 6 It is determined that the call is from a telephone number other than 6, and in that case, control is performed on the telephone 45 (or the facsimile machine). That is,
First, the ringer control circuit 96 is operated to cause the telephone 45 to transmit a ringer signal.

When the telephone 45 detects the ringer signal, it closes the line. When the line is closed, the current is detected by the current detection circuit 97.
Switches the analog switch 91a to the NC side (switches and connects the communication line 8 to the telephone 45), enables a telephone call between the partner device (external telephone) and the telephone 45, and terminates the call (the partner device). When the line is opened (or the receiver of the telephone 45 is placed), the current detection is not performed by the current detection circuit 97, and the CPU 99 switches the analog switch 91a to the NO side.

On the other hand, when the telephone number of the central control unit 6 is registered, the CPU 99 compares the telephone number with the detected telephone number to determine whether each telephone number matches. If the telephone numbers do not match, it is determined that the call is from a device other than the central control unit 6, and in that case, control is performed on the telephone 45 (or the facsimile machine) as described above.

When the above-mentioned telephone numbers match, or before a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the central control unit 6
Is detected by the ID detection circuit 94, the analog switch 91b is closed to close the line (the communication line 8 is switched to the modem 92 constituting the internal communication means), and then the modem is connected. At 92, an acknowledgment is returned to the central control unit 6 which is the caller via the communication line 8.

As a result, communication between the central control device 6 and the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 becomes possible.
Negotiation with the modem 56, and then the communication control between the central control unit 6 and the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is started. When this communication control is completed, the central controller 6
It is determined whether or not the telephone number is registered.

If the telephone number of central control unit 6 is not registered, the source telephone number is detected (stored).
It is determined whether or not the call has been made, and if the caller's telephone number has been detected, it is registered as the telephone number of the central control device, and then the analog switch 91b is opened to open the line. In addition, the telephone number of the registered central control device can be deleted by a specific command sent from the central control device 6 via the communication line 8.

FIG. 16 shows the configuration of the central control unit 6 shown in FIG.
4 is a flowchart showing an example of control according to the present invention according to the present invention. When the start button is pressed while the telephone number of the data communication device 7 is being input, the central control device 6 dials the data communication device 7.
If an acknowledgment is detected before a predetermined period of time (time-out) elapses from that point, communication with the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 is performed via the communication line 8 and the data communication apparatus 7. Perform

If a negative response is detected before the elapse of a predetermined time, the ID information of the own device is set to D.
Data communication device 7 via communication line 8 by TMF signal
If an acknowledgment is detected before a predetermined time elapses, communication is performed between the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 via the communication line 8 and the data communication apparatus 7.

Here, the control according to the present invention in the image forming apparatus management system of this embodiment is summarized as follows. The data communication apparatus 7 transmits a telephone number following a call signal (ringer signal) from an exchange in the communication line 8. Upon detection, it is determined whether or not the telephone number of the central control device 6 has been registered. If the telephone number has been registered, the telephone number is compared with the detected telephone number, and the respective telephone numbers match. It is determined whether or not.

If the telephone numbers do not match, the communication line 8 is switched to the telephone 45 (or a facsimile machine) and connected. If the telephone numbers match, the communication line 8 is switched to internal communication. The central control unit 6 and the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 can communicate with each other by switching to the unit and returning an acknowledgment to the central control unit 6 which is the caller via the communication line 8.

As described above, since the data communication device 7 can establish a line connection with the central control device 6 by detecting the telephone number of the central control device 6, malfunction can be avoided with a simple circuit.

Further, the data communication device 7 has a communication line 8
If the telephone number cannot be detected following the calling signal from the exchange in the telephone, or if the telephone number of the central control unit 6 has not been registered, a negative response is returned to the caller via the communication line 8. . When detecting the negative response, the central control device 6 transmits the ID information of the own device to the data communication device 7 via the communication line 8 by a DTMF signal.

When the data communication device 7 detects the ID information, it switches the communication line 8 to the internal communication means and connects it.
The central controller 6 and the image forming apparatus 1 return an acknowledgment to the central controller 6 that is the caller via the communication line 8.
5 can be communicated.

As described above, since the data communication device 7 can establish a line connection with the central control device 6 even by detecting the ID information by the DTMF signal from the central control device 6,
There is a possibility that communication between the central control device 6 and the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 can be performed even when the central control device 6 has no function of transmitting a telephone number or when the telephone number of the central control device 6 is not registered. Will be higher.

When the telephone number of the central control device 6 is not registered, the data communication device 7 terminates the communication control between the image forming devices 1 to 5 and the central control device 6,
If the telephone number of the central control unit 6 has been detected, the telephone number is registered, so that the user does not need to register the telephone number of the central control unit 6 in advance, and the telephone number of the central control unit is incorrect. There is no need to register a phone number that has been registered, which improves usability.

Furthermore, since the data communication device 7 can delete the registered telephone number by a specific command sent from the central control device 6 via the communication line 8, the data communication device 7 has the When changing the telephone number of the central control device 6 due to circumstances or the like, a service person or the like goes to the user's office or the like to change or delete the telephone number of the central control device 6 registered in the data communication device 7. Without having to do

[0113]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, a malfunction is minimized when a line is connected by a data communication device when the central control device communicates with the image forming device. Can be

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a personal I / F 18 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation display unit of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a data communication device 7 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a selecting operation in the data communication device 7 shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the polling operation.

8 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between a central control device 6 and a data communication device 7 in FIG.

FIG. 9 shows a data communication apparatus 7 and image forming apparatuses 1 to 5 similarly.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged with a personal I / F 18 (FIG. 3).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a personal I / O of the image forming apparatuses 1 to 5;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between F18 and a PPC controller 31 (FIG. 3).

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a central control device 6;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example of the data communication device 7;

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a signal transmitted from the exchange in the communication line 8 to the data communication device 7;

14 is a flowchart showing an example of control according to the present invention by the data communication device 7 shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a continuation of the control.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of control according to the present invention by central control device 6 shown in FIG. 11;

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 to 5: Image forming apparatus 6: Central control apparatus 7: Data communication apparatus 8: Communication line 41: Control section 42: Auto dialer section 43: Line control section 50, 60: Terminal 51, 61: Central processing section 56, 92 : Modem 91a, 91b: Analog switch 93: Ringer detection circuit 94: ID detection circuit 95: Phone number detection circuit 96: Ringer control circuit 97: Current detection circuit 98: DC power supply 99: CPU 100: ROM 101: RAM 102: I / O control circuit 105: Real-time clock circuit

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus management system in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying apparatus and a central control unit are connected via a data communication apparatus and a communication line, wherein the data communication apparatus is provided with communication equipment such as a telephone or a facsimile apparatus. , Telephone number registration means for registering the telephone number of the central control device, call signal detection means for detecting a call signal sent from an exchange in the communication line, and an exchange in the communication line. A telephone number detecting means for detecting a telephone number sent from the telephone number registration apparatus; and a telephone number registration means for detecting the telephone number after the call signal is detected by the call signal detecting means. Means for determining the presence or absence of registration of a telephone number by the means; and, if the means determines that the telephone number is registered, A telephone number comparison / determination unit that compares a talk number with a telephone number detected by the telephone number detection unit and determines whether or not the telephone numbers match; and that the unit determines that the telephone numbers match. If it is determined that the internal communication means for controlling communication between the image forming apparatus and the central control device, line control means for switching and connecting the communication line to the communication device when it is determined that they do not match. And an acknowledgment returning means for returning an acknowledgment to the central control device which is the caller via the communication line when the telephone number comparison and judgment means judges that the respective telephone numbers match. An image forming apparatus management system. 2. The data communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, after a call signal is detected by said call signal detecting means, no telephone number is detected by said telephone number detecting means, or a telephone number is detected by said registration presence / absence determining means. A negative response returning means for returning a negative response to the caller via the communication line if it is determined that the tone signal has not been registered; and a tone signal transmitted from the central control device via the communication line. Identification information detecting means for detecting identification information according to the above, wherein the central control device, the negative response detecting means for detecting the negative response sent from the data communication device via the communication line, When the negative response is detected, the identification information of the central control device is transmitted to the data communication device via the communication line by a tone signal. An identification information transmitting unit, wherein the line control unit has means for switching and connecting the communication line to the internal communication unit when the identification information is detected by the identification information detecting unit; Reply means, when the identification information is detected by the identification information detection means, has means for returning an acknowledgment to the central control device that is the caller via the communication line. Item 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to Item 1. 3. When the telephone number registration means determines that the telephone number has not been registered by the registration presence / absence determination means, the communication control between the image forming apparatus and the central control device is terminated. 3. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 2, further comprising a unit that registers the telephone number when the telephone number is detected by the telephone number detecting unit. 4. A telephone number erasing means for erasing a telephone number registered by said telephone number registering means by a specific command sent from said central control device to said data communication apparatus via said communication line. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, further comprising: