JPH0476561A - Copying machine managing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent the work of maintenance from being too late by altering a threshold for the comparison of data related to an operating condition, according to utilization frequency. CONSTITUTION:The controller decides whether or not the date is updated, whether or not 30 days elapse after setting. In the case where the 30 days elapse after the setting, the number of copies made in the past 30 days is calculated. The controller then selects the threshold according to the number of copies made in the past 30 days. Specifically, with the relationship of 'the pieces of copies in the past 30 days<B pieces of copies', the pieces of copies are in the normal range and it is not necessary to alter the threshold, therefore a threshold 3 is selected. On the other hand, with the relationship of 'B pieces of copies <= the pieces of copies in the past 30 days<A pieces of copies', the pieces of copies is larger than the normal number, therefore a threshold 2 is selected to reduce the permissible range slightly. With the relationship of A pieces of copies <= the pieces of copies in the past 30 days, the pieces of copies are far larger than the normal number, therefore a threshold 1 is selected to reduce the permissible range sufficiently.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device that transmits and receives copying machine management data to and from a central management device.

[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).

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a system that communicates data for copying machine management between a copying machine management device that has a data collection function for copying machines and a central control device in a control center, data that affects the operating status of the copying machine is If the tolerance is exceeded,
A warning is sent to the central control device to that effect, prompting the control center to take appropriate measures as soon as possible. Here, the data that affects the operating state of the copying machine includes, for example, various element data that affects the image forming process (paper transport time, surface potential of the photoreceptor drum, toner concentration in the developer, photoreceptor drum (exposure amount, developing bias voltage, amount of toner adhering to the photoreceptor drum, grid voltage of the charger, etc.) or various counters that serve as a guideline for maintenance (JAM counters for each location that indicate the number of JAMs for each location, These include the count value of a trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles and a PM counter for each component indicating the number of times each component has been used. Incidentally, the permissible ranges (=threshold values that give the permissible ranges) of the various data described above are set assuming standard usage conditions of the copying machine. In other words, even if the control center is prompted to take action when the condition falls outside the permissible range, if the copier continues to be used in its standard state, the period until the control center takes action will be It is set as a value that will not cause any serious problems. Therefore, if the usage conditions of the copier are not standard, for example, if a very large number of copies are being made, the above-mentioned tolerances will not be sufficient, and the control center will have to Risk of damage. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and it is an object of the present invention to change the above-mentioned allowable range depending on the usage state of the copying machine.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention is a copying machine management device that is connected to a copying machine and performs data communication for copying machine management with a central control device of a management center, and transmits various data related to the operating status of the copying machine to the copying machine. A means for determining whether the data is within an acceptable range by comparing the collected data with threshold values set for each data, and when at least one data falls outside the acceptable range for the data. and means for calculating the frequency of use of the copying machine based on the number of copies made by the copying machine. and means for changing the threshold value in the direction of narrowing the threshold value. In the case of the element data, the allowable range is given as a range between an upper limit value and a lower limit value, as described in the examples. Further, in the case of the counter serving as a guideline for maintenance, it is given as a value less than the upper limit value.

[Effect]

If the data related to the operating state of the copying machine falls outside the permissible range of the data, this fact is sent to the central control device and a warning is issued. Further, the above-mentioned allowable range is changed depending on the frequency of use of the copying machine. For example, when a very large amount of copying is performed, the above tolerance range is narrowed. For this reason, warnings to the central control device are issued relatively early, and when it comes to maintaining copiers,
This prevents situations where it is too late.

【Example】

The present invention will be explained in detail below. [1] Overall structure of the system First, the general structure of the 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. Note that the data terminal 1 is a device that receives various information from the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing, and transmits the information to the combination coater 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 unit 90, display 92, keyboard 93, printer 94), and a telephone 73 that is a communication device are installed, and a communication line is installed. Data for copying machine management is created based on data received via a 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 of 1 g, exposure amount of the photoreceptor drum, development bias voltage, on the photoreceptor drum). (toner adhesion amount, charger grid voltage, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and are taken into the CPU 41 and processed, and then sent to the data terminal 1 via the serial I/F 43 and the serial I/F 13. Send on '11. The various element data described above will be abstractly expressed as element data x, (i=l~number of items of element data) in the explanation of control to be described later. In the copying machine 4, there are also counters (total counter indicating the number of times paper is ejected, counters by paper size indicating the number of times each paper size is used) that are the basis of the billed amount from the administrator side.
Counters that serve as a guideline for maintenance (JA for each location)
Each count value (JAM counter for each location indicating the number of times M, trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles for each location, PM counter for each component indicating the number of times each component has been used) is counted, and the serial I/F 42/serial I/F 42 Send to CPUI 1 of data terminal 1 via FI2. 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 commanding 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 commanding clearing of input data, etc.), various switch groups other than the operation panel (for example, trouble reset switch 49 for commanding trouble reset)
) In response to the signals, perform a predetermined operation or set a mode, and if necessary, send the corresponding signals to the data terminal 10 CPU II via the serial I/F 42 and serial I/F 12. Send. In addition,
The transmission data also includes the numerical data being displayed on the display section 45. 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 section on control 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. 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 non-volatile memory 16 storing selection number data (described later), etc., a battery-backed working system RAM 15, and a clock IC 17 which is also battery-backed. ing. The CPU 1 transmits data transmitted from the copying machine 4 to the serial I/F 12 or the serial I/F 13.
and execute the processing described below. 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 via the serial I/F 12. That is, the paper ejection code is represented as the falling edge of p)bo, and the JAM code is represented as p)bw=l, b6=0. Also, the trouble code is bit b7 =
1. It is expressed as b6 = 1. The CPU II also executes predetermined operations, mode settings, etc. in response to inputs from the operation switches. Here, as the above-mentioned operation switches, there are four dip switches DIP-5W1 to DIP-SW4 as shown in FIG.
, and the bush switch 21 are raised. DIP-3W4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, DIP-5WI is the center's selection number (telephone number) input mode, DIP-3W2 is the manual mode of the data terminal 1 identification number (DTID), and DIP-5W3 is the center's ID number for identification. These are switches for setting the manual mode (from the center). In addition, the Pufshini switch 21 is
This is a switch for instructing initial setting transmission (see 3145 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 I side and a communication interface (R3232CI/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 so that you can get it. Note that the content of the data (copier management data) transmitted from the data terminal 1 to the center side is determined by the type of the transmission flag set to "1". for example,
When the warning transmission flag is set to "1", information regarding data outside the selected predetermined tolerance range is transmitted, as will be described 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. That is, 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 72 side and the communication interface (R5232CI/F) on the computer side.
98, the data is sequentially input to the CPU 91 manually. C.P.
U91 processes the data (the element data, count data, etc.) to create management data for the copying machine 4 connected to the data terminal I. Furthermore, based on the management data, a bill is printed out, instructions are given as to whether or not to dispatch a service person, and parts, etc. to be prepared at the time of dispatch are selected. [2'J/Stem's! 11. Next, the control of this system will be explained with reference to FIGS. 6 to 19. 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 starts processing when the power is turned on, and performs initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode (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 commanding to start copying, clear key 48 for command to clear set numbers, etc.), trouble reset switch This process takes in data from a group of switches such as 49, a group of sensors (not shown) arranged inside the copying machine, and data received from the data terminal 1 side.
This is also the process of transmitting count data, element data, etc. 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 551 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 (S51). Further, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (S53
;Y, ES) Similarly to the above, a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CFULL 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 16. (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 (S13) as necessary, and then transmits a copy permission signal to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (515). After that, steps 317 to S3
The process moves to the repeat loop process of step 3. In each subroutine step, the following processing is generally performed. *Initial setting: 813 When turning on the power, the date switch DIP-S
This is executed when W4 is on, that is, when the initial setting mode is set (S 11 ; YES). Center selection (telephone) number, data terminal ID number (DTID), as described below. Set the center ID number (center ID) and make the initial settings call. It also receives threshold data and the like. *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 1 of the data terminal updates and holds these data to the latest values. Furthermore, as will be described later, the total count value at the date change time (for example, midnight) is held in association with each date. *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: 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. In addition, after the scheduled transmission is completed, the center side will
The next scheduled call time data, current time data, and bill cutoff date data are returned. *Warning generation determination: S25 As described later, the element data, the count value of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are compared with respective predetermined threshold values. Also, based on the results, it is determined whether or not warning data and warning recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. Note that the above-mentioned predetermined threshold value is a threshold value selected by a threshold value changing process described later. *Manual transmission determination: 327 When the button switch 21 is turned on when not in 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; 329 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: 831 As described later, when any call flag is set to "1", the communication terminal device on the center side is called. Further, data communication is performed after connection with the CPU 91 on the center side. *Threshold value change processing: 833 As will be described later, a threshold value that provides an acceptable range for various element data and count data is selected according to the number of copies in the past 30 days. (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-SW4 is turned on (S11;
YES). 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 (5 IOI), then 3
Two dip switches DIP-SW1~DI
Wait for P-3W3 to turn on. When DIP-3WI is turned on (S111; YES),
It becomes the manual mode of the selection number (II story number). That is, the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display unit 45 is entered manually using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine, and in response to the input of the print key 46 (511, 3; YES), the non-volatile value is stored as center selection number data. Store in the gender memory 16 (3115)
. Note that the selected number manual mode is canceled by turning off the DIP-3WI (5117). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W2 (Sl 21
: YES), the manual mode of the DTID is set, and the number displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is displayed on the print key 46.
In response to the human effort (S123; YES), the data is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as DTID data (3125
). Further, the DTID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3W2 (S127). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W3 (5131;
YES), the center ID input mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is manually pressed (3133; YES), the number displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is the center ID.
It is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as data (313
5). In addition, center ID manual mode is DIP-3W
3 is released (3137). In this way, when all three types of data settings are completed (S
141 ; YES), the push switch 21 is enabled, and when the push 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, the center's CPU
91, the above two types of ID data are transmitted. Further, when the transmission is completed, the data transmitted from the center CPU 91 (the first regular transmission time on the closing date of the count data, the current time, and the threshold value for warning determination) is received. In addition to the standard value (threshold 3: see threshold change process in FIG. 14) as the threshold for warning determination, there are two thresholds that are changed depending on the number of copies (threshold 2. A threshold 111) is received for each piece of data. Furthermore, the above standard ** is initially selected as the initial value of the threshold value. Further, when the above-mentioned transmission and reception is completed, it is determined whether the communication was performed normally (S147). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S147-;
No), return to step 5111 and press the button switch 2.
Waits for 1 to turn on again. Further, if the process is performed normally (5147; YES), the process returns to the main routine and processes from step 515 onwards are executed. *Reception of count data (FIG. 9) First, various count data transmitted from the copying machine 4 are taken in from the serial I/F 12 (Si20) and stored in the corresponding memory area (S157). Also, at the timing when the date changes (for example, midnight) (3153; YES), the value of the total counter indicating the total number of copies of the copying machine is stored as the total count value of the material for that day in association with the date. (S155)
. *Receiving element data, etc. (FIG. 10) In this subroutine step, data for comparison with a threshold value (warning determination; see FIG. 12) is calculated based on the element data transmitted from the copying machine. First, element data group X1. which is transmitted from the copying machine each time copy paper is ejected. j from the real I/F 13 (S201>. Here, the subscript 1 represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript J represents the order within each item. Next, initialize the item number l. After assigning the value 1 (S203)
, for each item, maximum value xlXAX, minimum value X i
Sequentially update M I N % and sum Xlk (52
05-3217). After that, the subscript J is incremented (S219), and J
If is 4 or less, return to the main routine. In this way, steps 8201 to 5217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES).
, after resetting the subscript j to 1 (8223), assigning the initial value 1 to the item number l (5225), and calculating the difference R1 between the maximum value and minimum value and the average value Xlk of the four data for each item. , calculate each (3227-3233)
. Note that step 5229 is the next step 5205.
This is a step of providing initial values of the maximum value X, -1 and the minimum value X Il, III+ in preparation for the processing in steps 5211 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
This is a step of calculating the sum RISt1M of k and the sum Xl5U)l of the average value Xlk of the four data for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 5247 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 R, w sum R+su
+, and the sum of the above average value X + k, X +5L111, is calculated for the latest 32 data, and
This is a step of calculating respective average values Xi and Ri. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value XI of the latest 128 (=4×32) pieces of data and the average value of the deviation (value equivalent to the standard deviation)
Get Ri. *Trouble call determination (FIG. 11) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble call and trouble recovery call. That is, in the state of "trouble flag = 0"(S301; Y
ES), when a trouble code from the copier is detected (
S303 ; YES) ,) Set the trouble flag and trouble call flag to 1" (5305
). Also, in the state of “trouble flag = 1” (S301; N
o) When the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (5
307; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "O", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (5309). This is because ejecting paper from a copying machine is an operation that is performed after a trouble has been resolved. Note that the current collection process (FIG. 15) 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. 12) 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. Normally, a standard value is set for each element data as a specific allowable range, but if the number of copies in the past 30 days exceeds a predetermined value, a narrower allowable range than usual is set. is set. First, an initial value "1" is set to item number 1 indicating the type of element data (S401). Next, in step 5411, the warning flag for the target element data (for the first time, the first element pig) is determined. As a result, if the warning flag for the element data is "0", ( S411; YES), whether the element data value is within the permissible range specific to the element pig, in other words, whether it is within the range of the upper limit threshold l or less and the lower limit threshold 45 or more. If it is out of the above tolerance range (3413; YES, or
5415 ; YES), set the warning flag FI% and warning transmission flag for the element data as “
1" (5417). This allows the call processing (
15) 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 tolerance range, and if it has returned (3421: YES,
and 5423; YES), reset the warning flag Ft for the element data to "0°,"
Set the warning recovery transmission flag to "l". As a result, pear-shaped processing (Fig. i'15) is executed, and warning recovery data is sent to the center. After performing this process until l 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 (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. Normally, a standard value for each count data is set as the fixed threshold, but if the number of copies in the past 30 days exceeds a predetermined value, a lower threshold than usual is set. selected, the tolerance range is narrower than normal. First, the initial value "l (the value of the final number of the element button + 1)" is set to the item number m indicating the type of the JAM counter and the 2M counter (S431). Next, in step 5433, 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''(S433; YES)
, it is determined whether the value of the counter is within the permissible range specific to the counter, that is, whether it does not exceed the threshold value, and if it is exceeded (S435; YES), a warning flag F for the counter is determined. , and the warning transmission flag are set to "1" (S437). As a result, pear-shaped processing (FIG. 15) 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"(S433; No), it is determined whether the value of the counter has returned to below the threshold value. , if it returns (S44
1; YES), warning flag F for the counter
, is reset to "0°," and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1°." This results in pear-shaped processing (Figure 15).
is executed and alert recovery data is sent to the center. After performing this process until m reaches the total number of items of counter and element data, in other words, after performing this process for all counters, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, warning transmission and warning recovery transmission are managed. *PM call determination (Fig. 13) In this process, PM call is managed. First, the initial value "
1” (5501), steps 8503 to 55
After executing the process No. 11, the value of l 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), saves the count value of the 2M counter immediately before clearing (S509), and sets the PM transmission flag to “1”.
'' (S511). The 2M counter is cleared by a service person when replacing the part corresponding to the 2M counter. Also, the PM transmission flag is set to 1. and pear-shaped processing (
15) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part, count value immediately before replacement) is transmitted to the center. *Threshold value changing process (FIG. 14) In this subroutine, the threshold value of the ladle used in the warning issuing determination is selected from three threshold values. Note that initially, as described above, the standard value (threshold value 3) is selected in the initial setting process. First, it is determined whether the date has been updated, that is, whether it is midnight (5701). If it has been updated (5701; YES), this copying machine management device determines whether 30 days have passed since installation, and
If 0 days have not passed (S703; NO), this subroutine is substantially jumped and the process returns to the main routine. On the other hand, if 30 days have passed since installation (S703; Y
ES), calculate the number of copies in the past 30 days. That is, the total count value of the date 31 days ago is subtracted from the total count value of the previous day's date, and this is substituted into a variable representing the number of copies (C/V) for 30 days (S705
). Next, a threshold value is selected depending on the number of copies made in the past 30 days. In other words, if the number of copies in the past 30 days is 8, then (
5711; NO), the number of copies is within the normal range and there is no need to change the threshold, so threshold 3 is selected (S7
15). Also, if "B ≦ Number of copies in the past 30 days - A" (S 711 ; YES), the number of copies is greater than the standard amount, so threshold 2 is selected (5713) and the allowable range is slightly increased. Narrow down. Also, if "A sheet ≦ the number of copies in the past 30 days" (
5707; YES) Since the number of copies is much larger than the standard amount, threshold value 1 is selected (S709) to sufficiently narrow the allowable range. As described above, a threshold value for determining a warning is selected for each piece of data according to the total number of copies (frequency of use of the copying machine) in the past 30 years. Note that in the above, three threshold values are prepared in advance for each data, and the configuration is such that these can be selected as (II value 1. Threshold 2. Threshold 3), but for example,
Only a standard value may be prepared as the threshold value, and the standard value may be shifted by a predetermined value determined by the data type depending on the frequency of use of the copying machine. *Pear-shaped processing (Figures 15 and 16) 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" (
S601; YES), not in redial standby (5603; No), communication line with center modem 72 not connected (S605; NO), off-hook signal and selection signal not being sent to the communication line On condition that this is the case (5607; NO), the modem 52 is instructed to send an off-footer signal and a selection signal to the communication line (S609). By the process in step 5609, the next step 56
The determination at step 07 is "YES". 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 the off-footer signal and selection signal to the communication line (S611;
If YES), the time after the fixed time is set as the redial time (5613). As a result of the process in step 5613, the determination in step 5603 becomes "YES" and the call process for the center side modem 72 is not executed until the redial time comes. In addition, when the redial time comes, 3603;N○→5605;N○→5607;N○
→5609 commands the modem 52 again to send an off-footer 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 the off-footer signal and selection signal to the communication line from Redial time processing (16th
(Figure; described below) is executed (3617). As a result, the time set in the redial time processing is reached at step 56.
The judgment at 03 is “YES”, and the center side modem 7
The call process 2 is not executed. Note that when the time set in this process comes, the center modem 72 is called again. On the other hand, as a result of the process in step 5609, the modem 52
An off-footer signal and a selection signal are sent to the communication line from the center side, and as a result, when the communication line with the center side modem 72 is connected (5605; 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). The data transmitted in step 5625 is defined by the transmission flag set to "1". For example, the warning transmission flag is “1”
If set to , information about data outside the acceptable range is sent. In this way, when all data is transmitted (S623; Y
ES), reset the outgoing flag to “0”5627)
, 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 (562
9). Next, redial time processing (5617, Fig. 1ε) will be explained. The redial time process is a process for setting a redial (re-call) time when connection with the center side CPU 91 cannot be established (5615; YES). First, a counter for counting the number of redials (redial counter) is counted up (S651). Note that the counter is cleared after the communication line is connected to the center side. Next, it is determined whether the current call is in an emergency mode (for example, trouble call). As a result, if it is in emergency mode (S653; YES),
On the condition that the redial counter value is less than a times (=about 10 to 20 times) (5655; YES), the time one minute from now is set as the next calling (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 the 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 CPL'91 operation stoppage, etc.), the user's communication line is occupied and the telephone 5
This is to ensure that the use of the third grade is not hindered. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 5653 that the mode is not in emergency mode (3653; No), the condition is that the IJ dial counter value is less than 5 times (S661; YES).
, Set any even minute time within 20 minutes from the current time as the next call (redial) time using a random number (
5663). As a result, even if a large number of data terminals are calling the center, the dialing times of each data terminal are scattered, increasing the possibility of being able to connect to the center. In addition, if the number of Nori dials becomes b times or more in the non-emergency mode (S661; 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 side
This is to prevent the communication line on the user side from being occupied and hindering the use of the telephone 53 etc. when the PU 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
91 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 17 to 19. (a) Fl-F7 key processing (Fig. 17) The CPU 91
Processing is started by connecting the power supply, and first, environment settings for the modem, printer, etc. are executed (36.1). 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. - Fl 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 and non-standard threshold value of each element data, the standard threshold value and non-standard threshold value of each counter, etc. are accepted. - F2 key operation ('S67; YES) Sets the user mask registration reception mode (S69). That is, new registrations such as user name, address, telephone number 1 model name 9 machine number, scheduled call date and time, etc. 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 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. 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 contents 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 - Damage (S79: Y, ES) Display the unreceived status (581). 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 (5.85). 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 (total counter, paper size counter, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) and element data of the user copying machine are displayed by month or by item. - F7 key operation (S87; YES) Print out the bill (S89). For example, the billed 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. 18 and 19) 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 interruption occurs due to an incoming call from the communication line, D
Receive TID and transmission data from the data terminal side (5901). Note that if a communication error occurs (S903; Y
ES), on the condition that the number of occurrences of the error is less than a predetermined number (S913; YES), requests the data terminal side to retransmit the DTID and transmission data (3).
905). If the number of times the error has occurred exceeds a predetermined number (3913; 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), aggregation is performed for each item and month, and data for screen display according to operator selection is created (S911). As described above, processing is performed by the CPU 4 of the copying machine, the CPU 11 of the L data terminal, and the CPU 91 of the center, and the main system that connects each user and the center, which is the administrator, through a communication line is controlled.

【Effect of the invention】

As described above, the present invention is a copying machine management device that sends a warning to a central management device when data related to the operating state of the copying machine falls outside of a permissible range, and sets a threshold value that provides the above-mentioned permissible range. is changed depending on the frequency of use of the copying machine. According to the present invention, for example, when the frequency of use is high,
Since the permissible range is narrowed, a warning can be issued earlier and serious troubles to the copying machine can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the 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 16 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, FIG. 9 is the count data reception processing subroutine, and FIG. 10 shows the element data reception/data processing subroutine, FIG. 11 shows the trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows the warning call determination subroutine, FIG. 13 shows the PM call determination subroutine, FIG. 14 shows the threshold value change processing subroutine, and FIG. 15 is the current collection processing subroutine, the 16th
Each figure shows the dial time processing subroutine. 17 to 19 are flowcharts showing the processing in the control CPU of the center computer connected to the embodiment device via the communication line network, with FIG. 17 showing the main part of the main routine, and FIG. Interrupt Processing FIG. 19 shows details of the interrupt processing. ■...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy machine, 9
0...Center combination coater 11...DT CPL! , 41... CP of the copying machine, 9
1. Center CPU. DIP-3WI~DIP-SW4...Dip switch, 21...Bunyu switch 52...DT side modem, 72...Center side modem, 5
3... DT side telephone, 73... Center side telephone.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A copying machine management device that is connected to a copying machine and performs data communication for copying machine management with a central management device of a management center, the device comprising: means for collecting data from the copying machine and comparing the data with threshold values set for each data to determine whether or not the data is within an acceptable range; A transmission management means that sends a notification to the central control device when the frequency is out of range, a means for calculating the frequency of use of the copying machine based on the number of copies made by the copying machine, and an acceptable range if the frequency of use is low. means for changing the threshold value in the direction of widening the permissible range, or in the direction of narrowing the permissible range when the frequency of use is high.