JPH03293370A - Controller for copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the useless transmission of a communication line connecting between a copying machine and a control center from being executed by inhibiting a call by a communication control means in the case that identical trouble is detected after the detection of the trouble and before the detection of a recovered state. CONSTITUTION:A data terminal (DT) 1 installed on a user side is a device which fetches the various kinds of the information of the copying machine 4 and transmits it to the computer 90 of the center side after executing prescribed processing for it. When the trouble of the copying machine 4 is detected, data showing the content of the trouble is set as control data for transmitting by a transmission data control means and transmitted to the centralized controller of the control center by the commu nication control means. In the same way, when the recovery from the trouble is detected, trouble recovery data is transmitted to the control center. However, in the case that the detected trouble is the identical trouble which is already detected and the detection thereof is executed before the transmission of the trouble recovery data, the call for the centralized controller is inhibited by the communication control means. As the result, the useless transmission to the center side is prevented from being executed.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device that transmits copying machine management data to a central management device on the side of a management center.

[Conventional technology]

(1) A method has been proposed in which management data for a plurality of copying machines is sent to a single central processing unit and processed in batches by the processing unit (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-54032). (2) A device has been proposed that manages multiple copying machines by transmitting the management data of each copying machine to a single central control device via each terminal device and processing it in the control device. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522).

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

A system that centrally manages multiple copiers by transmitting the management data from each terminal device to the management center via a network (public telephone line) or other line, is capable of handling troubles based on its purpose. There is only one. Therefore, in the above system, when a trouble with the copying machine is detected, the information is immediately sent to the management center. As a result, the management center takes measures such as dispatching service personnel. However, in the above system, trouble detection is
This is done while the copying machine is in operation. In other words, when an operation such as turning on the main power supply or turning on a switch that commands a copying operation is performed, the copier is placed in a certain operating state (the operating state is determined by the type of trouble), and the trouble occurs. is detected. Therefore, even if another operator operates the copier without knowing that the copier is in trouble,
Again, the same trouble is detected and sent to the management center. Further, even when a service person or a user is repairing a copying machine in order to recover from a problem, a problem may be detected and sent to the management center. Such transmission is not only wasteful, but also undesirable in that when the copying machine and the management center are connected through a general-purpose communication line, the general-purpose line is occupied. The present invention aims to solve the above problems.

[Means to solve the problem]

In the device of the present invention, if the same trouble is detected before recovery from the trouble, the information is not sent to the center. That is, the present invention provides a copying machine management device that calls a central management device of a management center under predetermined conditions and transmits copying machine management data to the central management device, which includes means for detecting a trouble in a copying machine, and means for detecting a recovery state of a trouble; a transmission data management means for setting data indicating a trouble and data indicating a recovery state as management data for transmission in accordance with each detection; and detection of a trouble and detection of a recovery state. A copying machine management device comprising communication control means for calling the central management device in response to a problem, and means for prohibiting the communication control means from calling if the same trouble is detected after detection of a trouble but before detection of a recovery state. be. In the above, the communication line connecting the copying machine management device and the central management device may be a dedicated line or a general-purpose public telephone line.

[Effect]

When a trouble is detected, data indicating the content of the trouble (trouble data) is set as data for transmission by the transmission data management means, and the central management device is called by the communication control means. In this way, trouble data is sent to the management center. Similarly, when recovery from the trouble is detected, trouble recovery data is sent to the management center. However, in the above, if the detected trouble is the same as a trouble that has already been detected, and the detection is performed before the transmission of recovery data for the trouble, the communication control means is prohibited from calling the central control device.

【Example】

The present invention will be explained in detail below. [1] System configuration First, the configuration of the system consisting of a "copy machine, DT (data terminal) network (public telephone line), and center" will be explained. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the above system,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the circuit configuration of the system. As shown in the figure, this system is composed of a user side (7) 121, a center side device that is an administrator, and a network that connects these. On the user side, there are 4 copy machines and 1 DT (data terminal).
, a modem 52 as a communication terminal device, and a telephone 53 as a normal telephone device are installed. On the other hand, on the center side, which is the administrator, there is a modem 72 as a communication terminal device, a telephone 73 as a normal telephone device,
and a computer 90 (main body, display 92, keyboard 93, printer 94). The DTI is a device that takes in various information from the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing on it, and transmits it to the computer 90 on the center side. On the other hand, the center side creates data for copying machine management based on the transmitted data and takes necessary measures. Each device will be described below. <Copy machine 4> This is a device that forms a copy image on paper by scanning the original image. The copying machine 4 collects various element data that affect the image forming process (paper transport time, surface potential of the photoreceptor drum, toner concentration in the developer, photoreceptor drum exposure amount, development bias voltage, toner on the photoreceptor drum). The amount of adhesion, the grid voltage of the charger, etc.) is detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and after being taken into the CPU 41 and processed, it is sent via the serial I/F 43 and the serial I/F 13,
Send to DTloCPUI 1. Note that the various element data described above will be abstractly expressed as element data Xi (i=1 to the number of items of element data) in the explanation of the flowcharts to be described later. The copying machine 4 also has counters (total counter indicating the number of paper ejections,
Counter by paper size that shows the number of sheets used by paper size)
, a counter that serves as a guideline for maintenance (J on the side
Each count value (JAM counter for each location indicating the number of AMs, trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles at the location, and PM counter for each component indicating the number of times each component is used) is counted, and the serial I/F 42 and serial I/F 42 It is sent to the CPU II of the DTI via F12. Note that the PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times each component is used, and is used as a guide for when to replace the component. The copying machine 4 also has various key switches on the operation panel (Fig. 4) (a printout (P.
R) key 46. Numeric keypad group 47 for manual numerical input. A clear key 48, etc. for commanding clearing of input data) and various switches other than the operation panel (trouble reset switch 49, etc. Do and also
If necessary, connect the corresponding signals to the serial I/F 42.
Transmit to DTl's CFull via serial I/F 12. Note that the data to be transmitted includes the display section 45.
Also includes numerical data displayed in . <DT l> The data from the copying machine 4 is taken in, the modem 52 is activated under predetermined conditions (conditions for setting the outgoing flag to "1": see the explanation section of the flowchart for details), and communication with the center side is started. Connect the line and transfer the copying machine management data (the element data, count data, etc.) to the center's CP.
This is a device that sends information to U91. The control CPU II of the DTI includes a ROM 14 storing a control program, a nonvolatile memory 16 for storing number data (described later), etc., a battery-backed working system RAM 15, and a clock IC 17 that is also battery-backed. It is connected. As described above, the CPU II receives data from the copying machine 4 from the serial 1/F 12 or the serial 1/F 13 and executes predetermined processing. The CPU II is
In addition, predetermined operations, mode settings, etc. are performed depending on the human power of the operating switch. These processes will be described in the section explaining the flowchart. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the paper ejection code, JAM code, and trouble code, which are data input via the serial I/F 12. The paper ejection code is indicated by the falling edge of bit b0. and the JAM code is bit b. =1. It is expressed as bg=o. Also, the trouble code is bit bq = 1. It is expressed as be = 1. In addition, as the above-mentioned operation switches, four dip switches DIP-5W1 to DIP-3 are used as shown in FIG.
W4 and a bushing switch 21 are installed. DIP-3W4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP-3WI has center selection number (telephone number) manual mode, Dl, P-3W2 has DT
DI ID number (DTID) input mode for identification of I.
P-SW3 is the ID number for center identification (Center I
D) Switches for setting the manual mode. In addition, the bushing switch 21 is configured to send an initial setting (
This is a switch for issuing commands such as 5145 in Fig. 8). On the other hand, CPU II has communication I/F (R3232CI/F
) 18 to the modem 52 communication 1/F (R3232C
I/F) 51. That is, by instructing the modem 52 to send an off-hook signal and a center selection signal through these devices, the line with the center side modem 72 is connected so that communication with the center computer 90 can be performed. It is composed of Note that the content of the data (data for managing the copying machine 4) transmitted from the DTI to the center side is determined by the type of the transmission flag set to "1", as will be described in detail later. <Center> A combinatorial device configured to be connected to a large number of DTs via a telephone line network, and a device for centrally managing copying machines compatible with the large number of DTs. . That is, the data input manually to the CPU 91 (the (element data, count data, etc.), management data indicating the status of the copying machine connected to the DT is created. Based on the management data, the invoice is printed out, and a decision is made as to whether or not to dispatch a service person.
Furthermore, parts and the like to be prepared at the time of dispatch are selected. In addition, after receiving data from the DT side, the CPU 91
From there, data is transmitted to the DT side. Details will be described later in the section explaining the flowchart. [2] System control Next, “copy machine, DT, (telephone line network), center”
Explain the control of a system consisting of: Processing in the Copying Machine> First, the processing in the control CPU 41 of the copying machine will be explained with reference to the flowchart in FIG. For example, the PU 41 starts processing when the power is turned on, performs initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode (S41), and then performs steps 343 to S49.
Execute the process. Step S43 includes a group of key switches on the operation panel 40 (a group of numeric keys 47 for inputting numerical values, a print (PR) key 46 for issuing a copy start command, a clear key 48 for commanding clearing of set numbers, etc.), a trouble reset switch 49 Receiving input signals from a group of switches such as the above and a group of sensors (not shown) disposed inside the copying machine is a process. Further, step S47 is a step that collectively shows processes necessary for copying operations, etc., such as paper feeding control, scanning control, photosensitive drum control, developing device control, etc. On the other hand, if a JAM or other trouble occurs (
S49; YES), sends a signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred to the control CPU 11 of the DT (3
51). Furthermore, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by the operator etc. (S53; YES)
, Similarly to the above, a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CPU II of the DT (S55). Processing at the data terminal> Next, the processing at the control CPU 11 of the DT is shown in Figs.
This will be explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. (a) Main Routine First, an outline of the processing will be explained based on the main routine shown in FIG. The control CPL'll starts processing when the power is turned on, executes initial setting processing (S13) as necessary, and then transmits a copy permission signal to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (315). After that, steps 317 to S
The process moves on to the repeat loop process of step 31. In each subroutine step, the following processing is roughly executed. *Initial setting: S13 When turning on the power, dip switch DIP-S
This is executed when W4 is on, that is, when the initial setting mode is set (S 11 ; YES). As described later, the center selection number (telephone number) and DT ID
Number (DT ID) - Set the center ID number (center ID) and make initial settings calls. *Count data reception: 317 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control 1cPU 41 of the copying machine. Data contents include discharge code, JAM/trouble code,
JAM/trouble counter, counter by paper size, P
It is an M counter. The control CPU II of the DT updates and holds these data to the latest values. *Element data reception/data processing: 819 As described later, the average value of each element data and [
The data corresponding to one deviation is calculated and updated to the latest value. *Trouble transmission determination: 821 As described later, it is determined whether or not trouble data and trouble recovery data should be transmitted to the center. * Scheduled transmission determination: S23 At a predetermined scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to 1, and various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. After the scheduled transmission is completed, the center sends back the next scheduled transmission time data, current time data, and bill cutoff date data. *Warning generation determination: 825 As will be described later, the element data, the count IF of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are each compared with a predetermined darkness value. Also, based on the results, it is determined whether warning data and warning recovery data should be sent to the center. *Manual transmission determination; 827 When the bushing switch 21 is turned on in a case where it is not the initial setting mode, the manual transmission flag is set to 1. As a result, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. *PM transmission determination: S29 As described later, the count value is set to “0” by replacing parts.
The count value of the PM counter before clearing is sent to the center. *Pear-shaped processing: S31 As will be described later, when any call flag is set, a command is given to connect a line with the center, and after connection, data communication is executed. (b) Subroutine Next, the details of the subroutine steps are shown in Figures 8 to 13.
This will be explained based on the diagram. *Initial setting process (Fig. 8) This process is performed when the dip switch D is turned on when the power is turned on.
If IP-3W4 is turned on (S11; YES)
After receiving the initial settings of the center selection number, data terminal ID number (from DT), and center ID number (center ID), the initial settings call is made. First, the memory 15 is initialized (5101) and waits for the dip switches DTP-3w1 to DIP-8w3 to be turned on. When DIP-3WI is turned on (Sill; YES),
The selected number (phone number) becomes manual mode. That is, the first button on the display section 45 is manually operated using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine.
The numerical value displayed in the digit is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as center selection number data in response to the input of the print key 46 (3113-YES) (S115). Note that the selection number input mode is canceled by turning off the DIP-3WI (S117). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-5W2 (Sl 21
; YES), the DTID input mode is set, and the number displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is displayed on the print key 46.
(S123; YES), the information is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as DTID data (S125).
). Further, the DTID manual mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3W2 (3127). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W3 (8131;
YES), the center ID input mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is pressed manually (S133; YES), the value displayed in the first digit of gJ on the display 45 is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as center ID data. (S
135). In addition, center ID manual mode is DIP-
It is canceled by turning off 3W3 (S137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (5
141; YES), the button switch 21 is enabled, and the button switch 210 is turned on (3143
;YES), make an initial setting call to the center (
S145). That is, the center is called via the telephone line network, and the above two types of iD data are transmitted to the center's CPU 91. Further, when the transmission is completed, the data transmitted from the center CPU 91 (count data deadline, 9th scheduled transmission time, current time, threshold value for warning determination) is received. Moreover, when the above-mentioned transmission and reception are completed, it is determined whether the communication was performed normally (S147). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S147; N
o) Return to step 5111 and press the push switch 21.
Wait for the switch to turn on again. On the other hand, if the process was performed normally (5147; YES), the process returns to the main routine and processes from step 815 onwards are executed. *Reception of element data, etc. (FIG. 9) In this subroutine process, data for comparison with a threshold value (warning determination; see FIG. 11) is calculated based on the element data transmitted from the copying machine. First, the element data group Xig transmitted from the copying machine each time copy paper is ejected is imported from the serial I/F 13 (S201>. Here, the subscript 1 represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript J represents each Represents the order within the item.Next, after assigning the initial value 1 to item number 1 (S203)
, for each item, maximum value XIXAX% minimum value X IX
! and sum X□ are updated sequentially (3205 to 521
7>. Thereafter, the subscript j is incremented (S219) and the process returns to the main routine. In this way, steps 3201 to 5217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES).
, after resetting the subscript j to 1 (3223), assigning the initial value 1 to the item number i (5225), for each item, calculate the difference R + i + s between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average value of the 4 data X, k respectively, the operations j, , A (3227~
5233). In addition, Ste-p! 34-One tube 5229 stores the maximum value X+xAx and the minimum value XlX in preparation for the next processing in steps 5205 to 5211.
This is a step of giving an initial value of l11. After the processing in steps 5227 to 5233 above, step 823
7 to 5245 or steps 8247 to 8263 are executed. Steps 3237 to 5245 are the steps 5227 to 523 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of processes in step 3 has not reached 33 times, and for each item - the difference R between the maximum value and minimum value.
This is a step of calculating the sum RisUM of 1k and the sum XisUM of the average value Xlk of the four data for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 3247 to 5263 are the steps 5227 to 5263 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of 5233 processes is 33 times or more, and for each item, the above difference R1k(7) sum Ris
UM, and the sum of the above average value Xlk,
This step is to calculate the latest 32 data and calculate the respective average values Xi and Ri. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value Y of the latest 128 (=4X32) pieces of data is calculated.
l, and the average value of the deviation (value equivalent to the standard deviation) R
get i. *Trouble call determination (Figure 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble call and trouble recovery call. That is, in the state of "trouble flag 20"(3301; Y
ES) When a trouble code from the copying machine is detected (S303, YES), the trouble flag and the trouble transmission flag are each set to "1" on the condition that it is not the same trouble (5305; No). (
S307). As a result, pear-shaped processing is executed (FIG. 13), and trouble data is sent to the center. In addition, if it is determined that the trouble is the same in step 5305 (S305; YES), only the trouble flag "
1" and do not set the trouble call flag (
S309). Multiple calls regarding the same problem (
This is because it is wasteful to call the center. This process is performed in consideration of the fact that the same trouble may occur continuously when troubleshooting. On the other hand, in the state of "trouble flag = 1"(S301; N
o) When the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (S
311 ; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "0" and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to @1 (3313).This is because paper ejection in the copying machine is an operation performed after trouble recovery. By setting the trouble recovery transmission flag, power collection processing (Fig. 13) is executed, and trouble recovery data is sent to the center. *Warning transmission determination (Fig. 11) In this process, warning transmission, etc. Steps 3401 to $427 are the processes of t to issue a warning when the value of the element data falls outside of the specific allowable range, and issue a warning recovery when the value returns to within the allowable range. First, the initial value "l" is set to the item number ! indicating the type of element data (3401).Next, in step 5411, the target element data (first time, the first element data) is set. As a result, if the warning flag for the element data is "0"(5411; YES), determine whether the element data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data. In other words, it is determined whether it is within the range of the upper limit threshold 1u or less and the lower limit threshold IL or more, and if it is outside the above allowable range (3413; YES, or $415; YES ), the warning flag F1% and the warning transmission flag for the m element data, respectively.
l'' (5417). This allows pear-shaped processing (
13) is executed, and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, if the warning flag of the target element data is "1" in step 5411 (S411; No),
It is determined whether the value of the element data has returned to the above tolerance range, and if it has returned (S421; YES
, and 5423; YES), the warning flag F1 for the element data is reset to "0", and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1". As a result, pear-shaped processing (Fig. 13) is executed, and for the center,
Alert recovery data is sent. After performing this process until 1 reaches the number of items of element data, in other words, after performing this process for all element data, the process moves to step 5431 and subsequent steps. Steps 8431 to 5445 are the JAM counter and P
This is a process for issuing a warning when the count value (frequency) of the M counter exceeds a specific threshold, and issuing a recovery warning when the count value (frequency) of the M counter returns to below the threshold. First, an initial value "l (value of the final number of element data + 1)" is set to the item number m indicating the type of JAM counter and PM counter (5431). Next, in step 5433, the warning flag for the target JAM counter or PM counter is determined. As a result, if the warning flag for the JAM counter or PM counter is “0”, 8433; YES
), determines whether the value of the counter is within the permissible range specific to the counter, that is, does not exceed the threshold value, and if it does (8435; YES), sets a warning flag for the counter. F and the warning transmission flag to “1”,
Set each (3437). As a result, the current collection process (FIG. 13) is executed and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, in step 5433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or PM counter is "1"(S433; No), it is determined whether the value of the counter has returned to below the threshold value. , if it returns (S44
1; YES), reset the warning flag F for the counter to "0", and set the warning recovery transmission flag to "1".
". As a result, current collection processing (Fig. 13) is executed and warning recovery data is sent to the center. This processing is continued until m reaches the total number of counter and element data items. In other words, after performing the process for all counters, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, warning transmission and warning recovery transmission are managed. *PM transmission determination (Figure 12) This process , PM transmission is managed. First, the item number l indicating the type of PM counter is set to the initial value "
1” (5501), steps 8503 to 55
After executing the process 11, the value of i is incremented, that is, the type of PM counter is changed, and the above process is repeated. Here, the processing of steps 5503 to 5511 is performed when the PM counter is cleared (S505; YES and 5
507 ; YES), the count value of the PM counter immediately before clearing is saved (S509), and the PM transmission flag is set to "1" (S511). In addition, P
The M counter is cleared by a service person when replacing the part corresponding to the PM counter. Also, when “PM transmission flag = 1” is set, the current collection process (
13) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part, count value immediately before replacement) is transmitted to the center. *Pear-shaped processing (Fig. 13) In this processing, the center is called in response to "any call flag - 1", and data corresponding to the call flag is transmitted. If any call flag is set to “1” (
S601; YES), not in redial standby (S601; YES)
603; No), the line with the center is not connected (S605; No), and the modem 52 is not on standby after being instructed to send an off-hook signal and selection signal (S607; No). A command is given to send an off-footer signal and a selection signal (5609). In addition, if the result of the process in step 5609 is that the telephone 53 is in one call and therefore cannot send an off-hook signal and selection signal (5611; YES), the process in step 5609 is performed again after a certain period of time. Set the redial time (the time after the above certain period of time) to execute it (36
13). As a result, the determination in step 3603 becomes "YES" until the redial time, and therefore,
The process of 5609 above is not executed. In addition, when the above redial time comes, 3603;No-5605;NO-
3607 and NO-3609, the modem 52 is again instructed to send an off-footer signal and a selection signal. In addition, as a result of the selection signal being sent from the modem 52 to the telephone line network in accordance with the process in step 5609, the center side modem 72 is in one call (even though the connection with the modem 72 is established, the
(including the case where there is no response from the PU 91)" (S615, YES), the redial time is set in the same manner as above (5617), and after a predetermined time, the process in step 5609 is executed again. do. On the other hand, as a result of the selection signal being sent from the modem 52 to the telephone line network in accordance with the process in step 5609, when the line with the center side modem 72 is connected (5605; YES)
, after waiting for modem 52 to be ready (5621, YES
), send the data to the center (S 62
5). The data to be transmitted is the data defined by the origination flag set to "1". In this way, when all data is transmitted (S623; Y
ES), resets the transmission flag to "0" (S627), sends an on-footer signal to the network, and disconnects the line with the center modem 72 (S62).
9). Pear-shaped processing is performed as described above, data is transmitted to the center, and data is received from the center as necessary. Processing at the center> Next, the computer 90 installed in the center
The processing in the PU 91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16. (a) Fl-F7 key processing (Fig. 14) The CPU 91
Processing starts when the power is turned on. First, the modem,
The environment settings for the printer, etc. are executed (561). after that,
Depending on each key input operation of F1 to F7, the following mode is set or the following process is executed. - F1 key operation (S63; YES) Sets the reception mode for model registration (365). That is, new registrations such as model name, number of element data items, name of each element data, standard threshold value of each element data, standard threshold value of each counter, etc. are accepted. - F2 key operation (S67; YES) Sets the user master registration reception mode (S69). That is, new registrations such as user name, address, phone number, model name, and scheduled call date and time are accepted. Also, DTID
automatically set. - F3 key operation (S71; YES) Displays the trouble status (373). That is, the user information (user name, address, telephone number, 9 model names) of the copying machine to which the trouble was reported, the date and time of occurrence, etc. are displayed on the display 92 together with the details of the trouble. Incidentally, regardless of the operation of the F3 key, the number of troubles is always displayed at the corner of the display 92. - F4 key operation (575; YES) Displays the warning status (S77). That is, the user information of the copying machine for which the warning was issued is displayed on the display 92 together with the content of the warning. Note that the number of warnings is always displayed at the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F4 key. - F5 key operation (S79; YES) Displays the unreceived status (381). That is, the user information of a copying machine that does not make a scheduled call even after a predetermined scheduled call time is displayed on the display 92. Note that the number of unreceived messages is always displayed at the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F4 key. - F6 key operation (383; YES) Enters user data display mode (S85). That is, when a user is selected, user information is displayed on the display 92. Also, when you select a submenu, various counters (total counter, paper size counter, jAM counter, trouble counter,
The count value of PM counter) and element data are displayed by month or by item. - F7 key operation (S87; YES) Print out the bill (389). For example, the billing amount is calculated based on the count value of the total counter and a predetermined calculation formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print out the bill. (b) Interrupt processing (Figs. 15 and 16) The CPU 91
Receive data sent from DT by interrupt processing,
Further, the received data is subjected to predetermined processing (591).
. First, when an interrupt occurs from the DT side, the DT ID and transmission data are received (S901). Note that if a communication error occurs (S903; Y
ES) requests the DT side to retransmit the DTID and transmission data (S905). Also, if the communication ends normally (S907.YES),
After the line is disconnected (3909>), aggregation is performed for each item and for each month, and data for screen display according to operator selection is created (S911).

【Effect of the invention】

As described above, the present invention provides trouble detection means, recovery state detection means for the trouble, means for setting trouble data and recovery data as transmission data, and communication control for calling a central management device in response to trouble detection and recovery state detection. and means for prohibiting a call by the communication control means when the same trouble is detected after the trouble is detected and before the recovery state is detected. According to the present invention, if another operator operates the copier without knowing that the copier is in trouble,
Alternatively, even if the same trouble is detected when a serviceman or user is repairing the copying machine, the information will not be sent to the center. That is, it is possible to prevent unnecessary transmissions, and therefore, it is also possible to prevent the line from being occupied by such unnecessary transmissions. Furthermore, the management center side also has the advantage of being able to open communication lines to other copying machines.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system in which the embodiment device is used, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the system, and Fig. 31! l is an explanatory diagram of the operation switch of the embodiment device;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine to which the embodiment device is connected, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of data sent from the copying machine to the embodiment device, and FIG. 6 is the control of the copying machine. It is a flowchart which shows processing by CPU. Figures 7 to 1 are flowcharts showing the processing by the control CPU of the embodiment device, in which Figure 7 is the main routine, Figure 8 is the initial setting processing subroutine, and Figure 9 is element data reception/data processing. FIG. 10 shows the trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 11 shows the warning call determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows the PM call determination subroutine, and FIG. 13 shows the pear-shaped processing subroutine. FIGS. 14 to 16 are flowcharts showing the processing in the control CPU of the center computer connected to the embodiment device via a network.
The figure shows the main part of the main routine, Figure 15 shows the interrupt processing,
FIG. 6 shows details of the interrupt processing. 1...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy machine, 90
...Center combination coater. 11... DT CPU, 41... Copy machine CPU, 91
...Centre CPU. DIP-3WI~DIP-3W4... Date switch, 21... Bush switch. 53... DT side telephone, 73... Center side telephone.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A copying machine management device that is connected to a copying machine, calls a central management device of a management center under predetermined conditions, and transmits copying machine management data to the central management device. , a means for detecting a trouble in the copying machine, a means for detecting a recovery state of the trouble, data indicating the trouble, and data indicating a recovery state of the trouble,
A transmission data management means for setting the above-mentioned management data in accordance with each detection; a communication control means for calling the above-mentioned central management device in accordance with the detection of a trouble and the detection of a recovery state of the trouble; A copying machine management device comprising means for prohibiting a call by a communication control means if the same trouble is detected after detection and before detection of a recovery state of the trouble.