JPH0486832A - Copying machine controller and control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To increase the possibility of connection with a control center by deciding emergency unless a connection with a 1st communication terminal equipment is made, calling a control center with select number data on a 2nd communication terminal equipment, and calling the 2nd communication terminal equipment and sending data. CONSTITUTION:When specific transmission conditions are satisfied, a signal for calling the 1st communication terminal equipment of the control center is sent out to a communication channel. When it is made evident that the communication channel of the 1st communication terminal equipment is occupied (busy), the emergency of specific transmission conditions is decided. Consequently, when the emergency is high, a signal for calling the 2nd communication terminal equipment is sent out to the communication channel. Further, data corresponding to the transmission conditions (e.g. data indicating the occurrence of trouble) is sent after the connection. Consequently, the possibility of the connection with the control center in emergency is increased. Consequently, the danger of serious trouble due to the delay of handling by the control center is reduced.

Description

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

The present invention relates to a copying machine management device and a management system that performs data communication for copying machine management with a management center via a communication line.

[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 device for processing via the terminal device of each copying machine. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 54-44522). (3) A system equivalent to the above, in which communication with the central control unit is carried out via a communication line network such as a public telephone line, has been proposed.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a system that centrally manages a large number of copying machines (more precisely, copying machine management devices connected to each copying machine) via communication lines, calls from each copying machine management device (to the management center) are It may occur repeatedly. This is because data communication between the copying machine management device and the management center is performed not only at predetermined times allocated to each copying machine management device, but also, for example, when a trouble occurs. Note that if there are duplicate calls, the communication line on the management center side will be occupied by the previous call. Therefore, subsequent calls cannot connect to the management center and cannot send data. Therefore, if the call to the management center is caused by the originator of the trouble, the management center may be delayed in responding to the trouble, which may lead to serious damage to the copying machine. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to increase the possibility of connection to a management center.

[Means to solve the problem]

The first invention is connected to a copying machine and calls a communication terminal device of a management center via a communication line, and performs data communication for copying machine management with a central management device connected to the communication terminal device. The copying machine management device is a copying machine management device that performs the following operations, and includes a storage means for storing selection number data for calling the first and second communication terminal devices of the management center, and a copying machine management device for calling the first and second communication terminals of the management center. If a connection is not established between a call control unit that causes a call to a management center based on the selection number data of the device and a first communication terminal device despite the call to the control center, the urgency of the predetermined call condition is determined. However, if the urgency is high, the emergency call management means calls the control center using the selection number data of the second communication terminal device, and after the connection with the communication terminal device of the control center, the above-mentioned predetermined call conditions are met. and transmission data management means for transmitting corresponding data. The second invention is a copying machine management system comprising a copying machine management device having a data collection function for copying machines, and a management center that manages a large number of copying machine management devices via a communication line. comprises a first communication terminal device, a central management device connected to the first communication terminal device, and a second communication terminal device;
The copying machine management device stores the selection number data of the first communication terminal device and the second communication terminal device, and the copying machine management device stores selection number data of the first communication terminal device and the second communication terminal device. If the communication terminal cannot be connected to the first communication terminal device, the second communication terminal device
The system calls the communication terminal device and causes it to transmit data corresponding to the calling conditions. In the above, the data sent to the second communication terminal device is
The data sent to the first communication terminal device may be in the same format (data for processing in the central management device), or may be in a different format (for example, voice message data for telephones, image message data for facsimile, etc.) But that's fine. Further, the case where the call condition is highly urgent is, for example, the case where a trouble occurs.

[Effect]

When a predetermined call condition is satisfied, first, a signal for calling the first communication terminal device of the management center is sent to the communication line. Furthermore, when it is determined that the communication line of the first communication terminal device is occupied (busy), the urgency of the predetermined call condition is determined. As a result, if the emergency is determined to be high, a signal for calling the second communication terminal device is sent to the communication line. Further, after the connection, data corresponding to the above-mentioned transmission conditions (for example, data indicating the occurrence of a trouble) is transmitted.

【Example】

An example of this invention will be described 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 includes a large number of user-side devices (one set of user-side devices is shown in the figure) and two sets of center devices (center A device and center B device).
and a communication line (telephone line) network that connects them. On the user side, there are 4 copy machines and 1 DT (data terminal).
, 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 on it, and transmits it to the center side. On the other hand, on the center side, there is a center A device and a center B device.
Two sets of devices are installed, each including modems 72a and 72b, which also function as communication terminal devices, and a computer (main unit 90a, 90b1 display 92a-).
92bz keyboard 93a, 93b, printer 94a,
94b), and telephones 73a and 73b which are communication devices. Note that the communication lines of the center A device and the center B device are each independent. 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 has various element data that affect the image forming process, including the paper transport time required (1 g), the surface potential of the photo drum, the toner concentration in the developer, the exposure amount of the photo conductor drum, the developing bias voltage, and the amount of light on the photo conductor drum. (toner adhesion amount, charger grid voltage, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), are taken into the CPU 41 and processed, and then 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 xr (i=1 to the number of items of element data) in the explanation of control to be described later. The copying machine 4 also has 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 amount billed by the administrator.
Counters that serve as a guide for maintenance (by location)
, JAM counter for each location indicating the number of troubles at each location, trouble counter for each location indicating the number of troubles at each location, and 2M counter for each component indicating the number of times each component was used), and I/F12
to the CPU II of data terminal 1. 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 471 for numerical input, clear key 48 for instructing clearing of manual data, etc.), various switch groups other than the operation panel (for example, trouble reset switch 49 for instructing trouble reset)
) In response to the signal, perform a predetermined operation or set a mode, and if necessary, send the corresponding signal to the data terminal via the real I/F 42 and real I/F 12. Send to CPU II of 1. 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 (conditions for setting the transmission flag to "1", please refer to the control explanation section described later for details) is met, the modem 52
This is a device that starts up a communication line with the center A device, and transmits various management data (element data 1 count data, etc.) for the copying machine. In addition, center A
If the communication line with Soshin cannot be connected and the urgency is 01, the modem 52 is activated to connect the communication line with the center B device. As shown in Figure 2, the control 1l of this data terminal 1
The cPU 11 is a ROM in which a control program is stored.
14, a nonvolatile memory 16 for storing selection number data (described later) of the center A device and center E device, etc., a battery-backed work/stem RAM 15, which is also battery-backed. It is connected to the clock IC17. The CPU II receives data transmitted from the copying machine 4 from the /real I/F 12 or the real I/F 13, and executes various processes 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 printer +/F12. That is, the paper ejection code is pit b. is represented as a falling edge of
JAM code beep) b7=1. It is expressed as b6=O. Also, the trouble code is bit bt = 1.
It is expressed as bs = 1. The CPU II also executes predetermined operations, mode settings, etc. in response to input from the conversion switch. As shown in FIG. 3, five dip switches DIP.SW1 to DIP.SW5 and a pull switch 21 are installed as the above-mentioned conversion switches. DIP-5W5 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. In addition, the DIP-5Wl sets the selection number (telephone number) input mode of the center A device to the DIP-S
W2 is the ID number for identifying data terminal 1 (DT
I D) manual mode, DrP-5W3 is center A
ID number for common identification of the device and B device (Center I
D) is a switch for setting the manual mode, and DIP SW4 is a switch for setting the selection number ('fli talk number) manual mode of the center B device. Further, the push-pull switch 21 is a switch for instructing initial setting transmission (see 5155 in FIG. 8). The CPU II 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 (R3232CI/F) 51 on the modem 52 side.
Ru. That is, by transmitting an off-hook signal and a selection number signal for the center A device or center B device from the modem 52 to the communication line network via these devices,
A communication line is connected to the center 1 device or the modem 72a or 72b of the center B device to enable communication with the computer of the center A device or the center B device. Note that the data sent from data terminal 1 to the center A device or center B cover (data for copying machine management)
The content of is determined by the type of call flag (described later) set to "1". Center-side device> This is a combicoater device configured to be able to be connected to a large number of data terminals via a communication line network, and is composed of two sets of devices: a center A device and a center B device. Note that, normally, the center A cover manages each copying machine connected to each data terminal. That is, data transmitted from the data terminal 1 side to the modem 72a of the center A device via the communication network is as follows.
Communication interface on the modem 72a side (R3232C
I/F) 71a: + CP via the communication interface (R5232CI/F) 98a on the computer side.
It is input to L'9 l a. The CPU 91a processes the data (the element data, count data, etc.) and creates management data for the copying machine 4 connected to the data terminal 1. 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. Further, during scheduled communication (communication due to the scheduled transmission flag being set to "1"), the next scheduled transmission time data is transmitted from the CPU 91a side to the data terminal 1 side. In addition, as will be described later, the center B device, in the event of an emergency call from the data terminal 1 side,
If the communication line on the Center A device side is occupied,
22: System control used to secure a communication line with the data terminal 1 and enable data reception Next, as shown in FIGS. Explain the control of <Processing on the Copying Machine Side> First, the processing on 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 4Q (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 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, 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. The process below step 551B is a process to be performed when a trouble occurs. In other words, if a JAM or other trouble occurs (
349; YES), data terminal 1 control CP
A signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the UII (S51). Also, when the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (353; YE
S) Similarly to the above, a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CPU II of the data terminal 1 (355). Processing on the Data Terminal Side> Next, the processing on the control CPU II of the data terminal will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 7 to 14. (a) Main Routine An outline of the processing will be explained based on the main routine shown in FIG. The control CPU 11 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 (S15). After that, steps 517 to S
The process moves on to the repeat loop process of step 31. In each subroutine step, the following processing is roughly performed. *Initial setting゛S13 When turning on the power, set the dip switch DIP-S.
It is executed when W5 is on, that is, when it is the initial setting moto (Sl 1 ; YES). As described later, the center A device selection (telephone) number, data terminal ID number (DTID), center A device and B
Set the common ID number (center ID) of the devices, the selection (1!! talk) number of the center B device, and make the initial setting call. *Count data reception: S17 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control unit 111cPU41 of the copying machine. Data contents include emission code, JAM/Trouble NEET
jA~Toddlerable counter, counter by paper size, P
It is an M counter. The CPU 11 of the data terminal updates these data to the latest values and holds them. *Element data reception/data processing: S19 As described later, data corresponding to the average value and standard deviation of each element data is calculated and updated to the latest value. *Trouble transmission determination: 321 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 523 At a predetermined scheduled transmission time, set the scheduled transmission flag to 1 to transmit various count data and various element data to the center. Note that 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 S25 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 darkness 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: S27 When the button switch 21 is turned on in the case that 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 determination: S29 As described later, the count value is set to “0” by replacing parts.
The count value of the PM counter that was cleared before it was cleared is sent to the center. *Call processing, S31 As described later, if any call flag is set to “1”)
Then, the center's first communication terminal device (center A
The modem 72a) of the device is called. Further, after connection with the CPU 91a of the center A device, data communication is executed. In addition, when a problem occurs, prompt response is necessary.
In this case, if the modem 72a is busy, call the second communication terminal device (modem 72b of the center B device) and send data related to the above trouble to the CPU 91b of the center B device. . (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.
If IP-5W5 is turned on (S11; YES)
is executed. In this process, the initial settings of the selection number of the center A device, the data terminal ID number (DTID), the common ID number of the center A device and B device (center ■D), and the selection number of the center Bl device are accepted. The call will be processed and the initial settings will be sent. First, initialize the memory 15 (5101), then
DIP・S Vv' 1~DI
P-Wait for SW4 to turn on. When DIP-SWl is turned on (Sill;
YES), the selection number of the modem 72a of the center A device (
phone number) will be in manual mode. That is, the numerical value inputted by the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine and displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is inputted by the manual input of the print key 46 (511
3; YES), it is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as selection number data of the modem 72a (S115). Note that the selection number input mode of the modem 72a is DIP-3W.
It is released by turning off I (3117). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-5W2 (SL 21
;YES), DT ID manual mode is set,
The number displayed in the first digit of the display hole 45 is displayed on the print key 4.
6 (5123; YES), it is stored in the non-volatile memory 16 as DTID data (5125
). Further, the DTID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3W2 (5127). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP-3W3 (S131;
YES), the center ID (common ID for center A device and center B device) input mode is set, and each time the print key 46 is manually pressed (S133; YES), the display section 45
The number displayed in the first digit is the center's common ID.
It is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as data (513
5). Further, the center ID input mode is canceled by turning off DIP-3W3 (5137). Similarly, when DIP-5W4 is turned on (3141; Y
ES), the selection number of the modem 72b of the center B device (
enter mode (phone number). That is, the numerical value inputted using the numeric keypad 47 of the copying machine and displayed in the first digit of the display section 45 is changed to (5143
; YES), it is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as selection number data of the modem 72b (5145). In addition, selection number 2b manual mode with modem is DIP-S
It is canceled by turning off W4 (5147). In this way, when all four types of data settings are completed (S
l, u1 ; YES), the Busonyu switch 21 is enabled, and when the Punsonyu switch 21 is pressed (515
3; YES), sends an initial setting call to the device to the center 7 (S155)C, that is, after connecting the line with the center A device, sends the above two types of ID data to the CPU 91 a of the center A device. Send. Further, after the transmission is completed, the data transmitted from the CPU 91 a of the center A device (the first scheduled transmission time on the closing date of the count data, the current time, and the threshold value for warning determination) is received. Note that when the above-mentioned transmission and reception are completed, it is determined whether or not the communication was performed normally (S157). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S157: N
O), return to step 5ill and press the push switch 21
Wait for the switch to turn on again. Further, if the process is performed normally (5157; 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, the element data group XI, J transmitted from the copying machine each time a copy sheet is ejected is fetched from the serial 1/F 13 (3201). Here, the subscript 1 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 XIIIAX, minimum value XI
XIN and sum Xlk are updated sequentially (5205~
5217). After that, the subscript j is incremented (S219), and j
If is 4 or less, return to the main routine. In this way, when the processing of steps 3201 to 5217 is performed four times for each item (S221; YES),
After resetting the subscript j to 1 (S223), item number 1
Assign the initial value 1 to 3225), and calculate the difference RLk between the maximum value and the minimum value and the average value X + k of the four data for each item (3227 to 5233).
). Note that step 5229 is the next step 520.
In preparation for the processing in steps 5 to 5211, the maximum value χ+XAX and the minimum value Xi1. This is a step of providing an initial value of lIN. After the processing in steps 5227 to 5233 above, step 323
7 to 5245 or steps 5247 to 5263 are executed. Steps 8237 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 RL between the maximum value and the minimum value
The sum of k Rts and the average value Xl of the four data
This step is to calculate the sum XtS of k for 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps 3247 to 5263 are the steps 5227 to 5263 described above.
This is the process when the cumulative total of 5233 processes is 33 or more, and for each item, the sum of the above-mentioned differences Rt k is R1s
L11+, and the sum of the above average value X ik X IsLIM
This is the step of calculating the data for the latest 32 times, and calculating the respective average values X+ and R+. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value X of the latest 128 (=4X32) pieces of data
'l, and the average value of the deviation (value equivalent to the standard deviation) R
Get 1. *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; Y
ES), when a trouble code from the copier is detected (
5303; YES), set the trouble flag and trouble call flag to “1” (S30
5). Further, by setting the trouble call flag, a call process (FIG. 13) is executed, and a trouble call is sent to the center A. Please note that Center A equipment is in the middle of one episode.”
In this case, the data is transmitted to the center B device as described later. On the other hand, the state of “trouble flag-1” (S301; N
o) When a paper ejection code specific to the copier is detected (5)
307; YES),) The trouble flag is reset to "O", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (3309). This is because ejecting paper from a copying machine is an operation that is performed after a trouble has been resolved. Further, by setting the drastic recovery call flag, a call process (FIG. 13) is executed, and trouble recovery data is sent to the center A device. *Warning transmission determination (FIG. 11) This process is a subroutine that manages warning transmission and warning recovery transmission. Steps 3401 to 5427 are the processing of t to issue a warning when the value of the element data falls outside the permissible range specific to the element data, and issue a warning recovery when the value returns to within the permissible range. It is. First, an initial value "l" is set to the item number l indicating the type of element data (5401). 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"(5411; YES), it is determined whether the element data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data. Then, it is determined whether the upper limit threshold value 1U or less and the lower limit threshold value 1d is within the range, and if it is outside the above allowable range (3413; YES, or 5415; YES), the element data The warning flag FI and the warning transmission flag are each set to "1" (S417). As a result, the call processing (Fig. 13) is executed, and the call processing is executed for the center A device.
Alert data is sent. On the other hand, if the warning flag of the target element data is "1" in step 5411 (S4II; 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 3423; YES), the warning flag F for the element data is reset to "0", and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1". As a result, the call processing (Fig. 13) is executed, and the process of transmitting warning recovery data to the center and equipment is performed.
After l reaches the number of items of element data,
In other words, after processing 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 value, and issuing a recovery warning when the count value (frequency) of the M counter returns to the dark value or less. First, the item number m indicating the type of JAM counter and PM counter is set to an initial value "1 (value of the last number of element data + 1)" (S431). Next, in step 3433, the warning flag for the target JAM counter or 2M counter is determined. As a result, if the warning flag for the relevant JAM counter or 2M counter is "0", 8433; 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, the dyeing process (FIG. 13) is executed and warning data is sent to the center A device. 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 (S 4
41; YES), the warning flag F for the counter is reset to "0", and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1". As a result, the dyeing process (FIG. 13) is executed and warning recovery data is sent to the center A device. 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 (Figure 12) In this process, PM call is managed. First, the initial value "
1" (5501), steps 5503 to 55
After executing the process No. 11, 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 upper 8 members 5503 to 5511 is performed when the 2M counter is cleared (5505; YES, and
5507; YES), the count value of the 2M counter immediately before clearing is saved (5509), 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, dyeing process (
Fig. 13) is executed, and PM data (type of replaced part, count value immediately before replacement) is sent to the center A device.
is sent. *Dyeing process (Figure 13) In this process, the center (center A device or center B device) is called in response to “any outgoing flag -1”, and the data corresponding to the outgoing flag is called. Sent. First, when any call flag is set to “1” (
5601; YES), not in redial standby (
3603; No), the communication line with the modem 72a (or modem 72b) on the center side is not connected (S605; No), the off-footer signal and the selection number signal (the selection number signal of the modem 72a, or the modem 72b) selection number signal) is not sent to the communication line (3).
607: NO), the modem 52 is instructed to send an off-footer signal and a selected number signal of the modem 72a to the communication line (S609). By the process in step 5609, the next step 56
In this case, the determination at 07 is "YES", and the user's telephone 53 is "busy (communication line is in use)".
Therefore, if the modem 52 cannot send the off-footer signal and the selection signal (the selection number signal of the modem 72a or the selection number signal of the modem 72b) to the communication line (S611; YES), the time after a certain period of time is set as the redial time (3613). As a result of the process at step 8613, the determination at step 8603 becomes "YES" and the call process for the center side modem 72a is not executed until the redial time comes. In addition, when the redial time comes, 8603; No-45605;
NO-3607; NO-3609 again instructs the modem 52 to send the off-footer signal and the selected number signal of the modem 72a to the communication line. Also, by the process of step 5609, the modem 52
to the communication line from the off-footer signal and modem 72
If it is found that the modem 72a of the center A device is busy (the communication line of the center A device is occupied) as a result of sending the selection number signal of a, (3615; YES)
), redial time processing (FIG. 14; described later) is executed (S617). As a result, the determination in step 5603 is "YES" until the time set in the redial time processing.
", and the calling process of the center side modem 72a is not executed. Furthermore, when the time set in this process comes,
The modem 72a of the center A device is called again. Further, after the redial time processing (S617), it is determined whether the mode is an emergency mode (for example, when a trouble occurs), and if the mode is an emergency mode (S619; YES).
, to the modem 52, on the condition that data has not yet been sent to the center B cover (S621; NO).
A command is given to send an off-footer signal and a selection number signal of the modem 72b to the communication line (S623). That is, if the mode is emergency mode, the center B device is called. In addition, by the process of step 5609 or 5623, an off-hook signal and a selection number signal (selection number signal of modem 72a or modem 7
2b selection number signal) is sent, and as a result, the modem 72a of the center A device or the modem 72 of the center B device
When the communication line with b is connected (S605; YES)
, executes the processing from step 5631 onwards. That is, if the selection number sent to the communication line is the selection number of the modem 72a of the center A device (S631; No)
, waits for data transmission permission from the CPU 91a of the center A device, and when transmission becomes possible (S641; YES)
, the center A device hepta is transmitted (S645). The data transmitted in step 3645 is determined by the transmission flag set to "1". Furthermore, when the data communication is completed (S643; YES), the transmission flag is reset to "0" (5647), and a line disconnection signal is sent to the communication line, so that communication with the modem 72a of the device to the center is terminated. Disconnect the line (S64
9). On the other hand, if the selection number sent to the communication line is the selection number of the modem 72b of the center B device (5631; YES)
, after waiting for data transmission permission from CPU 9 lb of Center B device, when transmission becomes possible (5651; YES)
), send trouble data to Center B device (
S655). When the transmission of the trouble data is completed (S653; YES), a line disconnection signal is sent to the communication line to disconnect the communication line with the modem 72b of the center B device (S659). Next, the redial time processing (S617, FIG. 14) will be explained. The redial time processing is performed by the CPU 91a of the center A device.
This is a process of setting a re-calling (redial-re-calling) time when a connection cannot be established (S615; YES). First, a counter for counting the number of redials (redial counter) is counted up (5661). 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 (S663; YES),
On the condition that the redial counter value is less than a times (= about 10 to 20 times) (S665; YES), the time one minute from now is set as the next call (redial) time (S667). . That is, in the emergency mode, the center A device is called every minute until the number of redials reaches a. Note that if the number of redials reaches a number of times in the emergency mode (S665.NO), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the redial time (S669). When it is not possible to connect to the device (it is assumed that the line is abnormally congested, the CPU 91a of the center A device stops operating, etc.), the communication line on the user side is not occupied and the use of the telephone 53 etc. is not obstructed. On the other hand, if it is determined in step 8663 that the emergency mode is not in effect (S663; No), the redial counter value is 5.
(S67 l; YES)
, Set any even minute time within 20 minutes from the current time as the next call (redial) time using a random number (S
673). As a result, even if a large number of data terminals are calling the center A device, the dialing times of each data terminal are scattered, increasing the possibility of being able to connect to the center A device. Note that if the number of Nori dials in the non-emergency mode becomes b times or more (S671; No), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the next Nori dial time (S675). If it is not possible to connect to the center A device despite calling the center A device b times (possibly due to abnormal congestion of the communication line, suspension of operation of the center A device CPU 91a, etc.)
Second, this is to prevent the user from monopolizing the communication line and interfering with the use of the telephone 53 and the like. The dyeing process is performed as described above, and the data is sent to the center A device or the center B device, and
Data is received from the device to the center as needed. <Processing at the Center> Next, the processing at the CPU 9 la installed in the computer of the center A device will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 17. (a) Fl ~ F7F2 key operation 15) CPU91a
starts processing by connecting the power supply, and first executes environment settings for the modem, printer, etc. (361). Thereafter, the following modes are set or the following processes are executed in accordance with input operations of the F1 to F7 key switches on the keyboard 93a. - F1 key operation (S63; YES) Sets the reception mode for model registration (S65). In other words, we accept new registrations such as model name, number of element data items, name of each element data, darkness value of each element data, darkness value of each count data, etc. - F2 key operation (367; YES) User mask The registration reception mode is set (S69). That is, new registrations of user name, address, telephone number, scheduled call date and time, etc. are accepted. - F3 key operation (S71; YES) displays the trouble status (573). 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 92a together with the details of the trouble. Note that the number of troubles is always displayed at the corner of the display 92a, 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 has been issued is displayed on the display 92a together with the contents of the warning. Note that the number of warnings is always displayed at the corner of the display 92a, regardless of the operation of the F4 key. - F5 key operation (S79; YES) Displays unreceived status (S81). 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 92a. In addition, F4
In the corner of the display 92a, regardless of key operation,
The number of unreceived items is always displayed. - 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 92a, and when a submenu is selected,
The count values and element data of various counters (total counter, paper size counter, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) 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 94a is activated to print out the amount. (b) Interrupt processing (Figures 16 and 17) CPU91a
receives data transmitted from the data terminal by interruption, and performs predetermined processing on the received data (591). First, when an interruption occurs due to an incoming call from a communication line, data transmitted from the data terminal side is received (5901). Also, if a communication error occurs (8903, YE
S) Requests the data terminal to resend data such as DTID (5905), on the condition that the number of occurrences of the error is less than a predetermined number (3913; YES).
. If the number of occurrences of the error exceeds a predetermined number (5913; No), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (5909). Also, when 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 July, and data for screen display according to operator selection is created (5911). As described above, the CPU 41 of the copying machine, the CPU II of the data terminal, and the CPU 91a of the center A device
Processing is performed in the center (which is the center where each user and administrator is
The main system connected to the center (center A device or center B device) via a communication line is controlled. Note that the CPU 91b of the center B device in this embodiment
A description of the processing will be omitted. [3] Other Embodiments The above embodiment is a case where two central control devices (computer devices) are installed at the center, but one of the devices may also be configured with a normal communication terminal device. good. For example, as shown in FIG. 18, a telephone 73b may be installed instead of the center B device. In this case, the data to be transmitted in step 5655 of FIG. 13 is voice message data for audio outputting a predetermined message regarding the trouble. Second t
In this case, as a communication terminal device on the data terminal side, a voice sending device 56 or the like that stores voice messages is required. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, instead of the center B device, a facsimile device 75b may be installed instead of a telephone. In this case, the data to be transmitted in step 5655 of FIG. 13 is image message data for outputting a predetermined message regarding the trouble as an image. For this purpose, as described above, a facsimile data sending device or the like is required as a communication terminal device on the data terminal side. Furthermore, in the above, if the phone mode is set in the facsimile device 75b, for example, a predetermined DTMF signal is used between both terminals to instruct the mode change, and then the image message data is transmitted. You can. Further, although the above embodiment does not mention communication between the center A device and the center B device, for example, in FIG. 2, the telephone 73a of the center A device is in use and cannot be connected to the CPU 91a. In this case, CPUelb of center B device and CPU9 of center A device
Trouble data may be transmitted to 1a by interruption. Furthermore, the center B device may be used as a backup device for the center A device to improve the safety of the /stem.

[Effect of Hathu]

As described above, the present invention is a device that calls a management center via a communication line and performs data communication for copying machine management. This calls the second communication terminal and transmits the necessary data. According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the possibility of connecting to a management center in an emergency. Therefore, the risk of serious failure due to a delay in response by the management center is reduced.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a system according to an embodiment;
Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the system;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation switch of the data terminal, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation panel of the copying machine to which the data terminal is connected, and FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the structure of data transmitted from the copying machine to the data terminal. FIG. 6 shows the control C of the copying machine.
It is a flowchart which shows the process of PU. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing the processing of the control CPU of the data terminal, 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 the trouble call determination subroutine, FIG. 11 shows the warning call determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows the PM call determination subroutine, and FIG.
Figures (A) and (B) show a dye mold processing subroutine, and Figure 14 shows a beam dial time processing subroutine. Figure 15 - 1st
Figure 7 shows the control CPU 91a of the combination unit of the center A device connected to the data terminal via the 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. FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the system according to another embodiment, and FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the system according to another embodiment. 1...Data terminal (DT), 4...Copy machine, 90
a... Center A device's = Nbuta 11... DT's C
PU, 41... CPU of the copying machine, 91a... Center A
Device CPU. DIP-5WI to DIP-3W5... Deep switch, 21... Punni switch 52... DTI modem, 72a... Modem of center A device, 53... DT side telephone, 73a... Telephone of center A device.

Claims (3)

[Claims] (1) Connected to the copying machine, calls the communication terminal device of the management center via the communication line, and performs data communication for copying machine management with the central control device connected to the communication terminal device. A copying machine management device, comprising a storage means for storing selection number data for calling a first communication terminal device and a second communication terminal device of a management center, respectively, and when a predetermined calling condition is satisfied. , an origination management means that causes a call to the management center based on the selection number data of the first communication terminal; and if the connection with the first communication terminal is not established despite the call to the management center, the above Emergency call management means that determines the urgency of a predetermined call condition and, if the urgency is high, causes a call to a management center based on selection number data of a second communication terminal device; and a communication terminal of the management center. A copying machine management device comprising: transmission data management means for transmitting data corresponding to the predetermined transmission condition after connection with the device. (2) In claim 1, the second communication terminal device of the management center is a telephone device, and has storage means for voice message data corresponding to highly urgent call conditions, and the transmission data management means: A copying machine management device that transmits voice message data corresponding to a transmission condition after connecting with a second communication terminal device. (3) A copying machine management system consisting of a copying machine management device having a data collection function for copying machines and a management center that manages a large number of copying machine management devices via a communication line, the management center comprising: The copying machine management device includes a first communication terminal device, a central management device connected to the first communication terminal device, and a second communication terminal device, and the copying machine management device includes a first communication terminal device and a second communication terminal device. It has a means for storing selection number data of the terminal device, and if the first communication terminal device cannot be connected when a highly urgent calling condition is met, the second communication terminal device is called. A copy machine management system that transmits data that corresponds to transmission conditions.