JP3013399B2 - Copier management device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial applications]

The present invention relates to a copier management device that transmits management data of a copier to a centralized management device, and more particularly, to coping with an abnormality in a power supply circuit.

[Prior art]

(1) A method has been proposed in which management data of a plurality of copying machines is transmitted to a single central processing unit, and the central processing unit collectively processes the data (JP-A-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) There has been proposed a system equivalent to the above, in which communication with a central control device is performed via a communication network such as a public telephone line.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

A copier management apparatus that transmits copier management data to a center collects various data of the copier online. This means that if something goes wrong with the copier,
This is to satisfy the demands such as prompt response of the management center or reliable counting of the number-of-copies data serving as the basis for billing. Therefore, for example, when the operation of the copier management device is stopped due to a trouble in the power supply circuit, the data cannot be collected during that time, and accordingly, a problem occurs that the center side cannot take appropriate measures. An object of the present invention is to prevent the above-described problems, and when power supply to a device is interrupted, immediately back up power supply to the device and notify the center of the fact so that appropriate measures can be taken. The purpose is to.

[Means for solving the problems]

The present invention is a copier management device that collects data of a connected copier and connects to a centralized management device of a management center via a communication network to transmit copier management data, A main power supply for supplying power to the copier management device, an auxiliary power supply for supplying power to the copier management device when the main power supply is cut off, and a switch means for switching a power supply circuit to an auxiliary power supply side when the main power supply is cut off Power supply detecting means for detecting that the power supply circuit has been switched from the main power supply side to the auxiliary power supply side, and power supply switching when the power supply circuit has detected that the power supply circuit has been switched to the auxiliary power supply side. And a transmission unit for transmitting data to the centralized management device. Further, in the above, the copier management device further includes a copier power supply detecting means for detecting a power supply state of the connected copier, and the transmitting means includes a copier power detecting means for detecting the power of the connected copier. A copier management device for transmitting data relating to power supply switching to the centralized management device when the power supply ON state is detected and the power supply detection means detects that the power supply circuit has been switched to the auxiliary power supply side. . As the auxiliary power supply, for example, as described in the embodiment, a normal secondary battery charged at the time of power supply from the main power supply can be used.

[Action]

When the power of the copier management device is switched from the main power supply to the auxiliary power supply, data relating to the power supply switching is transmitted to the centralized management device. As a result, the centralized management device can know that some abnormality has occurred in the main power supply of the copier management device, and can take appropriate measures.

【Example】

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. [1] Overall Configuration of System First, the schematic configuration of the present system will be described with reference to FIGS.
The configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.
User side device (one set of user side device is shown in the figure)
And the communication device that connects them
And a wire network. Here, on the user side, copying machine 4, DT (data terminator)
Null) 1. Modem that also has a function as a communication terminal device
52 and a telephone 53 as a communication device are provided.
The data terminal 1 receives various information from the copying machine 4.
Take in and perform the prescribed processing, then the computer on the center side
Device to transmit to the
Power is supplied from the power supply, but when the main power supply circuit is shut off,
Power is received from the secondary battery. On the other hand, the center has a function as a communication terminal device.
Model 72, computer (body 90, display
92, keyboard 93, printer 94) and communication device.
Telephone 73 is installed, and a communication network (for example,
Copier based on data received via
Create management data and take necessary actions. Next, each device will be described. <Copier 4> An apparatus for forming a copy image on paper by scanning a document image.
It is a place. In the copying machine 4, various elements affecting the image forming process are used.
Data (paper transport time, photoreceptor drum surface
Potential, toner concentration in developer, exposure amount of photosensitive drum,
Development bias voltage, toner adhesion amount on photoconductor drum, band
The grid voltage of the charger, etc.)
Detected by the sensor group and incorporated into CPU 41 for processing
Then, the data is transferred via the serial I / F43 and serial I / F13.
It is transmitted to the CPU 11 of the terminal 1. The above various elements
In the following description of control, element data
Data x _i (I = 1 to the number of items of element data)
They are collectively described in an abstract manner. In the copying machine 4, the basis of the amount charged by the administrator is
Counter (total number of sheets
Data and paper size counts that indicate the number of uses by paper size
Counter), a counter for maintenance
JAM counter for each location indicating the number of times of JAM, trouble for each location
Trouble counter for each location indicating the number of times, number of times used for each part
Of each part counter (PM counter for each component)
Counts and outputs data via serial I / F42 and serial I / F12.
Send to CPU 11 of terminal 1. In addition, PM counter
Is a counter that counts the number of uses for each part.
The count value is used as a guide for the replacement time of the part. The copying machine 4 is provided with various keys on the operation panel (FIG. 4).
-Switch (print to instruct the start of copying operation)
(PR) key 46, numeric keypad group 47 for numeric input, input data
Clear key 48 for clearing, etc.), operation panel
Switch groups other than (for example, trouble reset
Command from trouble reset switch 49)
Predetermined operation or mode setting etc.
And, if necessary, the corresponding signal
Data terminal 1 via I / F42 and serial I / F12
Send to CPU11. It should be noted that the transmission data includes a display unit 45.
Includes the numerical data being displayed. <Data terminal 1> Data from the copier 4 is imported and processed, and the
(Either transmission flag such as power-off transmission flag is "1"
Condition set to: Refer to the description of control described later for details.
)), The modem 52 is activated and the center
Of the copier and manage various data (elements)
Data, count data, power-off data, etc.)
Is transmitted to the center side. As shown in FIG. 2, the control CP of the data terminal 1
U11 is the ROM 14 storing the control program, and the selection number data.
Nonvolatile memory 16 for storing data (described later) and the like.
Battery-backed working system RAM 15,
Similarly connected to a battery-backed clock IC17
Have been. In addition, as shown in FIG.
The switch is normally set to the contact A side by a relay.
Power is supplied from the plug side (main power supply side). In addition,
Power is supplied from either the main power supply side or the secondary battery side.
Is detected by the input signal to input port PI2.
You. On the other hand, for some reason, the power supply circuit on the main power supply side
When cut off, the relay turns off and the power supply circuit to CPU11
Is switched to the contact B side. This allows
Power supply to IC such as CPU11 must be done from the secondary battery side
Becomes In addition, as shown in the figure, the secondary battery is usually
Charged by main power supply. The CPU 11 converts the data transmitted from the copying machine 4 into
Imported from serial I / F12 or serial I / F13, after
Execute the processing described below. The CPU 11 is in the operating state.
To the CPU 11 of the copier 4 from the output port PO1.
-Send a permission signal. Also, the CPU 11 of the copying machine 4
Incorporate copier power-on detection signal into input port PI1
I have. FIG. 5 shows the input via the serial I / F12.
Paper discharge code, JAM code, trouble code
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data configuration of a node. That is, the paper ejection code
Is a bit b ₀ JAM code
Is bit b ₇ = 1, b ₆ = 0. Also,
Code is bit b ₇ = 1, b ₆ = 1. The CPU 11 also determines a predetermined
An operation or a mode setting is executed. Where
As shown in FIG. 3, four switches are used as operation switches.
Switch DIP / SW1 to DIP / SW4 and push switch
Chi 21 is installed. DIP / SW4 is a switch to set the initial setting mode
It is. DIP / SW1 is the center selection number (telephone number)
Signal) input mode, DIP / SW2
The input mode of the separate ID number (DTID) is
Input mode of the ID number (center ID) for
These are switches for setting each. Also push
Menu switch 21 is used for initial setting transmission (see FIG. 8: S145), etc.
This is a switch for instructing. The CPU 11 also has a communication interface (RS
232CI / F) 18 ・ Modem 52 side communication interface (RS2
32CI / F) 51 to connect to a modem 52, which is a communication terminal device.
Has been continued. That is, through these devices, the modem 52
Off-hook signal / center selection number
Signal from the center-side modem 72.
And connect it to the computer at the center.
It is configured to be able to communicate. The data terminal 1 sends the data to the center.
The contents of the data (copier management data) are described later.
As described above, depending on the type of transmission flag set to “1”,
Is determined. For example, the power-off transmission flag is set to “1”
If so, data on power supply switching is transmitted. <Center-side device> Connected to many data terminals via a communication line network.
Computer device configured to be This device
Each copier connected to each data terminal
Is managed. That is, from the data terminal 1 side via the communication network
The data transmitted to the modem 72 through the
Interface (RS232CI / F) 71
Via the communication interface (RS232CI / F) 98
Input to PU91. The CPU 91 stores the data (the element
Data, count data, etc.)
Create management data for copier 4 connected to terminal 1
I do. In addition, a bill is printed based on the management data.
Out or about the service man dispatch
Instructions and selection of parts to be prepared at the time of dispatch
U. [2] Control of system Next, control of this system will be described with reference to FIGS.
explain. <Process on Copying Machine> First, the process in the control CPU 41 of the copying machine is described in the flow chart of FIG.
-I will explain according to the chart. The CPU 41 starts processing, for example, when the power is turned on.
And initial settings such as clearing the memory and setting the standard mode.
Perform (S41). After that, execute the processing of steps S43 to S51
I do. Step S43 is a group of key switches on the operation panel 40.
(Numeric keypad group 47 for numeric input, pre-
(PR) key 46, clear key 48 for clear command of numerical value
Etc.), trouble reset switch 49 etc. switch group, multiple
Data from a sensor group (not shown) arranged in the copying machine,
And data received from data terminal 1
And count data to data terminal 1.
There is also a process for transmitting data. Step S49, the data terminal is operating,
A copy permission signal is transmitted from the data terminal.
Is executed (S45; YES). What
Note that this is a batch of processes required during the copying operation.
Steps, such as paper feed control, scan control,
This shows control of the optical drum, control of the developing device, and the like. Step S53 and subsequent steps are processing when a trouble occurs.
That is, when JAM or other trouble occurs (S5
1; YES), generated for the control CPU 11 of the data terminal
A signal corresponding to the trouble or the like is transmitted (S53).
Also, trouble reset switch by operator etc.
When the button 49 is operated (S55; YES), the data is
To the control CPU 11 of the data terminal.
A cut signal is transmitted (S57). <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.
You. (A) Main Routine First, in accordance with the main routine shown in FIG.
The abbreviation will be described. The control CPU 11 starts processing when the power is turned on.
After performing the initial setting process (S13) as necessary,
Sends a copy permission signal to the control CPU 41 of the copying machine
(S15). Then, repeat steps S17 to S31
Move to backup processing. In each subroutine step, the following processing is performed roughly.
Will be * Initial setting: S13 When the power is turned on, DIP switch DIP
If it is on, that is, if it is in the initial setting mode
(S11; YES) is executed. As described below, the center
Selection (telephone) number, data terminal ID number (DTI
D), center ID number (center ID) setting, and
Make an initial setting call. * Count data reception: S17 Various count data transmitted from the control CPU 41 of the copying machine
Data reception processing. Data contents are emission code, JAM / trouble code, JAM
・ Trouble counter, paper size counter, PM counter
It is. The control CPU 11 of the data terminal sends these data
Update to the latest value and hold. * Element data reception / data processing: S19 As described later, the average of each element data is sequentially calculated.
Calculate the data corresponding to the value and standard deviation, and
Update to the value of * Trouble transmission determination: S12 Trouble data, trouble recovery data
It is determined whether or not the data should be transmitted to the center side. * Scheduled transmission judgment: S23 Set the scheduled transmission flag to 1 at the specified scheduled transmission time.
To save various count data and various element data.
Center. In addition, after the transmission by scheduled call is completed,
The next scheduled transmission time data, current time data, billing
The closing date data of the letter is returned. * Warning transmission judgment: S25 As described later, element data and JAM counter
Count value of the PM counter and the count value of the PM counter
Compare with threshold. Also, based on the result, warning data and warning recovery data
It is determined whether or not the data should be transmitted to the center side. * Manual transmission judgment: S27 When not in the initial setting mode, push switch
When the switch 12 is turned on, the manual transmission flag is set to 1.
To This allows various count data and various element data
Data is sent 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
Sent to the center. * Power off transmission judgment: S30 As described later, power off is issued according to the state of the power supply.
Communication and power-off recovery transmission. * Call processing: S31 One of the transmission flags is set to "1" as described later.
Then, call the communication terminal device on the center side,
Execute communication. (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 process (Fig. 8) This process is performed when the power switch is turned on.
Executed when DIP / SW4 is ON (S11; YES)
You. In this processing, the center selection number, data terminal
ID number (DTID) and center ID number (center
ID) initial setting is accepted and the initial setting is sent.
Done. First, the memory 15 is initialized (S101).
Wait for DIP switches DIP / SW1 to DIP / SW3 to turn on.
You. When DIP / SW1 is turned on (S111; YES), the selection number (power
Talk number) input mode. That is, the numeric keypad of the copier
Numerical value input by 47 and displayed in the first digit of display 45
In response to the input of the print key 46 (S113; YES),
Data in the nonvolatile memory 16 as
(S115). The selection number input mode is DIP / S
It is released by turning off W1 (S117). Similarly, when DIP / SW2 is turned on (S121; YES), DT
ID input mode is set and is displayed in the first digit of the display 45
Corresponds to the input of the print key 46 (S123; YE
S), stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as DTID data
(S125). The DTID input mode is set to DIP / SW2 off.
Is released (S127). Similarly, in response to turning on DIP / SW3 (S131; YES),
Enter the print ID of the print key 46.
Each force (S133; YES) is displayed in the first digit of the display 45.
Is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as the center ID data.
It is stored (S135). The center ID input mode is
It is released by turning off DIP / SW3 (S137). When all three types of data settings are completed,
(S141; YES), the push switch 21 is enabled, and
When the switch 21 is pressed (S143; YES), the center
An initial setting call is made to (S145). In other words, after the line connection with the center side,
The above two types of ID data are transmitted to 1. Also, send
When finished, data sent from the CPU 91 of the center
(Count data closing date, next scheduled transmission time, current
(Time, threshold value for warning determination). When the above transmission / reception is completed, communication is performed normally.
It is determined whether or not it has been performed (S147). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S147; NO),
Returning to step S111, the push switch 21 is turned on again.
To wait. If the operation was performed normally (S147; YES), the main
Return to the routine and execute the processing from step S15
I do. * Reception of element data, etc. (Fig. 9) In this subroutine step, the data is transmitted from the copying machine
Based on the element data, a threshold (warning transmission judgment;
Data for comparison with (see FIG. 11) is calculated. First, the element transmitted from the copier every time the copy paper is discharged
Data group x _{i, j} From the serial I / F13 (S2
01). Here, the subscript i indicates the item number of the element data.
The subscript j indicates the order in each item. Next, after substituting the initial value 1 for the item number i (S203),
Maximum value x for each item _iMAX , Minimum x _iMIN And sum
x _ik Are sequentially updated (S205 to S217). Thereafter, the subscript j is incremented (S219), and j becomes
In the case of 4 or less, the process returns to the main routine. Thus, the processing of steps S201 to S217 is performed for each item.
Is performed four times (S221; YES), the subscript j is reset to 1.
After setting (S223), the initial value 1 is substituted for the item number i.
(S225), for each item, the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value
R _ik , And the average value X of the four data _ik , Respectively
(S227-S233). Step S229 is the next step.
Maximum value x in preparation for the processing in steps S205 to S211 _iMAX And most
Small value x _iMIN Is a step of giving an initial value of. 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 cumulative totals of the processes of S227 to S233.
Is the processing when the number of times has not reached 33 times.
And the difference R between the maximum value and the minimum value _ik Sum R _iSUM ,as well as,
Average value X of the four data _ik Sum X _iSUM For 32 times
This is the step of calculating data. On the other hand, steps S247 to S263 are the same as steps S227 to S233.
This is the process when the total of is more than 33 times.
The difference R _ik Sum R _iSUM , And the average value X _ik Sum X
_iSUM Is calculated on the latest 32 data
To calculate the average values ▲ ▼ and ▲ ▼
This is Tep. As described above, each item of element data
And 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 manages trouble transmission and trouble recovery transmission
This is a subroutine to be executed. 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), reset the trouble flag to “0”, and
The transmission recovery flag is set to "1" (S309). Copy
Is paper ejection performed by the machine after recovery from trouble?
It is. Note that the trouble transmission flag and trouble recovery transmission flag
The call processing (Fig. 14) is executed by the set
Trouble data and trouble recovery data
Each is transmitted. * Warning transmission judgment (Fig. 11) This processing is a subroutine that manages warning transmission and warning recovery transmission.
It is a routine. In steps S401 to S427, the value of the element data is
Warn if element data is out of tolerance
Alert recovery when the call is returned to within the allowable range
This is a process for executing the communication. First, the item number i indicating the type of element data is initially set.
The period value "1" is set (S401). Next, in step S411, the target element data
(First time, the first element data)
The report flag is determined. As a result, a warning flag for the element data
If the element data is “0” (S411; YES), the element data
Data value is within the allowable range specific to the element data.
Or not, in other words, the upper threshold _iU Less than and lower threshold
_iL It is determined whether it is within the above range or not, and the allowable range is
If it is off (S413; YES or S415; YES), the
Warning flag F for statement data _i , And warning
The lugs are set to "1" (S417). This
Call processing (Fig. 14) is executed, and
Warning data is sent. On the other hand, in step S411, the target element data
If the warning flag of “1” is “1” (S411; NO),
Whether the value of the default data has returned to within the allowable range
And when returning (S421; YES, and S423; YES),
Warning flag F for element data _i Reset to “0”
And set the warning recovery transmission flag to “1”.
You. As a result, the call processing (FIG. 14) is executed, and
Alert recovery data is sent to the In such processing, i reaches the number of items of element data.
After that, in other words, all the element data
And then go to step S431.
You. Steps S431 to S445 are the JAM counter and PM counter
Alerts when the count value (frequency) of
Notification recovery transmission when the alert returns below the threshold,
This is a process to be executed. First, an item indicating the type of JMA counter and PM counter
The initial value "i (the last number of the element data)
Value + 1) ”(S431). Next, in step S433, the target JAM counter or P is set.
Determine the warning flag for the M counter. As a result, the JAM counter or PM counter
If the warning flag of the counter is “0” (S433; YES),
If the value of the parameter is within the
Threshold _m Judge whether or not it exceeds
Is (S435; YES), the warning flag F for the counter _m Passing
And the warning transmission flag to “1”, respectively (S43
7). As a result, the call processing (FIG. 14) is executed, and
Warning data is sent to the server. On the other hand, in S433, the target JAM counter or
If the warning flag for the PM counter is "1" (S4
33; NO), whether the value of the counter has returned below the threshold
It is determined whether or not the counter has returned (S442; YES).
Warning flag F _m Is reset to “0”, and
Set the warning recovery transmission flag to "1". This allows the frame
Electricity processing (Fig. 14) is executed and the center is alerted.
Notification recovery data is sent. This processing is performed when m is the counter and element data.
After going to the total number of items, in other words,
After returning to the main routine, return to the main routine.
You. As described above, warning transmission and warning recovery transmission are managed
Is done. * PM transmission determination (Fig. 12) In this process, PM transmission is managed. First, an initial value is assigned to the item number i indicating the type of the PM counter.
“1” is set (S501), and the processing of steps S503 to S511 is performed.
After execution, the value of i is incremented, that is, PM
The above process is repeated by changing the type of the counter. Here, in the processes of S503 to S511, the PM counter is cleared.
(S505; YES, and S507; YES), the PM
Save the count value immediately before clearing the counter (S509),
This is a process of setting the PM transmission flag to “1” (S511).
Note that clearing the PM counter corresponds to the PM counter.
It is performed by a serviceman when replacing parts. When the “PM transmission flag = 1” is set, the call processing (the
14) is executed and PM data (exchange
Type of the replaced part and the count value immediately before replacement) are transmitted.
You. * Power-off transmission determination (Fig. 13) In this process, power-off transmission and power-off recovery transmission are managed.
Is done. First, in step S551, a power-off flag is determined. As a result, the power off flag is reset to “0”.
(S551; YES), the CPU of the data terminal
The power source is switched to the secondary battery side (S553; YES), and copying is performed.
On condition that the CPU 41 of the machine is turned on (S
555; YES), power-off flag and power-off transmission flag
Are set to “1” (S557). Note that the power
Call processing (Fig. 14) is executed by setting the transmission flag
Information about the power switch to the secondary battery
Sent to the sender. On the other hand, in step S551, the power-off flag is set to “1”.
If it is set (S551; NO),
Turn off the power of CPU 11 of the data terminal to the main power supply again.
If it is changed (S559; YES), the power-off flag is set.
Reset to “0” and set the power-off recovery transmission flag
It is set to “1” (S561). This enables the call processing (14th
(Fig.) And the power of the data terminal is turned on again.
The information to the effect that the source has been switched to is sent to the center.
You. * Call processing (Figs. 14 and 15) In this processing,
Is called, and the data corresponding to the transmission flag is
Sent. That is, when any of the transmission flags is set to "1"
(S601; YES), not waiting for redial (S603; N
O) If the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is
No (S605; NO), the off-hook signal and the selection signal
On condition that they are not sent to the communication line (S607; NO)
Then, an off-hook signal and a selection signal
Is sent to the communication line (S609). By the processing in step S609, in the next step S607
Is "YES". In this case, the user's power
Phone 53 is "busy (communication line in use)"
Modem 52 communicates the off-hook signal and the selection signal.
If transmission to the line is not possible (S611; YES),
The time is set as the redial time (S613). S6
Step 13 until the redial time comes
The determination in step S603 is “YES” and the center modem 72
Is not executed. Note that the redial
At the time, S603; NO → S605; NO → S607; NO → S609
Off-hook signal and selection
Transmission of the signal to the communication line is instructed. Also, by the processing of the step S609, the modem 52
An off-hook signal and a selection signal are sent to the communication line.
As a result, the modem 72 on the center side
Communication line is occupied)] (S6
15; YES), redial time processing (FIG. 15; described later) is executed
Is performed (S617). Thereby, in the redial time processing,
Until the set time, the determination in step S603 is “YES”.
Therefore, the calling process of the center modem 72 is not executed.
No. At the time set in this process, the security is set again.
A call is made to the modem 72 on the center side. On the other hand, by the processing of step S609, the modem 52
An off-hook signal and a selection signal are sent out to the communication line,
As a result, the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is connected.
(S605; YES), the data transmission permission from the center side
The transmission enabled state is maintained, and when the transmission is enabled (S62
1; YES), the data is transmitted to the center side (S625).
The data transmitted in step S625 is set to “1”.
This is the data defined by the transmission flag set. Thus, when all data is transmitted (S623; YE
S), resets the transmission flag to “0” (S627), and
Send a line disconnect signal to the communication line, and
The communication line with the modem 72 is disconnected (S629). Next, redial time processing (S617, FIG. 15)
explain. For redial time processing, connect to the center CPU 91.
If not successful (S615; YES), redial
This is a process for setting the time. First, a counter for redial count (redial
Counter (S651). The power
Counter is cleared after the communication line is connected to the center.
It is. Next, this call is made in emergency mode (trouble dispatch,
Source call). The result
As a result, in emergency mode (S653; YES),
Condition that the counter value is less than a times (= about 10 to 20 times)
(S655; YES), the time of one minute from the present time, the next call
(Redial) Time is set (S657). That is,
In the emergency mode, until the number of redials reaches a,
A call is made to the center every minute. The number of redials in emergency mode has reached a
In this case (S655; NO), redial the specified time on the next day.
The time is set (S659). Despite calling a times
Not connect to the center (abnormal line congestion,
The operation of the CPU 91 on the
Occupy the communication line on the
This is so that there is no such thing. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S653 that the mode is not the emergency mode,
(S653; NO), the redial counter value is less than b times
(S661; YES), within 20 minutes from now
The next call (re-dialing) is performed using a random number,
) Set as time (S663). This allows many
A center call from the data terminal has occurred
Even if it is, the redial time of each data terminal
Are scattered, increasing the possibility of connecting to the center. If the number of redials in the non-emergency mode is b or more,
(S661; NO), the specified time on the next day
The time is set as the redial time (S665). b times
Cannot connect to center despite calling
(If the communication line is abnormally congested, the center CPU 91 stops operating.
May occupy the communication line on the user side.
To prevent the use of the telephone 53 etc.
It is. Call processing is performed as described above, and
Data is sent to the
Data from the server. <Process at the center> Next, the CPU 9 installed in the computer at the center
The processing in step 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. (A) F1-F7 key processing (Fig. 16) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting the power supply,
The environment settings for the modem, printer, etc. (S6
1). Then, press F1-F7 key switches on the keyboard 93.
Set the following mode according to the input operation of the switch, or
Perform the following processing. -F1 key operation (S63; YES) The reception mode of model registration is set (S65). That is,
Kind name, number of items of element data, each element data
Name, standard threshold value for each element data,
Accept new registrations such as standard thresholds. -F2 key operation (S67; YES) The registration acceptance mode of the user master is set (S69).
That is, the user's name, address, telephone number, model name, machine number,
New registration such as scheduled transmission date and time is accepted. Also, DTID
Set automatically. -F3 key operation (S71; YES) Trouble status is displayed (S73). That is, trouble
The transmitted user information of the copier (user name, address,
(Speech number, model name) and date and time of occurrence
Both are displayed on the display 92. The F3 key operation
Regardless of the work, in the corner of the display 92, the number of troubles
Is always displayed. -F4 key operation (S75; YES) A warning status is displayed (S77). That is, a warning is issued
Display the copy machine user information, etc.
Display on Ray 92. Independent of F4 key operation
The number of warnings is always displayed in the corner of the display 92.
ing. -F5 key operation (S79; YES) The non-reception status is displayed (S81). That is, at the prescribed time
Copier users who do not make scheduled calls after the call time
The information is displayed on the display 92. The F4 key
Regardless of the operation, the corner of the display 92 indicates
The number is always displayed. -F6 key operation (S83; YES) The display mode of the user data is set (S85). That is, you
Select a user to display user information on the display 92
Let it. When a submenu is selected, the user
Copy machine counters (total counter, paper size
Counter, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter
Data), and the element data by month,
Or, it is displayed for each item. -F7 key operation (S87; YES) The invoice is printed out (S89). For example,
Based on the count value of the
Calculate the billing amount, activate the printer 94 and print
Let out. (B) Interrupt processing (FIGS. 17 and 18) The CPU 91 processes the data transmitted from the data terminal.
Received by interrupt processing, and
A predetermined process is performed (S91). First, when an interrupt from the data terminal occurs,
The DTID and the transmission data are received (S901). If a communication error occurs (S903; YES),
Provided that the number of occurrences of the error is not more than a predetermined number
(S913; YES), the DTID and the transmission data are
Request retransmission of data (S905). Also, when the number of occurrences of the above error exceeds a predetermined number
(S913; NO), disconnect the communication line with the data terminal.
(S909). On the other hand, when communication with the data terminal ends normally
(S907; YES), the communication line with the data terminal is disconnected.
(S909), the data is collected by item and by month.
Data for screen display based on data selection (S911). As described above, the CPU 41 of the copying machine and the data terminal
The CPU 11 of the main unit and the CPU 91 of the center perform the processing, and
Connect the user to the administrator center via a communication line
The system is controlled.

【The invention's effect】

As described above, the present invention is a copier management apparatus that has an auxiliary power supply, calls the center side, and transmits the fact when the power supply is switched from the main power supply to the auxiliary power supply. According to the present invention, even if any trouble occurs on the main power supply side, power supply from the auxiliary power supply side is continued, so that data required for copier management can be continuously collected. In addition, since the management center side can know the trouble on the main power supply side, it is possible to promptly take measures such as repairing or calling a user's attention by telephone. In a system in which copying operation is prohibited due to the stoppage of the operation of the copier management device, the copier management device is backed up by the auxiliary power supply until the center performs a response. You can make a copy.

[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 15 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 shows a subroutine for issuing a warning, Fig. 12 shows a subroutine for making a PM transmission, Fig. 13 shows a subroutine for making a power-off transmission, Fig. 14 shows a subroutine for call processing, and Fig. 15 shows a subroutine for redialing time. 16 to 18 are flowcharts showing processing by a control CPU of a computer of a center connected to the apparatus of the embodiment via a communication line. FIG. 16 is a main part of a main routine, and FIG. FIG. 18 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 / SW4 ... Dip switch, 21 ... Push switch, 52 ... DT side modem, 72 ... Center side modem, 53 ... DT side phone, 73 ... Center side phone,

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-91832 (JP, A) JP-A-60-263163 (JP, A) JP-A-62-299162 (JP, A) JP-A-3-3 136451 (JP, A) JP-A-3-46448 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , 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 (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copier management device that collects data of a connected copier, connects to a centralized management device of a management center via a communication network, and transmits copier management data. A main power supply for supplying power to the copier management device; an auxiliary power supply for supplying power to the copier management device when the main power supply is cut off; and an auxiliary power supply side when the main power supply is cut off. Switch means for switching to the power supply circuit, power supply detection means for detecting that the power supply circuit has been switched from the main power supply side to the auxiliary power supply side, and the power supply detection means detecting that the power supply circuit has been switched to the auxiliary power supply side. And a transmission unit for transmitting data relating to power supply switching to the central management device when the power supply is switched. 2. The copying machine management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said copying machine management device further comprises a copying machine power supply detecting means for detecting a power supply state of a connected copying machine, and said transmitting means comprises: When the power-on state of the copying machine is detected by the machine power detection means, and when the power supply circuit detects that the power supply circuit has been switched to the auxiliary power supply side, data relating to power supply switching is sent to the central management device. To send the copier management device.