JP3097108B2 - Image forming device management device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial applications]

The present invention relates to a copier management device and a management system for transmitting and receiving copier management data to and from a centralized management device.

[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]

In a system that centrally manages a large number of copiers (more precisely, copier management devices connected to each copier) via a communication line, a fixed time transmission time unique to each copier management device is allocated. At the scheduled transmission time, the corresponding copier management device to centralized management device are connected to perform predetermined data communication. In addition to the data communication at the regular transmission time, for example, even when a trouble occurs, a connection with the central management device is made to perform the data communication necessary for dealing with the trouble. However, as described above, since data communication between the copier management device and the centralized management device is performed via a communication line,
Even when the scheduled call time comes, for example, it is not possible to connect to the centralized management device while using a telephone or the like sharing a communication line. Further, even if some trouble occurs in the other copier management device and data communication is performed between the other copier management device and the centralized management device, connection with the centralized management device cannot be performed. In such a case, the copier management apparatus is automatically set a recall time, and the central management apparatus is called again at the recall time. However, if the regular transmission time of a certain copier management device is set to a time period in which connection with the central management device is difficult due to some reason, the copier management device frequently uses the central management device. A recall will be performed. This is not only wasteful, but also occupies the communication line of the user, for example, preventing use of a telephone sharing the communication line. The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and when a regular transmission time of a certain copier management device is set to a time zone in which connection with a centralized management device is difficult, the copier management device It is intended to prevent the above-mentioned inconvenience by changing the time period of the regular transmission. In addition, the time when it is difficult to connect to the central management device is
For example, a time period during which the user of the copier management device frequently uses the telephone, a time period during which trouble is likely to occur in each copier management device, or power is turned on to each copier management device as early as in the morning. It is a time zone where calls are crowded.

[Means for solving the problems]

The present invention is an image forming apparatus management apparatus which is connected to an image forming apparatus, calls a central management apparatus of a management center, and transmits management data of the image forming apparatus to the central management apparatus via a communication line, Clock means for measuring the time; transmission control means for calling the centralized management device when the clock means reaches a predetermined transmission time and retransmission time; and centralized management despite the call of the transmission control means A retransmission time management unit for setting a retransmission time according to a predetermined rule when a connection with the device is not made; a counting unit for counting the number of recalls of the centralized management device by the transmission control unit; After the connection with the server, the transmission means transmits the count value of the counting means, and receives and stores the transmission time data calculated based on the count value by the central control device. And time management means, an image forming apparatus management system characterized by having a. Further, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus management apparatus having a data collection function of an image forming apparatus and a function of connecting to a communication line; In the device management system, the image forming device management device transmits a call command signal to the communication terminal device at a regular transmission time and a retransmission time to instruct a call of the communication terminal device on the management center side,
Means for setting a retransmission time when connection with the central control device is not made despite transmission of a call command signal, and data for transmission to the central control device by counting the number of retransmissions of the call command signal Means for setting, and means for storing the scheduled transmission time data received at the time of connection with the centralized management apparatus as the next scheduled transmission time data, wherein the centralized management apparatus is the image forming apparatus management apparatus. Means for calculating the next scheduled transmission time based on the number of retransmissions of the call command signal received at the time of connection with the server, and means for setting the calculated scheduled transmission time data as data for transmission to the image forming apparatus management apparatus An image forming apparatus management system comprising: Further, according to the present invention, in the above configuration, the centralized management device sets the next scheduled transmission time to a time different from the current scheduled transmission time when the number of retransmissions exceeds a predetermined value continuously for a predetermined number of times. This is an image forming apparatus management system for setting a band. Further, the present invention is the image forming apparatus management apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus is a copying machine in the configuration of the image forming apparatus management apparatus. Further, according to the present invention, in the configuration of the image forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus is a copy machine.

【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. 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. It should be noted that the transmission data includes a display unit 45.
Includes the numerical data being displayed. <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 Activate 52 to connect the communication line with the center, and copy the copier management data (element data, count data, or redial count data if redialing was performed during regular transmission) to the center. It is a device for transmitting to the 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 the processing 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, a mode setting, and the like in accordance with the input of the operation switch. Here, four DIP switches DIP-SW1 to DIP-SW4 and a push switch 21 are provided as the operation switches as shown in FIG. DIP / SW4 is a switch for setting the initial setting mode. DIP / SW1 is the center selection number (telephone number) input mode, DIP / SW2 is the data terminal 1 identification number (DTID) input mode, and DIP / SW3 is the center identification ID number. (Center ID) input mode,
These are switches for setting each. The push switch 21 is a switch for instructing an initial setting transmission (see FIG. 8: S145) and the like. 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, and communication with the center computer is performed. Is configured to obtain. 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. For example, if the scheduled transmission flag is set to “1”, the number of redials (including the case of 0)
Is transmitted to the center side. <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. Also, at the time of regular communication (communication due to the regular transmission flag being set to “1”), the next regular transmission time data is transmitted from the CPU 91 to the data terminal 1 side. The time period of the next scheduled transmission time is changed as necessary, as described later. [2] System Control Next, the control of the present system will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 16. <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. 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, and developing device control. 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 later, the center selection (telephone) number, data terminal ID number (DTI
D), center ID number (center ID) setting, and
Make an initial setting call. * 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 scheduled transmission is completed, the center returns the next scheduled transmission time data, the current time data, and the closing date data of the bill. Note that, as described later, the time of the next scheduled transmission is set to a different time zone from the current time when it is recognized that the number of redials at the time of the past scheduled transmission is too large. * 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.
After the connection with the CPU 91 on the center side, data communication is executed. In addition, at the time of regular transmission (transmission by the regular transmission flag = 1), the number of redials (instructing the center side to call twice or more) is transmitted to the center side. Also, the next scheduled transmission time data transmitted from the center side is received. (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.
This is executed when the DIP SW4 is turned on (S11; YES). In this processing, the center selection number, the data terminal ID number (DTID), and the center ID number (center
An initial setting reception process of ID) and initial setting transmission are performed. First, the memory 15 is initialized (S101), and then the DIP switches DIP-SW1 to DIP-SW3 are turned on. When the DIP / SW1 is turned on (S111; YES), the mode becomes the input mode of the selection number (telephone number). That is, the numeric keypad of the copier
The numerical value input by 47 and displayed in the first digit of the display unit 45 is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as center selection number data in response to the input of the print key 46 (S113; YES) (S115). ). The selection number input mode is DIP / S
It is released by turning off W1 (S117). Similarly, in response to the turning on of DIP SW2 (S121; YES), the DT
The ID input mode is set, and the numerical value displayed in the first digit of the display unit 45 corresponds to the input of the print key 46 (S123; YE
S), and is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as DTID data (S125). The DTID input mode is released by turning off the DIP SW2 (S127). Similarly, the center ID input mode is set in response to the turning on of the DIP / SW 3 (S131; YES), and is displayed in the first digit of the display unit 45 every time the print key 46 is input (S133; YES). The stored numerical value is stored in the nonvolatile memory 16 as the center ID data (S135). The center ID input mode is
It is released by turning off DIP / SW3 (S137). When all three types of data settings have been completed (S141; YES), the push switch 21 is validated. When the push switch 21 is pressed (S143; YES), an initial setting is transmitted to the center (S145). ). In other words, after the line connection with the center side,
The above two types of ID data are transmitted to 1. When the transmission is completed, the data (the closing date of the count data, the next scheduled transmission time, the current time, and the threshold value for the warning determination) transmitted from the CPU 91 of the center are received. Upon completion of the transmission / reception, it is determined whether the communication has been normally performed (S147). As a result, if it is not performed normally (S147; N
O), returning to step S111 to wait for the push switch 21 to be turned on again. If the operation has been performed normally (S147; YES), the process returns to the main routine and executes the processing of step S15 and subsequent steps. * 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 S201 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 S227 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
In this step, the sum X _iSUM of the average value X _ik of the four data is calculated for 32 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 the paper discharge in the copying machine is an operation performed after recovery from the 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 445 are processes for executing a warning transmission when the count value (frequency) of the JAM counter and the PM counter exceeds a specific threshold, and performing a warning recovery transmission when the count value returns to or below the threshold. is there. 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 executed, and the PM data (the type of the replaced part, the count value immediately before the replacement) is transmitted to the center. * Call processing (FIG. 13) In this processing, the center is called in response to "any transmission flag = 1", and data corresponding to the transmission flag is transmitted. 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), on the condition that the communication line with the center-side modem 72 is not connected (S605; NO) and that 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), and a counter for counting the number of redials is counted up (S614). As a result, the determination in step S603 is “YES” until the redial time comes, and the calling process of the center-side modem 72 (the process in S609) is not executed. When the redial time comes, S603; NO → S60
5; NO → S607; NO → S609, the modem 52 is again instructed to transmit the off-hook signal and the selection signal to the communication line. 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), a time after a predetermined time is set as a redial time (S617), and a counter for counting the number of redials is counted up (S618). As a result, the determination in step S603 is “YES” until the redial time comes, and the center modem 72 is called (S6).
09) 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 transmission from the center side is performed. When the transmission becomes possible (S621; YES) until the transmission becomes possible (S621; YES), until the transmission ends (S623; NO),
The data is transmitted to the center side (S625). Further, when the data transmission is completed (S623; YES),
It is determined whether or not the current transmission is a regular transmission (transmission by “periodic transmission flag = 1”) (S626). As a result, if the call is scheduled transmission (S626; YES), the count value (including 0 times) of the redial counter is transmitted, and then the CP on the center side is transmitted.
The next scheduled transmission date / time data transmitted from U91 is received (S628, see FIG. 16, S901). Thereafter, the transmission flag is reset to "0" (S629), the redial counter is cleared to "0" (S630), and the communication line on the data terminal side is disconnected (S631). If the determination in step S626 is NO, that is, if the current call is not a regular call, step S628 is skipped and the process directly proceeds to step S629 and subsequent steps. Calling of the communication terminal device on the center side and data communication are performed as described above. In the case of scheduled transmission, the date and time data of the next scheduled transmission is received. <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. 14 to 16. (A) F1-F7 key processing (FIG. 14) The CPU 91 starts processing by connecting the power supply, and first executes the environment setting of the modem, the 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 counter, counter for each paper size, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter) and element data of the user copying machine are displayed monthly.
Or, it is displayed for each item. -F7 key operation (S87; YES) The invoice 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. 15 and 16) The CPU 91 receives the data transmitted from the data terminal via the communication line by the interrupt processing, and performs a predetermined processing on the received data. (S91). That is, when an interrupt occurs due to an incoming call from the communication line,
First, after receiving the DTID and confirming that the DTID is correct, data transmitted from the data terminal is sequentially received (S901, see FIG. 13, S625). If the count value of the redial counter has been received (S905; YES), since the current reception is reception by regular transmission (see FIG. 13, S626; YES → S628), the transmission to the data terminal side is performed. The next scheduled transmission date and time data is set as data (S911 to S919). The following processing is performed on the next scheduled transmission date and time data. That is, first, it is determined whether or not the received count value of the redial counter is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. It is determined (S911). As a result, if the redial counter value is smaller than the predetermined value, or if the redial counter value is not smaller than the predetermined value three times in a row even if it is larger than the predetermined value (S9).
11; NO), the date and time after P days are set as the next scheduled transmission date and time data (S919). That is, in this case, the next scheduled transmission is performed at the same time after P days (the same time as the regular transmission this time (transmission when there is no redial)). On the other hand, if the redial counter value is equal to or greater than the predetermined value and has been equal to or greater than the predetermined value three times in a row including the current time (S911; YES), the next scheduled transmission date / time data is The date and time after P days and after Q hours are set (S913, S919). That is, in this case, the next scheduled transmission is performed after P days and at a time Q hours later than the current regular transmission. If the processing in step S913 causes an overlap with the regular transmission time of another copier management apparatus (S915; Y
ES), the date and time after P days, after Q hours, and after R minutes are set as the next scheduled transmission date and time data (S91).
3, S917, S919). That is, in this case, the next scheduled call is
After P days, it is performed at a time Q time + R minutes later than the regular transmission this time, and the duplication with the other copier management devices is avoided. The next scheduled transmission date and time data set as described above is transmitted to the data terminal (S90
1, see FIG. 13, S628). If an error occurs during communication with the data terminal (S903; YES), the data terminal is requested to retransmit data (S931). When the data communication with the data terminal is completed (S921; YES), the communication line is disconnected (S923), tabulation by item and month is performed, and screen display data is created by operator selection (S925). . As described above, the processing is performed by the CPU 41 of the copying machine, the CPU 11 of each data terminal, and the CPU 91 of the center, and each user is connected to the center as an administrator via the communication line. Further, in the case of communication by scheduled transmission, the next scheduled transmission date and time data set as described above is transmitted to the data terminal side.

【The invention's effect】

The image forming apparatus management apparatus according to the present invention sends to the central management apparatus the number of times that the connection has not been made to the central management apparatus despite being called. Further, the transmission time data is supplied from the central management device to the image forming device management device of the present invention. Therefore, the next time, the centralized management device can be called at the optimal transmission time. In the image forming apparatus management system of the present invention, the image forming apparatus management apparatus should call the central management apparatus next time based on the number of times that the image forming apparatus management apparatus has not been able to connect despite calling the central management apparatus. The time is calculated and sent to the image forming apparatus management apparatus as the next transmission time data. At the transmission time, the image forming apparatus management apparatus makes the next call. Therefore, there is an effect that the image forming apparatus management apparatus can call the centralized management apparatus at the optimal transmission time next time.

[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. FIG. 7 to FIG. 13 are flowcharts showing processing in the control CPU of the apparatus of the embodiment,
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 warning transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 12 shows a PM transmission determination subroutine, and FIG. 13 shows a call processing subroutine. 14 to 16 are flowcharts showing processing in the control CPU of the computer of the center connected to the apparatus of the embodiment via a communication line network, FIG. 14 is a main part of a main routine, and FIG. FIG. 16 shows details of the interrupt processing. 1 ... Data terminal (DT), 4 ... Copier, 90 ... Center computer, 11 ... DT CPU, 41 ... Copier C
PU, 91: Center CPU, DIP / SW1 to DIP / SW4 ... Dip switch, 21: Push switch, 52 ... DT modem, 72 ... Center modem, 53 ... DT telephone, 73 ... …
Center phone,

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-2-34864 (JP, A) JP-A-64-55952 (JP, A) JP-A-1-236797 (JP, A) JP-A-62-100880 (JP) JP-A-57-178594 (JP, A) JP-A-61-287368 (JP, A) JP-A-59-55669 (JP, A) JP-A-63-131769 (JP, A) 63-301377 (JP, A) JP-A-64-8799 (JP, A) JP-A-60-12856 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G03G 21/00 396 H04M 11/00-11/10

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] An image forming apparatus management apparatus which is connected to an image forming apparatus, calls a central management apparatus of a management center, and transmits management data of the image forming apparatus to the central management apparatus via a communication line. Clock means for measuring the time; transmission control means for calling the centralized management device when the clock means reaches a predetermined transmission time and retransmission time set in advance; Retransmission time management means for setting a retransmission time according to a predetermined rule when the connection with the central management apparatus is not made; and a counting means for counting the number of recalls of the central management apparatus by the transmission control means. Transmitting the count value of the counting means after connection with the central management device, and receiving transmission time data calculated based on the count value by the central management device; The image forming apparatus management system characterized by having a scheduled transmission time management means for 憶, the. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming apparatus management apparatus having a data collection function of the image forming apparatus and a connection function to a communication line; and a central management apparatus for managing each image forming apparatus management apparatus via the communication line. In the forming apparatus management system, the image forming apparatus management apparatus transmits a call command signal to the communication terminal device at a regular transmission time and a retransmission time, and instructs a call of the communication terminal device on the management center side, Means for setting a retransmission time when connection with the central control device is not made despite transmission of a call command signal, and data for transmission to the central control device by counting the number of retransmissions of the call command signal And means for storing the scheduled transmission time data received at the time of connection with the centralized management device as the next scheduled transmission time data. Means for calculating the next scheduled transmission time based on the number of retransmissions of the call command signal received at the time of connection with the image forming apparatus management apparatus; and transmitting the calculated scheduled transmission time data to the image forming apparatus management apparatus. An image forming apparatus management system, comprising: means for setting as transmission data. 3. The centralized management device according to claim 2, wherein when the number of retransmissions exceeds a predetermined value continuously for a predetermined number of times, the centralized management device sets the next scheduled transmission time different from the current scheduled transmission time. An image forming device management system that sets the time zone. 4. The image forming apparatus management apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said image forming apparatus is a copying machine. 5. An image forming apparatus management system according to claim 2, wherein said image forming apparatus is a copying machine.