JP2969831B2 - Image forming device management device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial applications]

According to the present invention, management data of a connected copier is
The present invention relates to a copier management device that transmits data to a centralized management device of a management center via a communication line.

[Prior art]

(1) A method has been proposed in which management data for a plurality of copying machines is transmitted to a single central processing unit and the central processing unit performs batch processing (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 54-54032). (2) A system for centrally managing each copying machine by transmitting management data of a plurality of copying machines to a single central control device via a terminal device of each copying machine and processing the data is proposed. (JP-A-54-44522). (3) A system equivalent to the above, which connects to a central control device via a communication line such as a public telephone line, has been proposed.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a system in which data communication for copier management is performed between a copier management device installed for each copier and a central management device of a management center via a communication network, communication is performed prior to data communication. It is necessary to confirm each other. For this reason, unique identification ID data is assigned to each copier management device and centralized management device. When the copier management device is installed in the user copier, the assigned ID data is input using, for example, a numeric keypad or the like for numerical input of the user copier connected to the copier management device, and is copied. It is registered in the memory of the device management device. After the ID data is registered in the memory, an initial setting process is performed based on the initial setting data transmitted from the management center. However, the above-described ID data registration method has a problem that an input error is easily caused. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and has as its object to provide an apparatus that can easily perform registration of ID data and furthermore, initialization processing.

[Means for solving the problems]

The present invention is an image forming apparatus management apparatus that collects data relating to an image forming apparatus and communicates with a centralized management apparatus via a communication network based on the collected data, and after connection with the centralized management apparatus, Setting means for setting an initial setting identification code for mutual identification with the centralized management device; holding means for holding the set initial setting identification code; and After the connection with the management device, the initial confirmation means for performing mutual confirmation with the centralized management device, and after the mutual confirmation with the centralized management device by the initial setting identification code, transmitted from the centralized management device. Control means for performing an initial setting process based on incoming initial setting data. The image forming apparatus may be a copying machine. Further, the initial setting data includes an identification code for mutual identification with a centralized management device for the next and subsequent times, and has a storage unit for storing the identification code. It is. According to the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus management apparatus having a collection function of collecting data related to an image forming apparatus and a connection function of a communication line, and centralized management for communicating data with the image forming apparatus management apparatus via the communication line. In the image forming apparatus management system including the apparatus, the image forming apparatus management apparatus is connected to a holding unit that holds an initial setting identification code, and the image forming apparatus management apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus to be managed. A first transmitting unit for transmitting an identification code for initial setting to the centralized management device, and an initial setting unit for performing initial setting of the image forming device management device based on data for initialization transmitted from the centralized management device Wherein the centralized management device includes a storage unit that stores an initial setting identification code set in the image forming device management device, and a storage device that is connected to the image forming device management device. Transmitted from the first transmission means,
Checking means for checking the image forming apparatus management apparatus based on the received identification code for initial setting; and second transmitting means for transmitting initial setting data to the image forming apparatus management apparatus checked by the checking means. An image forming apparatus management system comprising: Further, the initial setting data includes an identification code for mutual identification with a centralized management device for the next and subsequent times, and the image forming device management device has a storage unit for storing the identification code. Is an image forming apparatus management system.

【Example】

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. [1] Overall Configuration of System First, a schematic configuration of the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, this system comprises a number of user devices (one set of user devices is shown in the figure), a center device as an administrator, and a communication line connecting these devices. And a net. Here, on the user side, a copying machine 4, a DT (data terminal) 1, and a modem also having a function as a communication terminal device
52 and a telephone 53 as a communication device are provided.
The data terminal 1 is a device that receives various types of information from the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing, and transmits the processed information to a computer on the center side. On the other hand, a modem 72 also having a function as a communication terminal device, a computer (a main body 90, a display 92, a keyboard 93, a printer 94) and a telephone 73 as a communication device are installed on the center side. Based on data received via a network (for example, a telephone line network), data for copier management is created, and necessary measures are taken. Prior to communication between the user side and the center side, mutual confirmation by ID is always performed. Next, each device will be described. <Copier 4> This is an apparatus that forms a copy image on paper by scanning a document image. In the copying machine 4, various types of element data that affect the image forming process (paper transport time, surface potential of the photosensitive drum, toner concentration in the developer, exposure amount of the photosensitive drum,
The developing bias voltage, the amount of toner adhering to the photosensitive drum, the grid voltage of the charging charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), taken into the CPU 41, processed, and then transmitted through the serial I / F 43 and the serial I / F 13. To the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1. Note that the various element data will be referred to as element data x _i (i = 1 to the number of items of element data) in the description of control described later.
They are collectively described in an abstract manner. In the copying machine 4, a counter (a total counter indicating the number of paper discharges, a counter according to a paper size indicating the number of uses for each paper size) serving as a basis for the amount charged by the administrator, and a counter (a counter for maintenance) The JAM counter for each location, which indicates the number of JAMs for each location, the trouble counter for each location, which indicates the number of troubles for each location, and the PM counter for each component, which indicates the number of times each component has been used, are counted. The data is transmitted to the CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 via the serial I / F 12. Note that the PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times of use for each component, and the count value is used as a guide for the component replacement time. Further, the copying machine 4 instructs various key switches (a print (PR) key 46 for instructing the start of a copying operation, a numeric keypad group 47 for inputting numerical values, and clearing of input data) on the operation panel (FIG. 4). A predetermined operation or mode setting is performed in response to signals from a group of switches other than the operation panel (for example, a trouble reset switch 49 for instructing a trouble reset). And, if necessary, the corresponding signal
Data terminal 1 via I / F42 and serial I / F12
Send to CPU11. <Data Terminal 1> The data of the copying machine 4 is taken in and processed, and when a predetermined transmission condition (condition for setting the transmission flag to “1”: see the description of the control described later in detail) is satisfied, the modem This is a device that activates 52, connects a communication line with the center side, confirms the ID, and transmits management data (element data, count data, etc.) for the copying machine to the center side. As shown in FIG. 2, the control CP of the data terminal 1
U11 is a ROM 14 storing a control program, a non-volatile memory 16 for storing selection number data (described later) and the like, a working system RAM 15 backed up by a battery,
Similarly, it is connected to a clock IC17 backed up by a battery. The CPU 11 converts the data transmitted from the copying machine 4 into
It takes in the data from the serial I / F 12 or the serial I / F 13 and executes various processes described later. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a data structure of a paper ejection code, a JAM code, and a trouble code which are data input via the serial I / F 12. That is, the paper discharge code is represented as a falling edge of the bit b _0, JAM code is represented as bit _{b 7 = 1, b 6 =} 0. The trouble code is represented as bits b ₇ = 1 and b ₆ = 1. The CPU 11 also executes a predetermined operation, provisional ID or mode setting, and the like in accordance with the input of the operation switch.
Here, as the operation switches, seven DIP switches DIP-SW1 to DIP-SW7 and a push switch 21 are provided as shown in FIG. DIP / SW4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. DIP SW1 to DIP SW3 are temporary DTID
(Data terminal ID), DIP / SW5
DIP SW7 is a switch used for setting a temporary center ID. That is, a provisional ID is defined by a combination of ON / OFF of these dip switches.
The details will be described later. The push switch 21 is a switch for instructing switching of a terminal device to be connected to a communication line from the telephone 53 to the modem 52. That is, at the time of the initial setting process, first, the operator calls the center side using the telephone 53, and after confirming the connection with the computer at the center, pushes the switch.
By operating 21, the user terminal device of the communication line is switched from the telephone 53 to the modem 52. The CPU 11 also has a communication interface (RS
232CI / F) 18 ・ Modem 52 side communication interface (RS2
32CI / F) 51, it is connected to a modem 52 which is a communication terminal device. That is, by transmitting an off-hook signal and a center selection number signal from the modem 52 to the communication line via these devices, the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is connected. It is configured to be able to communicate with other computers. The content of the data (management data for the copying machine) transmitted from the data terminal 1 to the center is determined by the type of the transmission flag set to "1", as will be described in detail later. <Center-side device> This is a computer device configured to be connected to a large number of data terminals via a communication network. This apparatus manages the copiers connected to each data terminal. That is, data transmitted from the data terminal 1 to the modem 72 via the communication line network is transmitted via the communication interface (RS232CI / F) 71 of the modem 72 and the communication interface (RS232CI / F) 98 of the computer. , Sequentially, C
Input to PU91. The CPU 91 processes the data (the element data, the count data, etc.) and creates management data for the copying machine 4 connected to the data terminal 1. Further, a bill is printed out on the basis of the management data, or an instruction as to whether or not to dispatch a serviceman is made, and further, parts to be prepared at the time of dispatch are selected. [2] System Control Next, the control of the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. <Process on Copying Machine> First, the process in the control CPU 41 of the copying machine will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The CPU 41 starts processing, for example, when the power is turned on, and performs initial settings such as clearing a memory and setting a standard mode (S41). Thereafter, the processing of steps S43 to S49 is executed. In step S43, a key switch group (numerical key group 47 for inputting numerical values, a print (PR) key 46 for a copy start command, a clear key 48 for a clear command of a set number) on the operation panel 40
), A switch group such as the trouble reset switch 49, data from a sensor group (not shown) arranged in the copying machine,
And a process for receiving data received from the data terminal 1 side, and a process for transmitting count data and the like to the data terminal 1 side. Step S47 is a step collectively showing processing required at the time of the copying operation. For example, the control includes paper feed control, scanning control, photosensitive drum control, developing device control, and the like. Step S51 and subsequent steps are the processing when a trouble occurs.
That is, when JAM or other trouble occurs (S4
9; YES), a signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 (S51).
Also, trouble reset switch by operator etc.
When 49 is operated (S53: YES), a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the control CPU 11 of the data terminal 1 in the same manner as described above (S55). <Process on data terminal side> Next, the process in the control CPU 11 of the data terminal
This will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. (A) Main Routine First, an outline of the processing will be described in accordance with the main routine shown in FIG. The control CPU 11 starts the process when the power is turned on, executes an initial setting process (S13) if necessary,
A copy permission signal is transmitted to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine (S15). Thereafter, the process proceeds to a repetitive loop process of steps S17 to S31. In each subroutine step, the following processing is roughly performed. * Initial setting: S13 This is executed when the dip switch DIP / SW4 is on when the power is turned on, that is, in the initial setting mode (S11; YES). As described below, the provisional I
After confirming D, receive the initial setting data (including formal ID data). * Reception of count data: S17 Performs reception processing of various count data transmitted from the control CPU 41 of the copying machine. Data contents are emission code, JAM / trouble code, JAM
• Trouble counter, paper size counter, PM counter. The control 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 the standard deviation of each element data is sequentially calculated and updated to the latest value. * Trouble transmission determination: S21 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. After the transmission by the regular transmission is completed, the next regular transmission time data, the current time data, and the closing date data of the bill are returned from the center side. * Warning transmission 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 threshold. Further, based on the result, it is determined whether or not the warning data and the warning recovery data should be transmitted to the center side. * Manual transmission determination: S27 When the push switch 21 is turned on in a mode other than the initial setting mode, the manual transmission flag is set to 1. Thereby, various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. * PM transmission judgment: S29 As described later, the count value is set to “0” by replacing parts.
The count value of the PM counter cleared before
Send to the center. * Call processing: S31 As described later, when any of the transmission flags is set to "1", the communication terminal device on the center side is called. (B) Subroutine Next, details of each subroutine step will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described in order with reference to FIG. * Initial setting (Fig. 8)
This is executed when the DIP SW4 is turned on (S11; YES). First, the memory is initialized (S101). Next, by operating the push switch 21 (S103; YE
S), the connection with the communication line is switched from the telephone 53 to the modem 52, and when the modem 52 becomes ready (S105; YE
S), a temporary ID is transmitted / received to / from the CPU 91 of the management center (S107). If the center ID transmitted from the center in step S107 matches the provisional center ID set by the dip switches DIP / SW5 to DIP / SW7 (S109; YES), the center transmits the center ID. The incoming data (formal center ID, formal DTID, data for initial setting) is received (S111). When the communication is completed normally (S113; YES), the LED element 22 is blinked to indicate that (S115). The center ID sent from the center is
If the provisional center ID set by the dip switches DIP / SW5 to DIP / SW7 does not match (S109; N
O), the LED element 22 is turned on to warn the user (S119), and the process returns to step S103. If the communication has not been completed normally in step S113 (S113; NO), the center is requested to retransmit initial setting data and the like (S117). * Reception of element data, etc. (FIG. 9) In this subroutine step, a threshold value (warning transmission determination;
Data for comparison with (see FIG. 11) is calculated. First, the element data group x _{i, j} transmitted from the copying machine every time the copy paper is discharged is fetched from the serial I / F 13 (S2
01). Here, the subscript i represents the item number of the element data, and the subscript j represents the order in each item. Next, after substituting the initial value 1 for the item number i (S203),
For each item, the maximum value x _iMAX , the minimum value x _iMIN , and the sum
x _ik is sequentially updated (S205 to S217). Thereafter, the subscript j is incremented (S219), and if j is 4 or less, the process returns to the main routine. When the processes of steps S210 to S217 are performed four times for each item (S221; YES), the subscript j is reset to 1 (S223), and the initial value 1 is substituted for the item number i (S225). , The difference between the maximum and minimum values for each item
R _ik and the average value X _ik of the four data are calculated (S227 to S233). Step S229 is a step of providing initial values of the maximum value x _iMAX and the minimum value x _iMIN in preparation for the next processing in steps S205 to _S211 . After the processing of S227 to S233, steps S237 to S245,
Alternatively, the processing of steps S247 to S263 is executed. Steps S237 to S245 are processing when the total of the processing of the above 227 to S233 has not reached 33 times, and for each item, the sum R _iSUM of the difference R _ik between the maximum value and the minimum value, and
This is a step of calculating the sum X _iSUM of the average value X _ik of the four data, that is, 32 times of data. On the other hand, steps S247 to S263 are processing when the total of the processing of S227 to S233 is 33 or more, and for each item, the sum R _{iSUM of} the difference R _{ik and} the sum of the average value X _ik X
_This is a step of calculating _iSUM for the latest 32 data and calculating respective average values ▼ and ▼. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value of the latest 128 (= 4 × 32) data
▼ and average value of deviation (value equivalent to standard deviation) ▲
Get ▼. * Trouble transmission determination (Fig. 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble transmission and trouble recovery transmission. That is, in the state of “trouble flag = 0” (S301; YES),
When a trouble code from the copier is detected (S303; YE
S), set the trouble flag and trouble transmission flag to “1”
Are set respectively (S305). In the state of “trouble flag = 1” (S301; NO),
When the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (S307; YE
S), the trouble flag is reset to "0", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (S309). This is because paper discharge in the copying machine is an operation performed after recovery from a trouble. The call processing (FIG. 13) is executed by setting the trouble transmission flag and the trouble recovery transmission flag, and trouble data and trouble recovery data are transmitted to the center. * Warning transmission determination (FIG. 11) This processing is a subroutine for managing warning transmission and warning recovery transmission. Steps S401 to S427 are processes for executing a warning transmission when the value of the element data is out of the permissible range specific to the element data, and a warning recovery transmission when returning to within the permissible range. is there. First, an initial value “1” is set to the item number i indicating the type of element data (S401). Next, in step S411, a warning flag for the target element data (first time, the first element data) is determined. As a result, when the warning flag for the element data is “0” (S411; YES), it is determined whether the element data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data, in other words, the upper limit. Threshold _iU or less and lower threshold
It is determined whether it is within the range of _iL or more, and if it is out of the allowable range (S413; YES or S415; YES), a warning flag F _i and a warning transmission flag for the element data are set. Are set to "1" (S417). As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and
Warning data is sent. On the other hand, in step S411, if the warning flag of the target element data is “1” (S411; NO), it is determined whether or not the value of the element data has returned to within the allowable range. the (S421; YES, and, S423; YES), a warning flag F _i for the element data is reset to "0", also set to "1" warning recovery transmission flag. As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the alarm recovery data is transmitted to the center. After performing this processing until i reaches the number of items of the element data, in other words, after performing all the element data, the process proceeds to step S431 and thereafter. Steps S431 to S445 are to issue a warning when the count value (frequency) of the JAM counter and the PM counter exceeds a specific threshold, and to issue a warning recovery transmission when the count value returns below the threshold.
This is a process to be executed. First, an initial value “i (the value of the last number of the element data + 1)” is set to the item number m indicating the type of the JAM counter and the PM counter (S431). Next, in step S433, the target JAM counter or P
Determine the warning flag for the M counter. As a result, when the warning flag for the JAM counter or the PM counter is “0” (S433; YES), whether the value of the counter is within the allowable range specific to the counter, that is, the threshold _m It is determined whether the counter has exceeded the threshold. If the counter has exceeded (S435; YES), the warning flag _Fm and the warning transmission flag for the counter are set to “1”, respectively (S43).
7). As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the warning data is transmitted to the center. On the other hand, in S433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or PM counter is “1” (S4
33; NO), the value of the counter determines whether the returned below the threshold, if the return (S441; reset to YES), a warning flag F _m for the counter "0", also ,
Set the warning recovery transmission flag to "1". As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the alarm recovery data is transmitted to the center. After performing this processing until m reaches the total number of items of the counter and the element data, in other words, after performing all the counters, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, the warning transmission and the warning recovery transmission are managed. * PM transmission determination (Fig. 12) In this process, PM transmission is managed. First, an initial value “1” is set to the item number i indicating the type of the PM counter (S501), and after executing the processes of steps S503 to S511, the value of i is incremented, that is, the type of the PM counter is changed. Alternately, repeat the above process. Here, when the PM counter is cleared (S505; YES, and S507; YES), the processing of S503 to S511 stores the count value immediately before the PM counter is cleared (S509),
This is the process of setting the transmission flag to "1" (S511). The PM counter is cleared by a serviceman when replacing a part corresponding to the PM counter. When the “PM transmission flag = 1” is set, the call processing (the
13) is realized, and PM data (the type of the replaced part, the count value immediately before the replacement) is transmitted to the center. * Call processing (Figs. 13 and 14) In this processing, the center is called in response to "any transmission flag = 1", and after confirming the ID, the data corresponding to the transmission flag is transmitted. You. That is, if any of the transmission flags is set to "1"(S601; YES), it is determined that the redial is not in standby (S603; N).
O), if the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is not connected (S605; NO) and the off-hook signal and the selection signal are not transmitted to the communication line (S607; NO), Command to send the off-hook signal and the selection signal to the communication line (S609). By the process in step S609, the determination in the next step S607 is “YES”. In this case, if the telephone 53 of the user is "busy (in use of the communication line)" and the modem 52 cannot send the off-hook signal and the selection signal to the communication line (S611; YES), A time after a certain time is set as a redial time (S613). S6
By the process at 13, the determination in step S603 is "YES" until the redial time comes, and the center modem 72
Is not executed. When the redial time comes, the command to send the off-hook signal and the selection signal to the communication line is again issued to the modem 52 through S603; NO → S605; NO → S607; NO → S609. Also, as a result of the off-hook signal and the selection signal being transmitted from the modem 52 to the communication line by the processing in step S609, the modem 72 on the center side is "busy (the communication line on the center side is occupied)". If it turns out (S6
15; YES), redial time processing (FIG. 14; described later) is executed (S617). As a result, the determination in step S603 is “YES” until the time set in the redial time process, and the calling process of the center-side modem 72 is not executed. At the time set in this process, the center modem 72 is called again. On the other hand, the off-hook signal and the selection signal are transmitted from the modem 52 to the communication line by the processing in step S609, and as a result, when the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is connected (S605; YES), the ID is confirmed. Then, it waits for a transmission enabled state due to data transmission permission from the center side, and when the transmission is enabled (S621; YES), the data is transmitted to the center side (S625). The data transmitted in step S625 is “1”
This is the data defined by the transmission flag set in. Thus, when all data is transmitted (S623; YE
S), resets the transmission flag to “0” (S627), and
A line disconnection signal is sent to the communication line to disconnect the communication line with the center-side modem 72 (S629). Next, the redial time process (S617, FIG. 14) will be described. The redial time process is a process of setting a retransmission (redial = recall) time when a connection with the center-side CPU 91 cannot be established (S615; YES). First, a counter (redial counter) for counting the number of redials is counted up (S651). The counter is cleared after connection of the communication line with the center. Next, it is determined whether or not the current call is a call in an emergency mode (for example, trouble transmission). As a result, if the mode is the emergency mode (S653; YES), the condition is that the redial counter value is less than a times (= about 10 to 20 times) (S63).
55; YES), the time one minute after the present time is set as the next call (redial) time (S657). That is, in the emergency mode, the center is called every minute until the number of redials reaches a. If the number of redials in the emergency mode reaches a (S655; NO), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the redial time (S659). If a connection cannot be made to the center even after a call has been made (it is assumed that the line is abnormally congested or the center CPU 91 stops operating, etc.), the communication line on the user side is occupied and the telephone 53 or the like is used. This is so as not to disturb. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S653 that the mode is not the emergency mode (S653; NO), any even minute time within 20 minutes from the present time is provided on condition that the redial counter value is less than b (S661; YES). Is set as the next call (redial) time using a random number (S663). As a result, even when the center is called from a large number of data terminals, the redial time of each data terminal is scattered and the possibility of connection to the center is increased. If the number of redials in the non-emergency mode is b or more (S661; NO), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the next redial time (S665). If the center cannot be connected despite the number of times the center is called (abnormal congestion of the communication line, operation stop of the center side CPU 91, etc.), the communication line on the user side is occupied and the telephone 53 or the like is occupied. This is so as not to hinder use. The call processing is performed as described above, and after confirming the ID, data is transmitted to the center, and data from the center is received as necessary. <Process at the center> Next, the CPU 9 installed in the computer at the center
The processing in 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. (A) F1 to F7 key processing (FIG. 15) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting a power supply, and first executes environment setting of a modem, a printer, and the like (S6).
1). After that, according to the input operation of each key switch F1 ~ F7 on the keyboard 93, the following mode is set, or
Perform the following processing. -F1 key operation (S63; YES) The reception mode of model registration is set (S65). That is, new registration of the model name, the number of items of element data, the name of each element data, the standard threshold value of each element data, the standard threshold value of each counter, etc. is received. -F2 key operation (S67; YES) The registration acceptance mode of the user master is set (S69).
That is, new registration such as a user name, an address, a telephone number, a model name, a machine number, and a regular transmission date and time is accepted. Also, the DTID is set automatically. -F3 key operation (S71; YES) Trouble status is displayed (S73). That is, the user information (user name, address, telephone number, model name) of the copying machine that has caused the trouble, the date and time of occurrence, and the like are displayed on the display 92 together with the trouble content. The number of troubles is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 irrespective of the operation of the F3 key. -F4 key operation (S75; YES) A warning status is displayed (S77). That is, the user information of the copying machine that has issued the warning is displayed on the display 92 together with the contents of the warning. The number of warnings is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 regardless of the operation of the F4 key. -F5 key operation (S79; YES) The non-reception status is displayed (S81). That is, the user information of the copying machine that does not perform the scheduled transmission even after the predetermined scheduled transmission time has passed is displayed on the display 92. The number of unreceived messages is always displayed in the corner of the display 92 regardless of the operation of the F4 key. -F6 key operation (S83; YES) The display mode of the user data is set (S85). That is, when the user is selected, the display 92 displays the user information. When the submenu is selected, the count values of various counters (total counters, paper size counters, JAM counters, trouble counters, PM counters) and the element data of the user copying machine are displayed monthly.
Or, it is displayed for each item. -F7 key operation (S87; YES) The bill is printed out (S89). For example, the charge amount is calculated based on the count value of the total counter and a predetermined formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print out. (B) Interrupt processing (FIGS. 16 and 17) The CPU 91 receives an incoming call from the communication line by the interrupt processing, and performs predetermined processing on the received data (S9).
1). First, when an interrupt occurs due to an incoming call from the communication line,
The DTID is received (S901). Next, it is determined whether or not the DTID received in S901 is a temporary ID. As a result, if it is a provisional ID (S903; YES),
An official ID and initial setting data are transmitted to the data terminal (S905). If the ID received in step S901 is not a temporary ID, that is, if it is a formal ID (S903; N
O), perform data reception processing (S911). If a communication error occurs (S907; YES),
On condition that the number of times of occurrence of the error is within a predetermined number (S921; YES), a request for data retransmission is made (S923), and the process returns to step S901. When the number of occurrences of the communication error exceeds the predetermined number (S921; NO), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (S913). When the communication with the data terminal is completed without a communication error (S907; NO), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected (S913), and then the data is totaled by item and month. Screen display data is created by operator selection (S915). As described above, the processing is performed by the CPU 41 of the copying machine, the CPU 11 of the data terminal, and the CPU 91 of the center, and the present system that connects each user to the center, which is the administrator, via the communication line is controlled.

【The invention's effect】

As described above, the present invention is an image forming apparatus management apparatus that collects data related to an image forming apparatus, and communicates with a centralized management apparatus via a communication network based on the collected data.
After connection with the centralized management device, setting means for setting an initial setting identification code for mutual identification with the centralized management device, and holding means for holding the set initial setting identification code After the connection with the centralized management device using the initial setting identification code, initial confirmation means for performing mutual confirmation with the centralized management device, and the mutual confirmation end with the centralized management device using the initial setting identification code. And a control unit that performs an initial setting process based on the initial setting data transmitted from the centralized management device. According to the present invention, it is not necessary to input an ID at the time of installation to a user, and input errors are prevented. Also, the time required for installation is reduced. It is also possible to include formal ID data in the initial setting data transmitted from the management center at the time of installation.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a system in which the apparatus of the embodiment is used, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the system, FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel of a copying machine to which the embodiment device is connected, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data transmitted from the copying machine to the embodiment device, and FIG. 6 is a control CPU of the copying machine. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of FIG. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing processing in the control CPU of the embodiment device,
FIG. 7 is a main routine, FIG. 8 is an initial setting processing subroutine, FIG. 9 is an element data reception / data processing subroutine, FIG.
FIG. 11 is a warning transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 12 is a PM transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 13 is a call processing subroutine, and FIG.
The figure shows a redial time processing subroutine. Fig. 15 ~
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing in a control CPU of a computer of a management center connected to the apparatus of the embodiment via a communication line network, and FIG. 15 is a main part of a main routine;
FIG. 16 shows details of the interrupt processing, and FIG. 17 shows details of the interrupt processing. 1 Data terminal (DT), 4 Copy machine, 90 Computer at center, 11 CPU of DT, 41 CPU of copy machine, 91 CP at center
U, DIP / SW1 to DIP / SW7: Dip switch, 52: DT side modem, 72: Center side modem, 53: DT side telephone, 73 ... Center side telephone,

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-4-21024 (JP, A) JP-A-54-44522 (JP, A) JP-A-60-263163 (JP, A) (58) Investigation Field (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03G 21/00 370-520 G03G 21/02-21/04 G03G 21/14 G07C 1/00-15/00 H04N 1/00-1/00 108 H04M 11 / 00-11/10

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus management apparatus which collects data relating to an image forming apparatus and communicates with a central management apparatus via a communication network based on the collected data. Setting means for setting an initial setting identification code for mutually identifying with the centralized management device; holding means for holding the set initial setting identification code; and an initial setting identification code. After the connection with the centralized management device, an initial confirmation unit for performing mutual confirmation with the centralized management device, and after the mutual confirmation with the centralized management device by an identification code for initial setting, from the centralized management device, Control means for performing an initial setting process based on the transmitted initial setting data. An image forming apparatus management apparatus, comprising: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image forming apparatus is a copying machine. 3. The data for initial setting includes an identification code for mutual identification with the centralized management device for the next and subsequent times, and has storage means for storing the identification code. The image forming apparatus management apparatus according to claim 1. 4. An image forming apparatus management apparatus having a collection function for collecting data related to the image forming apparatus and a function of connecting to a communication line, and a centralized management apparatus for communicating data with the image forming apparatus management apparatus via the communication line. In the image forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus management apparatus is connected to a holding unit that holds an initial setting identification code, and the image forming apparatus management apparatus is connected to an image forming apparatus to be managed. And a first transmitting unit for transmitting an initial setting identification code to the central management apparatus; and an initial setting unit for performing initial setting of the image forming apparatus management apparatus based on the initial setting data transmitted from the central management apparatus. Having a storage means for storing an initial setting identification code set in the image forming apparatus management apparatus, and after connecting the image forming apparatus management apparatus, Confirmation means for confirming the image forming apparatus management apparatus based on the initialization identification code transmitted and received from the first transmission means; and initial setting data for the image forming apparatus management apparatus confirmed by the confirmation means. And a second transmitting means for transmitting the image forming apparatus. 5. The initial setting data includes an identification code for mutual identification with a centralized management device for the next and subsequent times, and the image forming device management device has storage means for storing the identification code. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein: