JPH0447747A - Copying machine management equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a damage of a copying machine caused by a trouble left uncured by displaying a prescribed message onto display means when the connection to a central management equipment is not made regardless of the transmission of a call command signal. CONSTITUTION:When a prescribed dialing condition (condition requested in the case of calling a management center) is satisfied due to occurrence of a fault, a dial control means 11 gives a command of calling a communication terminal equipment at a management center side to the communication terminal equipment via an interface means. When the connection to a central management equipment 91 in the management center is not made for, e.g., a prescribed time regardless of the command, a prescribed message is displayed. Thus, the attention to the user is raised and the user can take a required countermeasure.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device for transmitting copying machine management data to a central management device of a management center.

[Conventional technology]

(1) A method has been proposed in which management data for multiple copying machines is sent to a single central processing unit and processed in batches by the central processing unit (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54032/1983). . (2) A system has been proposed that centrally manages each copying machine by transmitting management data for multiple copying machines to a single central control unit via the terminal device of each copying machine for processing. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522). (3) A system equivalent to the above has been proposed in which communication with the central control unit is carried out via a communication line network such as a public telephone line.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a system in which management data for a plurality of copying machines is centrally managed by transmitting the management data of a plurality of copying machines to a central management device of a management center via a communication line network, there are cases where connection with the central management device cannot be established. For example, (1) calls from multiple copying machine management devices are duplicated and the communication line (communication terminal device) on the management center side is occupied, or (2)
) If an abnormality has occurred somewhere in the line connecting the copying machine management device and the central management device (e.g., the communication terminal device 1 communication line network on the copying machine management device side, the communication terminal device on the central management device side, etc.) , or (3) when an abnormality occurs in the copying machine management device, or (4) when an abnormality occurs in the central management device. In the case of (1), by repeating the redial process (calling the management center again at a time set based on a predetermined rule), a connection with the center will eventually be established and the necessary processing is also possible. However, as in cases (2) to (4), if connection with the management center cannot be established due to some abnormality,
If this continues, it will not be possible to connect to the management center and the necessary processing will not be performed. Necessary processing is, for example, processing for repairing trouble when a trouble occurs in the copying machine. However, the user mistakenly believes that the data necessary for managing the copying machine is automatically sent to the management center, and acts based on this misconception. Therefore, if a problem occurs, for example, if the problem is left unaddressed, the copying machine may be seriously damaged. The present invention aims to solve the above problems.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention is a device that calls a central control device of a control center via a communication line network and transmits management data for a copying machine, and the device includes a display device, an interface device with a communication terminal device, and a predetermined transmission condition. call control means for sending a predetermined call command signal to the interface means in order to send a signal for calling the communication terminal device on the management center side to the communication line network in response to the transmission of the call command signal; The apparatus also includes display control means for displaying a predetermined message on the display means when the apparatus is not connected to the apparatus. The display means may be installed on the side of the copying machine to which the present copying machine management device is connected. In that case, a display command signal will be output to the interface means with the copying machine. Further, as the predetermined message, different messages may be prepared depending on the reason why the connection with the central management device is not established.

[Effect]

When predetermined call conditions (conditions required for calling the management center) are met due to the occurrence of a trouble, the call control means sends a call to the communication terminal device on the management center side via the interface means. Command a call. For example, if a connection with the central management device of the management center is not established within a predetermined time despite the instruction, a predetermined message is displayed. This alerts the user and allows him or her to take necessary action. In addition, cases where connection with the central management device cannot be established include when there is a problem with the communication terminal device or its peripheral equipment on the user side, when there is a problem with the communication line network, and when there is a problem with the communication terminal device or peripheral device on the user side. It is assumed that there is a problem with the peripheral device, and it is possible to determine at what stage the problem occurs, as described in the embodiment.

【Example】

The present invention will be explained in detail below. [1] Overall configuration of the system First, the schematic configuration of this system will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, this system consists of a large number of user-side devices (one set of user-side devices is shown in the figure), a center-side device that is the administrator, and a communication line that connects these devices. It consists of a net. Here, on the user side, a copying machine 4, a DT (data terminal) 1, a modem 52 which also functions as a communication terminal device, and a telephone 53 which is a communication device are installed. The data terminal 1 is a device that receives various information from the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing on it, and transmits the information to a convenience store on the center side. On the other hand, on the center side, a modem 72 that also functions as a communication terminal device, a computer (main body 90, display 92, keyboard 93, printer 94), and a telephone 73 as a communication device are installed, and a communication line network is installed. Data for copying machine management is created based on data received via a telephone line network (for example, a telephone line network), and necessary actions are taken. Next, each device will be described. Copying Machine 4> This is a device that forms a copy image on a sheet of paper by scanning an original image. The copying machine 4 uses various element data that affect the image forming process (paper transport time, surface potential of the photoreceptor drum, toner concentration in the developer, exposure amount of the photoreceptor drum, development bias voltage, The amount of attached toner, the grid voltage of the charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and after being taken into the CPU 41 and processed, it is sent to the CPU II of the data terminal 1 via the serial I/F 43 and serial I/F 13. do. In addition,
The various element data described above will be abstractly expressed as element data X+ (1=1 to the number of items in the element data) in the form of - in the explanation of control to be described later. The copying machine 4 also has counters (talk counters indicating the number of paper ejections,
(counter by paper size that shows the number of times each paper size has been used)
, counters that serve as a guideline for maintenance (J
Each count value (JAM counter for each location indicating the number of AMs, trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles for each 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 transmitted to the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 via F12. Note that the PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times each component is used, and the count value is used as a guideline for when to replace the component. The copying machine 4 also has various key switches (for instructing the start of copying operation) on the operation panel (Fig. 4).
PR) key 46. Numeric keypad group 47 for numerical input. clear key 48 for instructing clearing of input data, etc.), various switch groups other than the operation panel (for example, trouble reset switch 49 for instructing trouble reset)
) in response to a signal from the data terminal 1, performs a predetermined operation or sets a mode, etc., and, if necessary, sends the corresponding signal to the data terminal 1 via the serial I/F 42 and serial I/F 12. Send to CPU II. In addition,
The transmission data also includes the numerical data being displayed on the display section 45. Furthermore, based on a predetermined message command signal transmitted from the data terminal 1, the copying machine 4 displays a predetermined message such as "Please call the service center" on the message display section 44 of the operation panel 40. Note that the message command signal will be described in detail later. Data terminal 1> When the data from the copying machine 4 is taken in and processed, and a predetermined transmission condition (condition for the transmission flag to be set to "1": see the control description section described later for details) is met, the modem 52
, connect the communication line with the center side, and transmit the copying machine management data (element data, count data, etc.)
This is a device that transmits the information to the center side. In addition, if the connection with the center side CPU 91 is not established despite the activation command to the modem 52, etc.
As will be described later, a predetermined message command signal is sent to the copying machine 4 to display a predetermined message on the operation panel 40. This prompts the user to take action. As shown in Figure 2, the control CP of this data terminal 1
The UII is connected to a ROM 14 storing a control program, a nonvolatile memory 16 for storing selection number data (described later), etc., a battery-backed work system RAM 15, and a clock IC 17 that is also battery-backed. There is. The CPU II transmits data transmitted from the copying machine 4 to the serial I/F 12 or the serial I/F l.
3, and execute the processing described below. Thereby, the above-mentioned function is realized. Note that FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the data structure of the paper ejection code, JAM code, and trouble code, which are data input manually via the serial I/F 12. That is, the paper ejection code is via) b. It is expressed as the falling eno/,
JAM code beep) b7=1. It is expressed as b6 =0. Also, the trouble code is bit j) + = 1
It is expressed as be =1. The CPU II also executes predetermined operations, mode settings, etc. in response to manual input of the operation switch. Here, as the operation switches, four deep inches DIP-3W1 to DIP-3W4 and a punch switch 21 are installed as shown in FIG. DIP-3W4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP-3WI is the center selection number (telephone number) manual mode, and DIP-SW2 is the data terminal 1 identification ID number (DT ID).
DIP SW 3 is a switch for setting the manual mode of the ID number for center identification (center 1D). The bushing switch 21 is a switch for instructing initial setting transmission (see 5145 in FIG. 8). The CPU 11 is also connected to a modem 52, which is a communication terminal device, via a communication interface (R3232CI/F) 18 on the CPU II side and a communication interface (R5232CI/F) 51 on the modem 52 side. That is, by sending an off-footer signal and a center selection number signal from the modem 52 to the communication line through these devices, the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected, and communication with the center computer is performed. It is configured to obtain. The contents of the data (data for copying machine management) transmitted from the data terminal 1 to the center side are determined by the type of the transmission flag set to "1", as will be described in detail later. Center-side device> A computer device configured to be connected to a large number of data terminals via a communication line network. This device manages each copying machine connected to each data terminal. Immediately, data sent from the data terminal 1 side to the modem 72 via the communication line network is sent to the communication interface (R3232CI/F) on the modem 52 side and the communication interface (R3232CI/F) on the computer side.
98, the data is sequentially input to the CPU 91 manually. CPU
91 processes the data (the element data, count data, etc.) to create management data for the copying machine 4 connected to the data terminal 1. Furthermore, based on the management data, an invoice is printed out, instructions are given as to whether or not to dispatch a service person, and parts to be prepared at the time of dispatch are selected. It should be noted that after the reception of the data transmitted from the boot terminal side is completed, data is transmitted from the CPU 91 side to the data terminal 1 side as necessary. [2] Control of the system Next, control of the present system will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 17. Processing on the Copying Machine Side> 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 CPU 41 performs initial settings such as starting processing, clearing the memory, and setting the standard mode when the power is turned on (S41). Thereafter, the processes of steps 343 to S49 are executed. Step S43 includes a group of key switches on the operation panel 40 (numeric keypad group 47 for numerical input, print (PR) key 46 for copy start command, clear key 48 for command to clear the set number, etc.), trouble reset switch 49 This is a process for taking in data from a group of switches such as the above, a group of sensors (not shown) arranged inside the copying machine, and data received from the data terminal 1 side.It is also a process for transmitting count data, etc. to the data terminal 1. Note that the data transmitted from the data terminal 1 side includes, for example, the aforementioned message command signal. Step S44 is a process for causing a display section (message display section 44, etc.) on the operation panel to perform a predetermined display. For example, when the aforementioned mensage command signal is transmitted from the data terminal 1 side, a message such as "Please call the service center" is displayed. Step S47 is a step that collectively shows the processing required during the copying operation. Examples include paper feeding control, scanning control, photoreceptor drum control, and developer control. Step 351 and subsequent steps are processing when a trouble occurs. In other words, if a JAM or other trouble occurs (
S49; YES), data terminal 1 control C
A signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the PUII (351). Also, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (353, Y
ES) In the same way as above, a trouble reset signal is sent to the control CPU II of the data terminal 1 (S55). <Processing on the Data Terminal Side> Next, the processing on the control CPU II of the data terminal will be explained with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 14. (a) Main Routine First, an outline of the processing will be explained based on the main routine shown in FIG. The control CPU II starts processing when the power is turned on, executes initial setting processing (Si2) as necessary, and then transmits a copy permission signal to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (S15). After that, steps 317 to S3
The process moves to repeat loop processing of step 1. In each subroutine step, the following processing is generally performed. *Initial setting: 813 When turning on the power, dip switch DIP-S
When W4 is on, that is, when it is the initial setting moto (311; YES), it is executed. As described below, the center selection (telephone) number, data terminal I
Sets the +D number (center ID) of the D number (DT I D>center) and makes an initial setting call. *Count data reception: 817 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control CPU 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 data terminal updates and holds these data to the latest values. *Element data reception/data processing: 819 As will be described later, data corresponding to the average value and standard deviation of each element data is sequentially 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 side. * Scheduled transmission determination: 823 At the predetermined scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to 1, and various count dates and various element data are transmitted to the center. In addition, after the scheduled transmission is completed, the center will
The next scheduled call time data, current time data, and bill closing date data are returned. *Warning generation determination: 825 As described later, the element data, the count value of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are each compared with a predetermined threshold value. Also, based on the results, it is determined whether or not warning data and warning recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. *Manual call determination: 827 When the push switch 21 is turned on when the mode is not the initial setting mode, the manual call flag is set to 1. As a result, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. *PM transmission judgment: S29 As described later, the count value is changed by replacing parts.
” The count value of the PM counter before clearing is sent to the center. *Call processing: 331 As described later, when any call flag is set to 1, Make the device call. Further, after the communication line is connected, data communication is executed. If there is no response to the calling command, a predetermined message is displayed on the message display section 44 of the operation panel of the copying machine. (b) Subroutine Next, the details of each subroutine step are shown in Figures 8 to 1.
This will be explained in order based on FIG. *Initial setting process (Fig. 8) This process is performed when the dip switch D is turned on when the power is turned on.
When IP-3W4 is turned on (Sl 1 ; YE
S) is executed. In this process, the initial settings of the center selection number, data terminal ID number (DTID), and center ID number (center ID) are accepted, and the initial settings are sent. First, initialize the memory 15 (5101), then 3
Dip switches DIP-3WI to DIP-3W3
Wait for the switch to turn on. When DIP-3WI is turned on (SILL; YES),
The selected number (phone number) becomes manual mode. That is, input is made using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine, and the first
The numerical value displayed in the digit is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as center selection number data in response to the manual operation of the print key 46 (3113; YES) (S115). Note that the selection number input mode is canceled by D) turning off the IP-3WI (S117). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W2 (Sl 21
; YES), the manual mode of the DTID is set, and the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is changed to the print key 46.
In response to the human effort (8123; YES), the data is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as DTID data (S125
). In addition, the DTID manual mode uses the DIP-SW
It is canceled by turning off step 2 (S127). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W3 (S131;
YES), the center ID manual mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is pressed manually (S133; YES), the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is changed to
D data is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 (S1
35). In addition, center ID manual mode is DTP-5
It is canceled by turning off W3 (S137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (S
141 ; YES), the button switch 21 is enabled, and when the punch switch 21 is pressed (314
3; YES), an initial setting call is made to the center (5145). In other words, after the line is connected to the center side, the center CPU 9
1, the above two types of ID data are transmitted. When the transmission is completed, the CPU 91 of the center transmits data (count data closing date, next scheduled transmission time,
current time, warning determination threshold). Note that 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 button switch 21.
Wait for the switch to turn on again. If the process is performed normally (S147; YES), the process returns to the main routine and processes from step 515 onwards are executed. *Receiving element data, etc. (Figure 9) In this subroutine step, a threshold value (warning transmission judgment; first
Data for comparison with (see Figure 1) is calculated. First, element data group X1. which is transmitted from the copying machine each time copy paper is ejected. J from the serial I/F 13 (3, 201). Here, the subscript ] represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript J represents the order within each item. Next, after assigning the initial value 1 to item number 1 (S203)
, for each item, maximum value x1MAX, minimum value x111
1N% and sum Xik are updated sequentially (3205 to 3
217). After that, the subscript J is incremented (S219),]
If is 4 or less, return to the main routine. In this way, steps 5201 to 5217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES).
, after resetting the subscript j to 1 (8223), assign the initial value 1 to the item number l (5225), and calculate the difference R1k between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average value Xlk of the four data for each item. , respectively calculate (3227 to 5233
). Note that step 5229 is the next step 820.
This is a step of providing initial values of the maximum value x, MAXx, and minimum value X 1) IIN in preparation for the processing in steps 5 to 5211. After the processing in steps 5227 to 5233 above, step 823
7 to 5245 or steps 8247 to 5263 are executed. Steps 5237 to 5245 are the steps 5227 to 523 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of the processes in step 3 has not reached 33 times, and for each item, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value R1
The sum R+suMz and the average value X of the four data
This step is to calculate the sum XI and UM of t++ for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 8247 to 8263 are the steps 5227 to 8263 described above.
This is a process when the cumulative total of 5233 processes is 33 or more, and for each item, the sum of the above differences RIk RISLI
This is a step in which M and the sum of the above-mentioned average values xlk and XISLIM are calculated for the latest 32 data, and the respective average values T1F are calculated. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value F of the latest 128 (=4×32) pieces of data is calculated.
, and the average value of the deviations (a value corresponding to the standard deviation) R1. *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 = 0'' (S301
- When a trouble code from the copying machine is detected (S303; YES), the trouble flag and trouble call flag are set to "1n" (S3
05). Also, in the state of Patre pull flag = 1''(S301;
NO), when the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (
5307; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "0", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (S309). This is because paper ejection in a copying machine is an operation that is performed after a trouble has been resolved. Note that the pear-shaped processing (FIG. 13) is executed by setting the trouble transmission flag and the trouble recovery transmission flag, and the trouble data and trouble recovery data are respectively transmitted to the center. *Warning transmission determination (FIG. 11) This process is a subroutine that manages warning transmission and warning recovery transmission. Steps 8401 to 5427 are processes for issuing a warning when the value of element data deviates from the permissible range specific to the element data, and issuing a warning recovery when the value returns to within the permissible range. be. First, an initial value "1" is set to the item number l indicating the type of element data (S401). Next, in step 5411, a warning flag for the target element data (first element data for the first time) is determined. As a result, if the warning flag for the element data is "0"(S411; YES), whether or not the element data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data, in other words, the upper limit Threshold 0. Below, it is determined whether or not it is within the range of the lower limit threshold 1L or more, and if it is outside the above-mentioned allowable range (3413; YES or 5415・YES), the warning flag F1 for the element data, and warning transmission flag, respectively.
1" (S417). This results in pear-shaped processing (
13) is executed, and warning data is sent to the center. On the other hand, in step 5411, if the warning flag of the target element data is 1''(S411; NO), it is determined whether the value of the element data has returned to the above-mentioned allowable range, and if it has returned, (S421; YES,
And, 3423; 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, the pear-shaped processing (Fig. 13) is executed. To 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 3431 and subsequent steps. Steps 5431 to 5445 are the JAM counter and 2
This is a process for issuing a warning when the count value (@ degrees) of the M counter exceeds a specific darkness value, and issuing a warning recovery when the count value (@ degrees) of the M counter returns to below the darkness value. 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 2M counter (3431). Next, in step 8433, the warning flag for the target JAM counter or 2M counter is determined. As a result, if the warning flag for the JAM counter or 2M counter is 0''(3433; YES)
), it is determined whether the value of the counter is within the permissible range specific to the counter, that is, whether it exceeds the threshold value, and if it is exceeded (S435; YES), a warning flag is set for the counter. F and the warning transmission flag to '1',
Set each (S437). As a result, pear-shaped processing (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 2M counter is "1"(3433;No>, check whether the value of the counter has returned to the dark value or less. If the judgment is made and the return is made (S4
41 ; YES), the warning flag FII for the counter is reset to 0, and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to 1". As a result, the pear-shaped processing (Fig. 13) is executed, and the counter is sent to the center. In response, warning recovery data is transmitted. After this process is performed until m reaches the total number of items of counter and element data, in other words, after it is performed for all counters, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, warning transmission and warning recovery transmission are managed. Pull = PM transmission judgment (Fig. 12) In this process, all PM transmissions are managed. First, item number l indicating the type of PM counter. Set the initial value "1" to 5501), steps 8503 to 5.
After executing the process of 511, the value of 1 is incremented, that is, the type of the 2M counter is changed, and the above process is repeated. Here, the processing of steps 5503 to 5511 above is performed when the 2M counter is cleared (S505; YES and
507; YES), the count value of the 2M counter immediately before clearing is saved (S509), and the PM transmission flag is set to "1" (S511). In addition,
The 2M counter is cleared by a service person when replacing a part corresponding to the 2M counter. Also, when "PM transmission flag = 1" is set, pear-shaped processing (
13) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part, count value immediately before replacement) is transmitted to the center. *Pear-shaped processing (Figures 13 and 14) In this process, the center is called in response to "any call flag = 1", and data corresponding to the call flag is transmitted. That is, if any call flag is set to 1'' (S
601 ; YES), not in redial standby (
5603; NO), the communication line with the center side modem 72 is not connected (S605; No), and the off-footer signal and selection signal are not sent to the communication line (S607; NO). to send an off-hook signal and a selection signal to the communication line (5609). By the process in step 5609, the next step 56
The determination at 07 is "Y E S"°. In this case, if the user's telephone 53 is in a busy state (the communication line is in use) and therefore the modem 52 cannot send an off-hook signal and a selection signal to the communication line (S6
11; YES), the time after the fixed time is set as the redial time (S613). However, step 56
The predetermined time has not elapsed after the processing in step 09 (S6
10; No), and the number of times transmission is disabled due to "one call on the telephone 53" does not exceed a predetermined number (S612;
YES) is the condition. Note that after the predetermined time has elapsed (S610; YES) or after the predetermined number of times has been exceeded (3612; NO), step 5631, which will be described later, is performed.
Proceed to. Furthermore, through the process in step 5613,
Until the redial time comes, the determination in step 5603 becomes "'YES"', and the calling process of the center side modem 72 is not executed. In addition, when the redial time comes, 5603;No-3605;N○→560
7, NO-+3609 again instructs the modem 52 to send an off-hook signal and a selection signal to the communication line. Also, by the process of step 5609, the modem 52
If it is determined that the modem 72 on the center side is busy (the communication line on the center side is occupied) as a result of sending off-hook signals and selection signals to the communication line from Redial time processing (14th
(Figure; described later) is executed (S617). However, the condition is that the number of times the center side modem 72 is unable to connect due to busy j is within a predetermined number of times (S616; YES). Note that if the number of connection failures exceeds the predetermined number (S616; NO), step 563, which will be described later, is performed.
Go to 1. In addition, the above redial time processing (S617)
In step 8603, the process continues until the time set in the process.
The determination in step 5609 is YES, and the process of calling the center modem 72 is not executed. When the time set in this process comes, the center modem 72 is called again. On the other hand, the process of step 5609 is performed. modem 52
An off-footer signal and a selection signal are sent to the communication line, and as a result, when the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected (S605; YES), it waits for a state in which data transmission is possible due to data transmission permission from the center side, When the data is ready for transmission (S621; YES), data is transmitted to the center side (S625). However, the condition is that the transmission becomes possible within a predetermined time (S622; NO). Note that if the state is not ready for transmission within the above-mentioned predetermined time (S622; YBS), step 8631 will be described later.
Proceed to. Furthermore, the data transmitted in step $625 is the data specified by the transmission flag set to l''. In this way, when all the data is transmitted (3623; Y
ES), set the outgoing flag to "o" 562
7), and also causes a line disconnection signal to be sent to the communication line to disconnect the communication line with the center side modem 72 (S
629). Next, steps are performed when connection with the center side cannot be established within a predetermined time or within a predetermined number of times, in other words, when it seems that some kind of failure has occurred regarding communication with the center side. The processing after 8631 will be explained. First, in step 5631, the current call is placed in emergency mode (
For example, it is determined whether or not the call is made during a playback. As a result, if it is in emergency mode (S631; Y
ES), sends the above-mentioned message command signal to the CPU 41 of the copying machine (5633), and, if necessary, disconnects the communication line with the center side (S629). As a result, on the copying machine side, the message display section 44 on the operation panel displays, for example, "Please call the service center" (S44) to call the user's attention. Note that the message may be changed depending on at what stage the connection with the central management device is blocked. Further, the stage at which the connection is blocked may be displayed. For example, in the case of "5622;YES", a message such as "There is an abnormality in the r center side communication terminal ~ computer" is displayed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5631 that the mode is not in emergency mode, the process advances to step 5617 and redial time processing is executed. The redial time processing (S617, FIG. 14) will be explained below. Redial time processing is performed when connection with the center CPU 91 cannot be established (S 616; YES, or
5631; No) to set the re-calling (redial re-calling) time. First, a counter for counting the number of redials (redial count) is counted up (S651). Note that the counter is cleared after the communication line is connected to the center side. Next, the current call is in emergency mode (e.g. Nidorable call)
If it is an emergency call (S
653; YES), redial counter value is a times (=1
0 to 20 times) (S 655
;YES), the time 1 minute from now will be set for the next call (
redial) time (S657). That is,
In the emergency mode, the center is called every minute until the number of redials reaches a. Note that when the number of times of dialing in the emergency mode reaches a number of times (S655; No), a predetermined time of the next day is set as a redial time (S659). If it is not possible to connect to the center despite making a number of calls (possibly due to abnormal line congestion, center-side CPU 91 stopping operation, etc.), the user's communication line is occupied and the telephone 53, etc. is used. This is to ensure that it does not interfere with On the other hand, if it is determined in step 8653 that the mode is not emergency mode (S653; No), the redial counter value is 6.
on the condition that it is less than 3 times (S661; YES),
Set an arbitrary even minute time within 20 minutes from the current time as the next call (redial) time using a random number (S6
63). As a result, even if a large number of data terminals call the center, the redial times of each data terminal are spread out, increasing the possibility of being able to connect to the center. In addition, when the number of Nori dials becomes b times or more in the non-emergency mode (5661; No), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the next Nori dial time (S665). If you cannot connect to the center despite calling the center b times (abnormal communication line congestion, center CPU
This is to prevent the user's communication line from being occupied and hindering the use of the telephone 53 etc. when the telephone 91 stops operating, etc.). 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 CPU installed in the center computer
The processing at 91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. (a) Fl to F7 key processing (Fig. 15) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting the power supply, and first, the modem,
The environment settings for the printer, etc. are executed (561). after that,
Depending on the input operation of each key switch F1 to F7 on the keyboard 93, 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 the model name, the number of element data items, the name of each element data, the standard threshold value of each element data, the standard threshold value of each counter, etc. are accepted. - F2 key operation (367; YES) Sets the user mask 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, model name) of the copy limiter to whom the trouble was reported, the date and time of occurrence, etc. are displayed on the display 92 together with the details of the trouble. Note that the number of troubles is always displayed at the corner of the display 92, regardless of the operation of the F3 key. - F4 key operation (S75; 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 display 92 displays user information of a copying machine that does not make a scheduled call even after a predetermined scheduled call time. 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 (S83; 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,
The count values of various counters (toggle counter, paper size counter, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) of the user copying machine and element data are displayed by month or by item. - F7 key operation (S87; YES) Print out the bill (S89). For example, the billing amount is calculated based on the count value of the trouble counter and a predetermined calculation formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print out the bill. (b) Interrupt processing (Figs. 16 and 17) The CPU 91
Data transmitted from the data terminal is received by interrupt processing, and predetermined processing is performed on the received data (S91). First, when an interrupt occurs from the data terminal side, D
The TID and transmission data are received (S901). Note that if a communication error occurs (S903; Y
ES), on condition that the number of occurrences of the error is less than a predetermined number of times (S913; YES), requests the data terminal side to retransmit the DTID and transmission data (S913; YES).
905). Further, if the number of occurrences of the error exceeds a predetermined number (S913; No), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (S909). On the other hand, if communication with the data terminal ends normally (
S907; YES), after disconnecting the communication line with the data terminal (S909), perform aggregation for each item by February, and create data for screen display according to operator selection (
S911). As described above, the CPU II of the CPU 4 L data terminal of the copying machine and the CPU 91 of the center perform processing to control the present system that connects each user and the center, which is the administrator, through a communication line.

[Effects of the Invention] As described above, the present invention is a device that calls a central management device of a management center via a communication line network and transmits management data for a copying machine, and even though the center side is called, If connection with the central control device on the center side is not established, this device displays a message to that effect. According to the present invention, if connection with the management center side is not possible due to some abnormality, this screen is displayed to call the user's attention. Therefore, it is possible to avoid situations such as leaving problems with the copying machine unnoticed and causing serious damage.

[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, FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation switch of the embodiment device, and FIG.
The figure 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 transmitted from the copying machine to the embodiment device, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the processing of FIG. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing the processing by the control CPU of the embodiment device, in which FIG. 7 is the main routine, FIG. 8 is the initial setting processing subroutine, and FIG. 9 is the element data reception/data processing subroutine. , FIG. 10 shows a trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 11 shows a warning call determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows a PM call determination subroutine, FIG. 13 shows a pear-shaped processing subroutine, and FIG. 14 shows a beam dial time processing subroutine. Figures 15 to 17 show the control CPU of a central computer connected to the embodiment device via a communication line network.
15 is a flow chart showing the main routine, FIG. 16 is an interrupt process, and FIG. 17 is a detailed explanation of the interrupt process. 1...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy a, 90
...Center computer. 11... DT CPU, 41 = Copying machine CPU, 91
...Center IDcPU. 44...Message display section. DIP-8W1~DrP-3w4...Depth inch, 21...Bush switch. 52...DT side modem, 72...Center side modem, 53...DT side telephone, 73...Center side telephone.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A copying machine management device that calls a central management device of a management center via a communication line network and transmits copying machine management data to the central management device, comprising: a display means; and a communication terminal device. and a call control unit that sends a predetermined call command signal to the interface means so as to send a signal for calling the communication terminal device on the management center side to the communication line network when a predetermined call condition is satisfied. and display control means for displaying a predetermined message on a display means when connection with the central control device is not established despite sending a call command signal.