JP3359337B2 - Management system, host computer, and abnormality notification method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention comprises a centralized management device connected to a plurality of copying machines via a mutually communicable line, and a host computer connected to the centralized management device via a public line. The present invention relates to a copy management system, a host computer, and an abnormality notification method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Heretofore, there has been known a copier management system in which at least one or more copiers are managed using a centralized management device or the like which connects a host computer at a management base by one public line. For example, if a certain copier does not reach a certain temperature even after adjusting the temperature of the fixing device, the copier determines that there is an abnormality, stops the copying operation, generates an error code (E code), and displays an error code on an operation panel or the like. indicate.

Then, the E code is automatically transmitted to the host computer at the management base through the public line together with the ID of the copying machine.

[0004] Thus, the management base can immediately know which copier has generated what kind of E code, and can quickly dispatch a serviceman to the user.

[0005] In addition, when an error occurs, the user does not need to call the management base and explain the contents of the error.

[0006]

However, since the E-code is called from the copying apparatus to the host computer only when the copying apparatus automatically self-detects the abnormality,
Unless the host computer calls the host computer at regular time intervals, it is indistinguishable whether an E-code has occurred or an abnormality of the public line has occurred. The host computer did not warn.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and a first object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus having an image forming function and a centralized management apparatus capable of communicating via a first line. A management system comprising the centralized management device and a host computer capable of communicating via a second line, wherein the host computer responds to a request for communication with the centralized management device by not responding to the request. If it is determined that there is an abnormality in the line that enables communication between the centralized management device and the host computer, the line is different from the line that enables communication between the centralized management device and the host computer. The presence / absence of the first separate line is determined, and if it is determined that there is the first separate line, the predetermined device communicable via the first separate line is provided with the central management device. Normally, or when warning information indicating an abnormality of a line enabling communication between the centralized management device and the host computer is transferred, and it is determined that there is no first separate line, another second separate line is determined. Judge the presence or absence of
By transferring the warning information to a predetermined device via the second separate line in response to the determination that the second separate line is present, a line abnormality between the central management device and the host computer is confirmed. In this case, while determining whether there is a first or second separate line connecting the centralized management device and the host computer, an appropriate warning can be given even if a line abnormality has occurred between the host computer and the centralized management device. Do the processing,
An object of the present invention is to provide a management system capable of surely and efficiently reporting warning information to managers on a host computer side and a user base side.

[0008] A second object is to provide a centralized management device capable of communicating with an apparatus having an image forming function via a first line, and a host computer capable of communicating with the centralized management device via a second line. In response to the absence of a response to a request for communication to a management device that manages an apparatus having an image forming function, the management device or a line that enables communication between the management device and the host computer is determined to be abnormal. If it is determined, the presence or absence of another line is determined, and the warning information is transferred to a predetermined device via the another line according to the determination, and the warning information is transmitted via the another line. If the transfer is not possible, the determining means continues to determine whether there is another line, and if it is determined that the line is present, the transfer unit sends the warning information to the predetermined device via the further line. Turn Further, when it is determined that there is no other line of the another line and the further another line, a display based on the warning information is displayed on a display unit, so that the central management device and the host computer can communicate with each other. If a line error between the two is confirmed, the host computer searches for another line that can communicate with the central control device as much as possible,
Even if a line abnormality occurs between the host computer and the centralized management device, appropriate warning processing can be performed, and the warning information can be reliably and efficiently notified to the managers on the host computer side and the user base side. In addition, the present invention provides a host computer capable of promptly displaying, on a display unit, warning information for warning an administrator on the host computer side that a line with the centralized management device is abnormal when another line does not exist. It is.

A third object is to provide a centralized management apparatus capable of communicating with an apparatus having an image forming function via a first line, and a host computer capable of communicating with the centralized management apparatus via a second line. In the management system consisting of
If the host computer does not respond to the request for communication to the centralized management device, the host computer determines that there is an abnormality in the centralized management device, or that there is an abnormality in the line that enables communication between the centralized management device and the host computer. If it is determined, it is determined whether there is a first separate line different from the line that allows communication between the central management device and the host computer,
When it is determined that there is a first separate line in accordance with the determination, a predetermined device that can communicate via the first separate line includes:
If it is determined that there is no first separate line while transferring the warning information indicating the abnormality of the centralized management device or the line that enables the centralized management device to communicate with the host computer, Determining whether there is a second separate line, and transferring the warning information to a predetermined device via the second separate line in response to the determination that the second separate line is present, and When a line abnormality between the host computer and the host computer is confirmed, the line between the host computer and the central management device is determined while determining whether there is a first or second separate line connecting the central management device and the host computer. Provided is an abnormality notification method capable of performing an appropriate warning process even if an abnormality has occurred, and reliably and efficiently notifying the administrator of the host computer and the user base of the warning information. It is.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centralized management apparatus capable of communicating with an apparatus having an image forming function via a first line, and a centralized management apparatus and a second centralized management apparatus. In a management system comprising a host computer capable of communicating via a line, the host computer responds to a response to a request for communication to the centralized management device in response to a failure of the centralized management device, or Determining means for determining an abnormality of a line enabling communication between the central management device and the host computer; and enabling communication between the central management device and the host computer when the determination means determines that there is an abnormality. A judging means for judging the presence / absence of a first separate line other than the line, and if it is judged that there is another line according to the judgment of the judging means, the first separate line A predetermined device which can communicate via,
It is determined that there is no other line by the transfer unit that transfers the warning information indicating the abnormality of the centralized management device or the line that enables communication between the centralized management device and the host computer, and the determination unit. Display control means for making a display based on the warning information in response to the request, wherein the determination means further includes a second separate line separate from the first separate line when transfer by the transfer unit is not possible. Wherein the transfer unit transfers the warning information to a predetermined device via the second separate line in response to the determination unit determining that the second separate line is present. .

A second invention according to the present invention is characterized in that when the judgment means judges that there is no second separate line, the display control means causes a display based on the warning information to be displayed on a display section. I do.

A third invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the host computer is a device having a CPU.

[0013] A fourth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined device is a centralized management device different from the centralized management device.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the management apparatus, wherein there is no response to a communication request to a management apparatus which manages an apparatus having an image forming function.
Determining means for determining an abnormality of a line enabling communication between the management device and the host computer; determining means for determining the presence or absence of another line when the determining means determines that the line is abnormal; A transfer unit that transfers the warning information to a predetermined device via the another line in accordance with the determination; and if the transfer unit cannot transfer the warning information via the another line, the determination unit continues to perform the determination. The presence / absence of another line is determined, and if it is determined that the line is present, the transfer unit transfers the warning information to a predetermined device via the further line, and further, the determination unit And display control means for causing a display unit to display a display based on the warning information when it is determined that there is no line of the line and the further line.

A sixth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined device is a management device different from the management device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a centralized management apparatus capable of communicating with an apparatus having an image forming function via a first line, and communicating with the centralized management apparatus via a second line. In the method of notifying an abnormality in a management system including a possible host computer, the host computer responds to a request for communication to the centralized management device without responding to the abnormality of the centralized management device or the centralized management. A determining step of determining an abnormality of a line that enables communication between the device and the host computer, and a line that enables communication between the central management device and the host computer when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the determining step. Is a determining step of determining the presence or absence of a first different line of another line, and determining whether there is another line according to the determination of the determining step. The, the first predetermined device which can communicate via a separate line, the abnormality of the central control device, or,
A transfer step of transferring warning information indicating an abnormality of a line enabling communication between the centralized management device and the host computer, based on the warning information in response to the determination that there is no other line in the determination step A display control step of causing a display to be performed, wherein the determining step further determines whether there is a second separate line different from the first separate line when the transfer in the transfer step cannot be performed, and the transfer step includes: The warning information is transferred to a predetermined device via the second separate line in response to the determination that the second separate line is present in the determining step.

An eighth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that, when it is determined in the determining step that the second separate line does not exist, the display control step causes a display unit to display a display based on the warning information. I do. A ninth invention according to the present invention is characterized in that the predetermined device is a centralized management device different from the centralized management device. Tenth aspect according to the present invention
According to the invention, in response to a response to a request for communication to a management device that manages a device having an image forming function,
A judging step of judging an abnormality in the management device or a line enabling communication between the management device and the host computer; and a first judging process of judging the presence or absence of another line when the judgment step judges an abnormality. A determination step, a first transfer step of transferring warning information to a predetermined device via the another line according to the determination of the first determination step, and the first transfer step includes the step of: A second judging step for judging whether or not there is still another line if the warning information cannot be transferred, and a second judging step for judging whether there is the further another line in the second judging step. A second transfer step of transferring the warning information to a predetermined device via a further different line, and a case where it is determined that there is no other line in any of the first and second determination steps. And having a display control step of causing the display unit to display based on the warning information.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a copier management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a copying machine main body (copier); 190, a CPU (central processing unit) for controlling the copying machine 100; 191, a bus line; 192, a RAM for storing the status of the copying machine; .

Reference numeral 900 denotes a management device, which includes information on a copying machine;
For example, the number of copies for each department is managed. Management device 900
Exchanges information with the copier 100 via the serial communication line 903 between the CPUs. Reference numeral 101 denotes a copying apparatus, which includes the copying machine 100 and a management apparatus 900.

A host computer 800 has a display 803 and a warning buzzer 802. When the management apparatus 900 or the central management apparatus 500 is abnormal, or when the ID and the warning information of the copying apparatus 101 having the abnormality are received from the central management apparatus 500, the warning buzzer 802 sounds and the warning content corresponding to the display 803 is displayed. indicate.

Further, the management apparatus 900 transfers jam information and abnormality information of the copying machine 100 to the host computer 800 through the central management apparatus 500 and the public line 801.

When one copier is connected to one public line, the central control device 500 may not be provided. In such a case, the control device 900 has a built-in modem and is directly connected to the host computer 800. . Reference numeral 902 denotes a CPU that controls the management device 900.

Reference numeral 901 denotes communication control means including an RS-422 interface and the like, which is hardware for flowing information sent from the CPU 902 via the bus line 901 to the RS-422 interface.

Reference numeral 500 denotes a centralized management device, which manages up to six management devices 900 with one telephone line. CPU5
Reference numeral 04 denotes a communication control unit 901 of the management device 900 using the communication control unit 502 connected by the bus line 503.
Is communicated via the communication line 501 of the RS-422.

Further, a liquid crystal display unit 510 and a warning buzzer 511 are provided, and each of them is controlled by the CPU 504. When an error occurs in the copying apparatus 101 or when the central management apparatus 500
When the communication line with the copying apparatus 101 is abnormal, a warning buzzer 511 is sounded and the contents of the warning are displayed on the liquid crystal display unit 5.
Display at 10. Since communication with the host computer 800 uses the public line 801, a modem 505 is used as an interface.
03 is connected.

In the copier management system configured as described above, the host computer 800 sends the management device 900
The CPU of the host computer 800 determines the presence / absence of a line abnormality with the management apparatus 900 according to the number of times that a state in which there is no response from the management apparatus 900 within a second fixed time after the communication has been performed. Host computer 8
00 informs the display 803 and the like that the communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at a predetermined interval, and the host side can diagnose the management device and the line abnormality in which the communication has become abnormal from the response state. .

Also, according to the number of times that the state where there is no response from the management apparatus 900 within the second fixed time after the communication from the host computer 800 to the management apparatus 900,
The CPU of the host computer 800 determines whether or not there is a line abnormality with the management apparatus 900 or the management apparatus 900, and the notification unit notifies the determination result, and the CPU of the host computer 800 determines that the CPU is determined to be abnormal. Since the warning information is communicated to a predetermined device adjacent to the device and connected to a line different from the line, communication between the host computer and the management device is executed at predetermined intervals and a communication error occurs from the response state. The host can diagnose the abnormality of the management device and the line, and notify the predetermined warning information to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line adjacent to the management device determined to be abnormal. Becomes

Further, the management apparatus 900 sends the copy machine 100
In response to the number of times the copier 100 does not respond within the second fixed time after the communication is started,
The PU 902 determines whether or not there is a line abnormality between the copying machine 100 or the copying machine 100, and the communication control unit 901 communicates warning information based on the determination result to the host computer 800. The management apparatus 900 diagnoses the abnormality of the copier and the line in which the communication has been executed and the communication state has changed from the communication state to the communication abnormality, and notifies the host computer 800 of the abnormality.

Further, the central control device 500 sends the copy machine 10
0 in response to the number of times a state in which there is no response from the copying machine 100 within the second predetermined time after the communication is started,
The CPU 504 determines whether or not there is a line abnormality with the copying machine 100 or the copying machine 100, and the CPU 504 communicates the warning information to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the line for which the abnormality has been determined. The communication between the central management device and the copier is executed in the copier, and the copier and the line that have a communication error based on the response state diagnose the abnormality of the line, and the predetermined warning information is determined to be abnormal. Can be notified to a predetermined device connected to a line different from the above-mentioned line.

Since the predetermined device is any one of the copier 100, the management device 900, and the computer, it is possible to notify the warning information to any of the copier, the management device, and the computer that can communicate normally. Become.

Further, since the warning information is the ID of the copying machine whose line is abnormal and a code indicating the abnormality, it is possible to reliably notify the device having the communication abnormality and its abnormal state with a small amount of information.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a control configuration of the management device 900 shown in FIG.

A ROM 910 stores a program describing a control procedure of the copy management system according to the present invention.
It is. Reference numeral 911 denotes an SRAM that stores a counter that counts the number of copies for each department and the like, and a password that is set by an administrator for each department. Reference numeral 912 denotes a DRAM used as a work area of the program. 913 is the CPU 90
2 is an external line connected to an I / O port and an interrupt terminal of the printer 2 and is connected to the card reader 1001 and the printer 1002.

The card reader 1001 is a magnetic card reader, and is used, for example, to read the department number of a card distributed for each department.

Further, it is also used to read an administrator card used by the administrator and a tallying card used at the time of tallying. This is embedded in the operation unit of the copying machine body.

The printer 1002 is a tallying printer, and is used by an administrator when tallying the number of copies of each department at the end of a month or the like. At the time of counting, the cable of the printer is connected to the connector 1003 on the operation panel of the copying machine body.
The CPU 902 is a central processing unit that controls the copier management device, and is connected to the CPU 190 of the copier 100 via a serial communication line 903.

For example, if the department number read from the card reader 1001 is valid, data indicating that a copy operation is possible is communicated to the CPU 902, and the CPU 902 enables the copy operation. Further, the CPU 902 directly controls the card reader 1001 and the printer 1002 using an I / O port and an interrupt terminal.

Further, CPU 902 controls the operation panel of copier 100 via CPU 190. This is because, for example, when the administrator sets a password stored in the SRAM 911, the operation panel of the copier 100 is used. At this time, the CPU 190 of the copying machine 100 controls reading of key input values and control of display on the liquid crystal screen.

If the key input sequence is related to the copier management, the key input value is transmitted to the CPU 902, or if the display data of the liquid crystal screen is received from the CPU 902, it is displayed on the liquid crystal screen.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view for explaining the structure of the copying machine 100 shown in FIG.

In the copying machine 100, 101 is a platen glass on which an original is placed, 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) for illuminating the original, and 105, 107 and 109 are scanning mirrors (scanning mirrors) for changing the optical path of the original. ),
111 is a lens having focusing and zooming functions, and 113 is a fourth reflection mirror (scanning mirror) for changing the optical path. 115 is an optical system motor for driving the optical system, 117,
119 and 121 are sensors, respectively. 131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high-pressure unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developing device, 140 is a developing roller,
41 is a transfer charger, 143 is a separation charger, and 145
Is a cleaning device.

Reference numeral 151 denotes an upper cassette, 153 denotes a lower cassette, 171 denotes a manual paper feed port, 155 and 157 denote paper feed rollers, and 159 denotes a registration roller. Also, 16
Reference numeral 1 denotes a transport belt that transports the recording paper on which the image has been recorded to the fixing side, reference numeral 163 denotes a fixing device that fixes the transported recording paper by thermocompression bonding, and reference numeral 167 denotes a sensor that is used during double-sided recording. The surface of the photosensitive drum 131 is made of a photoconductor and a seamless photoconductor using a conductor.
Is rotated by a main motor 133 which is rotatably supported and operates in response to pressing of a copy start key described later.

Next, when the predetermined rotation control and potential control processing (pre-processing) of the photosensitive drum 131 is completed, the original placed on the platen glass 101 is moved to the first scanning mirror 105.
Illuminated by an illumination lamp 103 integrally formed with
An image of the document is formed on a drum 131 via a reflection mirror 109, a lens 111, and a fourth scanning mirror 113. The photosensitive drum 131 is corona-charged by the high-pressure unit 135.

Thereafter, the image (original image) irradiated by the illumination lamp 103 is subjected to slit exposure, and an electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 131 by a known Carlson method.
Next, the electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 131 is developed by the developing roller 140 of the developing device 139 and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred onto a transfer paper by the transfer charger 141 as described later.

That is, the transfer paper or the manual paper feed port 171 in the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153
The transfer paper set in the sheet feeding roller 155 or 15
7, the toner image is sent in the direction of the photosensitive drum 131 at an accurate timing by the registration roller 159, and the leading edge of the latent image coincides with the leading edge of the transfer paper.

Thereafter, the transfer charger 141 and the photosensitive drum 1
When the transfer paper passes between the transfer paper 31 and the toner image, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 131 is transferred onto the transfer paper. After the completion of the transfer, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 131 by the separation charger 14.
3 and the fixing belt 16 by the conveyor belt 161.
3 and fixed by pressurization and overheating.
The sheet is discharged out of the copying machine 100 by a discharge roller 165. After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 131 continues to rotate as it is, and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning device 145 including a cleaning roller and an elastic blade.

A pedestal 200 functions as a double-sided unit. A sorter unit 400 includes a plurality of bins B. An RDF 300 circulates and transports the document S above the document. Reference numeral 211 denotes a flapper for controlling a document transport destination. Reference numeral 201 denotes a paper deck which stores a large amount of recording paper of a predetermined size.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the structure of the operation panel provided in copying machine 100 shown in FIG.

The operation panel 600 has a key group and a display group as described below.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 601 denotes an asterisk (*) key, which is used by an operator (user) when setting a binding margin amount or setting a mode such as setting a size for erasing a document frame. Reference numeral 606 denotes an all reset key, which is pressed to return to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 602 denotes a preheating key, which is depressed when the machine of the copying machine 100 is set in the preheating state and when the preheating state is released. Also, when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode, the preheating key 602 is pressed. 60
Reference numeral 5 denotes a copy start key (copy start key), which is pressed to start copying.

Reference numeral 604 denotes a clear / stop key, which functions as a clear key during standby (standby) and as a stop key during copying and recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. Also, * (asterisk)
Also used to release the mode. The stop key is pressed to interrupt continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pressing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 denotes a ten key which is depressed when setting the number of copies. Also used to set * (asterisk) mode. A job mode memory key 619 can register a job mode of a code frequently used by a user. Here, four types of registration, M1 to M4, can be performed.

Reference numerals 611 and 612 denote copy density keys which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 613 is A
The E key is pressed when automatically adjusting the copy density in accordance with the density of the document, or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching the density adjustment to manual (manual). A cassette selection key 607 is pressed to select the upper cassette 151, the lower cassette 153, and the paper deck 201.

When a document is placed on the RDF 300, APS (automatic paper selection) can be selected with this key. When APS is selected, a transfer paper cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes a same-size key, which is pressed when making a copy of the same size (original size). 616
Is an auto-magnification key, which is pressed to automatically reduce / enlarge the image of the original in accordance with the designated size of the transfer paper. Numerals 617 and 618 denote zoom keys.
Press to specify any magnification between 42%.

Reference numerals 608 and 609 denote fixed-size scaling keys, which are depressed when designating reduction / enlargement of the fixed-size. 62
Reference numeral 6 denotes a double-sided key, which is depressed when making a two-sided copy from a one-sided original, a two-sided copy from a two-sided original, and a one-sided copy from a two-sided original. A binding margin key 625 can create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet.

A photo key 624 is depressed when copying a photo original. A multiple key 623 is pressed when an image is created (combined) on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals. A document frame erase key 620 is pressed when the user uses the frame eraser for a fixed size document, and the size of the document at that time is set by the asterisk key 601. A sheet frame erasing key 621 is pressed when erasing a document frame according to the size of a cassette.

Reference numeral 622 denotes a page continuous shooting key, which is depressed when copying the left and right pages of the original on separate sheets. Reference numeral 614 denotes a paper ejection method (staple, sort, group) selection key. When a stapler capable of stapling paper after recording is connected, the user can select or cancel a staple mode and a sort mode.
When a sorting tray (sorter) is connected, the user can select or cancel the sort mode and the group mode. 6
An ID key 27 is used by the user to enter his / her personal identification number (I
D) is a key for inputting. For example, even if a departmental card is not inserted, a copying operation can be performed by inputting a password and collating.

Reference numeral 701 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) type message display (LCD display) for displaying information relating to copying.
No message, message for 40 characters, fixed size key 6
08, 609, same-size key 610, zoom keys 617, 6
The copy magnification set at 18 can be displayed. The message display 701 is a transflective liquid crystal, and uses two colors of backlights. Normally, a green backlight is turned on, and an orange backlight is turned on in an abnormal state or in a copying disabled state.

Reference numeral 706 denotes an equal-size display, which lights when an equal-size is selected. Reference numeral 703 denotes a color developing device display, which lights when a sepia developing device is set. A copy number display 702 displays the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code. Reference numeral 705 denotes a used cassette display, which includes an upper cassette 151, a lower cassette 153, and a paper deck 20.
Displays whether any one of 1 is selected.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, and the AE key 61
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheating indicator, which is a two-color LED of green and orange, which lights green when ready (when copying is possible) and lights orange when waiting (when copying is impossible). Reference numeral 708 denotes a double-sided copy display which is turned on when one of double-sided copying from a double-sided original and double-sided copying from a single-sided original is selected.

When the RDF 300 is used in the standard mode, the setting is one copy, the density AE mode, the automatic paper selection, the same magnification, and the one-sided original to one-sided copy.

In the standard mode when the RDF 300 is not used, the number of copies is set to one, the density manual mode is set to the same size, and one-sided copying from one-sided original is set. The difference between when the RDF 300 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 300.

A power lamp 710 is turned on when a power switch is turned on. Reference numeral 1004 denotes a magnetic card such as a departmental card, a copier status card, a destination designation card, and a manager card.

Hereinafter, the communication control operation of the centralized management apparatus 500 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication control procedure by the centralized management device in the copier management system according to the present invention. (1) to (8) indicate each step.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that six copier management apparatuses # 1 to # 6 are connected to the central management apparatus.

First, in step (1), the central management device 5
00 monitors whether there is a communication request from the host computer (hereinafter referred to as the host) 800 to the copier management system. If there is, in step (2), the designated copier management apparatuses # 1 to # 6 and the host To pass through.

In step (1), if there is no communication request from the host, in step (3), first, copier management apparatus # 1
Issue a communication permission command to Since the central management device is the master and the copy management device is the slave, communication from the slave is not possible unless a communication permission command from the master is received. Then, in step (4), if the copier management device # 1 issues a communication request command immediately after this, in step (6), the centralized management device makes the copier management device # 1
And put the host computer in a pass-through state. If not issued, the transmission destination of the communication permission command is set to the copier management apparatus # 2 in step (5), and the process returns to step (1) to perform the same operation.

In step (7), the centralized management apparatus constantly monitors the host command and waits until an end command is sent to the pass-through copier management apparatus. If so, in step (8), the process waits for the pass-through copy management device to send an end command to the host. If sent, the process returns to step (1) and the same processing is performed.

Next, the communication control operation of the host computer 800 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a communication control procedure by the host computer 800 in the copier management system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (1)
2) shows each step.

In step (1), a decrement timer value T # 1 for detecting connection of the public line with the central control device 500 at regular intervals is set. In step (2), a subtraction timer value T # 2 for measuring the time from when the host computer communicates with the central management apparatus 500 until when the central management apparatus responds is set. In step (3), the host computer 800 issues a command to the central control device 500 via the public line, including a command indicating connection detection. On the other hand, the central control device 500 once disconnects the line for security and once again
Call 00.

In step (4), it is checked whether or not there is this response. If there is no response, the process proceeds to step (5) and the timer value T # 2
To see if the time is up. If the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step (4). If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step (12), and it is determined whether or not this has occurred three times.

Here, if the occurrence is the third time, it is determined that there is an abnormality.
Proceed to step (6). If not, go to step (4). In step (6), since there is no response within a certain time after calling the central management device,
Judging that a situation such as a physical disconnection has occurred,
The host computer issues a warning such as sounding a buzzer.

In step (7), it is determined whether or not a command transmission cycle for detecting connection of the central management apparatus has come.
If the timer value T # 1 has timed out, that is, if the cycle of command transmission has come, the process returns to step (1). If not, it is checked in step (8) whether there is a received command.
If there is, the command processing is performed in step (9), and if not, the process proceeds to step (10). In step (10), it is checked whether there is a transmission command. If there is, the command is transmitted in step (11), and if not, the process proceeds to step (7).

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in the communication line between the host computer 800 and the central control device 500, the host computer 800 performs a warning process such as sounding a buzzer.

In the present embodiment, in step (6) of FIG. 6, the host computer 800
The case where the warning process is performed using a line different from the communication line in which the abnormality has occurred will be described.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a first warning processing procedure by the host computer 800 in the copier management system according to the present invention. (1)
(6) shows each step.

In FIG. 7, in step (1), it is checked whether or not there is a line different from the line between the host computer 800 in which the abnormality has occurred and the central control device.

However, another line is connected, for example, to a centralized management device in the same building that owns the centralized management device in which an abnormality has occurred.

If there is no other line, in step (2), the host computer 800 performs a warning process such as sounding a buzzer and displaying the contents of a warning on the display 803. If there is another line, in step (3), the connection of the central control device is detected, and the same processing as in FIG. 6 is performed. In step (4), when the host computer 800 is connected to another centralized management device via a line different from the line in which the abnormality has occurred, in step (5), the centralized management device in which the abnormality has occurred is connected to the centralized management device. And the warning information.

In step (6), the centralized control device that has received the warning information sounds a warning buzzer, displays the ID of the centralized control device in which an abnormality has occurred on a display panel attached to the centralized control device, and controls the user. Prompts for confirmation.

Further, the host computer similarly transfers the warning information even if the communication destination of a line other than the line where the abnormality has occurred is a copying machine or a computer. The transferred copier or computer similarly sounds, for example, a warning buzzer and displays the ID of the centralized management apparatus in which the abnormality has occurred.

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the warning processing of the central computer or the host computer when the line between the host computer and the central computer is abnormal has been described.

In this embodiment, a warning process when a communication line between the copier or the central control device 500 and the copier is abnormal will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a second warning processing procedure by the central control device 500 in the copier management system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (1)
4) shows each step.

In FIG. 8, in step (1), the central control device sets a subtraction timer value T # 3 for detecting connection of the communication line with the copier at regular intervals. In step (2), a subtraction timer value T # 4 for measuring the time from when the central control device communicates with the copying machine to when the copying machine responds is set. In step (3), the central management unit issues a command to the copier via the communication line, including a command indicating connection detection.

In step (4), it is checked whether there is this response. If there is no response, the process proceeds to step (5) and the timer value T # 4
To see if the time is up. If the time has not elapsed, the process proceeds to step (14). If the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to step (12) to determine whether this has occurred three times. If the occurrence is the third time, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and the process proceeds to step (6). If not, go to step (14).

In step (14), the other copiers connected to the central control device are similarly processed by multitasking. If you have done the same for all other copiers,
After step (14), that is, restart from step (4). In step (6), since there is no response within a certain period of time after calling the copier, it is determined that a situation such as a physical disconnection of the communication line has occurred, and the centralized management apparatus determines that an abnormality has occurred. The ID of the copier and the warning information that have occurred are transferred to the host computer through a public line. In step (7), it is determined whether or not the period for issuing a command for detecting connection of the central management device has come.

That is, if the timer value T # 3 has timed out, that is, if the command transmission cycle has come, the process returns to step (1). If not, it is checked in step (8) whether there is a received command. If there is, the command processing is performed in step (9), and if not, the process proceeds to step (10). In step (10), it is checked whether there is a transmission command. If there is, the command is transmitted in step (11), and if not, the process proceeds to step (13).

In step (13), the other copiers connected to the central control device are similarly processed by multitasking. If you have done the same for all other copiers,
After step (13), that is, restart from step (7).

In the warning process of step (6), the centralized management device does not transfer the warning information to the host computer. May be transferred to another copier or computer connected to another communication line.

In each of the above embodiments, the first control means of the host computer which communicates from the host computer to the (centralized) management device at the first fixed time interval, and the (centralized) management device responds thereto. A) a first control means of the (centralized) management device for making a call within a second fixed time from the management device to the host computer, and a second control unit for the (centralized) management device from the host computer to the (centralized) management device.
If there is no response from the copying machine one or more times within a certain period of time, it is detected that the (centralized) management device is abnormal or the public line between the (centralized) management devices is abnormal. A second control means of the host computer, a second control means of the (centralized) management device for communicating at a third fixed time interval from the (centralized) management device to the copying machine, A first control unit of the copying machine that communicates from the copying machine to the (centralized) management device within a fourth fixed time; and a first communication unit that communicates with the copying machine from the (centralized) management device. If there is no response from the copying machine one or more times within a certain period of time 4, it is detected that the copying machine is abnormal or the line between the copying machine and the (centralized) management device is abnormal. Third control of the (centralized) management device And when the third control means of the (centralized) management device detects that the copying machine is abnormal or the line between the (centralized) management devices of the copying machine is abnormal, the warning information is sent to the host computer. The fourth control means of the (centralized) management device which communicates with the central control device and, in the case of the centralized management device, the first control means of the centralized management device, the abnormality of the copying machine or the line between the centralized management devices of the copying machine is abnormal. And a fifth control means for the centralized management device, characterized in that, when it is detected that the warning information is detected, the warning information is communicated to the device through another non-abnormal line.

Thus, the host computer communicates with the (centralized) management device at regular time intervals to check the connection, and the (centralized) management device returns a response to the host computer within a predetermined time. If the host computer makes a call to the (centralized) management device a certain number of times, for example, three times, and if no response is returned, the host computer determines that the (centralized) management device is abnormal or the public line is abnormal. First, a warning is given to the administrator of the host computer using a warning buzzer or the like.
Then, the manager on the host computer side immediately dispatches a serviceman to a place where the copying machine is located, or reports the situation to the manager on the copying machine side by telephone or the like. Alternatively, when the host computer determines that the line for a certain (centralized) management device is abnormal, for example, it is located in the vicinity of the administrator and is attached to another copying machine with a different line to the host computer or a copying machine ( (Centralized) Notify the management device or the host computer of the situation and warn them.

Thus, the administrator on the user side can check the copier that has been warned by the warning. The (centralized) management device communicates with the copier at regular time intervals to check the connection, and the copier returns a response to the (centralized) management device within a predetermined time. If the (centralized) management device makes a call to the copier a certain number of times, for example, three times, and if no response is returned, the (centralized) management device may have an error in the line of the copier, or It is determined that the line between the apparatus and the copying machine is abnormal, and the host computer is first warned of the abnormality. Also,
In the case of the centralized management device, the abnormality is warned to another copying machine or computer in which the line is not abnormal.

[0099]

As described above, according to the management system of the present invention, the centralized management device capable of communicating with the device having the image forming function via the first line, the centralized management device, In a management system including a host computer communicable via a second line, the host computer responds to a response to a request for communication to the centralized management device without an error in the centralized management device, or If it is determined that there is an abnormality in a line that enables communication between the central management device and the host computer, whether or not there is a first separate line different from the line that enables communication between the central management device and the host computer And if it is determined that there is a first separate line according to the determination, the first
To a predetermined device capable of communicating via another line, an abnormality of the centralized management device, or warning information indicating an abnormality of a line enabling communication between the centralized management device and a host computer,
In addition to the transfer, if it is determined that there is no first separate line, it is determined whether there is another second separate line. The warning information is transferred to a predetermined device, and if a line abnormality between the central management device and the host computer is confirmed, the first or second connection between the central management device and the host computer is made. By judging the presence / absence of a line, even if a line abnormality has occurred between the host computer and the central control device, appropriate warning processing is performed, and warning information is reliably and efficiently transmitted to the host computer side and the user base side. This has the effect of notifying the administrator.

According to the host computer of the present invention, a centralized management device capable of communicating with a device having an image forming function via the first line, and a communication with the centralized management device via the second line In a possible host computer, the communication between the management device or the management device and the host computer is enabled in response to no response to a communication request to a management device that manages the device having the image forming function. If the line is determined to be abnormal, determine the presence or absence of another line, and transfer the warning information to a predetermined device via the another line according to the determination, and via the another line If the warning information cannot be transferred, the determining means continues to determine whether there is another line, and if it is determined that the line is present, the transferring means forwards the signal via the further line. The warning information is transferred to a predetermined device, and further, when it is determined that there is no other line of the another line and the further another line, a display based on the warning information is displayed on the display unit. If a line error between the management device and the host computer is confirmed,
The host computer searches for another line that can communicate with the central control device as much as possible, and even if a line error occurs between the host computer and the central control device, performs appropriate warning processing to ensure reliable and efficient operation. Warning information can be well reported to the host computer side and the administrator at the user base, and when there is no separate line, the host computer side administrator can be notified that the line with the centralized management device is abnormal. An excellent effect is obtained such that warning information to be warned can be displayed on the display unit in a timely manner.

According to the abnormality notification method of the present invention, a centralized management device capable of communicating with an apparatus having an image forming function via a first line, and via a centralized management device and a second line. In a management system comprising a communicable host computer, the host computer responds to a request for communication with the central
A line enabling communication between the centralized management device and the host computer when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the centralized management device or an abnormality in a line enabling communication between the centralized management device and the host computer. And determining whether there is a first separate line, and if it is determined that there is a first separate line in accordance with the determination, the predetermined device capable of communicating via the first separate line is If it is determined that there is no first separate line while transferring the warning information indicating the abnormality of the centralized management device or the abnormality of the line enabling communication between the centralized management device and the host computer, another The presence / absence of the second separate line is determined, and when the presence of the second separate line is determined, the warning information is transferred to a predetermined device via the second separate line. Line error between In this case, while determining whether there is a first or second separate line connecting the centralized management device and the host computer, an appropriate warning can be given even if a line abnormality has occurred between the host computer and the centralized management device. By performing the processing, it is possible to obtain an excellent effect that the warning information can be reliably and efficiently notified to the managers of the host computer and the user base.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a copier management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a control configuration of a management device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the copying machine main body shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation panel provided in the copying machine main body shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication control procedure by a centralized management device in the copier management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a communication control procedure by a host computer in the copier management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first warning processing procedure performed by a host computer in the copier management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second warning processing procedure by the centralized management device in the copier management system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 copier main body 101 copier 190 CPU 500 centralized control device 501 communication line 504 CPU 502 communication control means 505 modem 800 host computer 801 public line 802 warning buzzer

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI G06F 13/00 351 G06F 13/00 351M H04N 1/00 107 H04N 1/00 107Z (58) Field surveyed (Int. Cl. ⁷ G03G 15/00 G03G 21/00 B41J 29/00-29/70 H04N 1/00 G06F 3/09-3/12 G06F 13/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A management system comprising: a centralized management device capable of communicating with a device having an image forming function via a first line; and a host computer capable of communicating with the centralized management device via a second line. in the system, the host computer in response to the lack of response to the request for communication to the pre-Symbol central control device, the abnormality of the central control device, or to allow communication between the central control device and the host computer line Determining means for determining whether there is an abnormality, and when the determining means determines that there is an abnormality,
Communication between the central management device and the host computer
To determine the presence or absence of a first different line other than the line to be
It is determined that there is another line according to the determination by the determination means and the determination means.
In this case, a predetermined
The apparatus, abnormality of the central control device, or, warning information indicating an abnormality of the line to enable communication with the central control device and a host computer, a transfer means for transferring, another line is not by the determining means Was determined to be
Display control means for making a display based on the warning information in response
And the determining means cannot transfer data by the transfer means.
To determine whether there is a second separate line different from the first separate line
And the transfer means determines the second separate line by the determination means.
Via the second separate line in response to the determination that there is
And transmitting the warning information to a predetermined device . 2. The system according to claim 2, wherein said second separate line is not connected by said determining means.
If it is determined that the warning information
The management system according to claim 1, wherein a display based on the information is displayed on a display unit . 3. The host computer includes a CPU.
3. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
Management system. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined device is a central management device.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, which is another centralized management device.
3. The management system according to any one of 3. 5. A line enabling communication between the management device or the management device and a host computer in response to a response to a request for communication from the management device managing the device having an image forming function being received. Determining means for determining whether there is an abnormality, determining means for determining the presence or absence of another line when the determining means determines that there is an abnormality, warning information via the another line according to the determination of the determining means Transfer means for transferring the warning information to a predetermined device, when the transfer means cannot transfer the warning information via the another line, the determination means continuously determines the presence or absence of another line, and When it is determined, the transfer unit transfers the warning information to a predetermined device via the further another line, and further, any one of the another line and the further another line is determined by the determination unit. Host computer; and a display control means for display based on the warning information on the display unit when it is determined that there is no line. 6. The host computer according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined device is a management device different from the management device. 7. A management system comprising: a centralized management device capable of communicating with an apparatus having an image forming function via a first line; and a host computer capable of communicating with the centralized management device via a second line. In the abnormality notification method in a system, the host computer can communicate with the central management device or the host computer in response to an absence of a response to a request for communication with the central management device. A determining step of determining an abnormality of a line to be changed; and a first line of a line different from a line enabling communication between the centralized management device and the host computer when it is determined that there is an abnormality in the determining step. A judging step of judging the presence or absence of a line, and if it is judged that there is another line according to the judgment of the judging step, the first other line is A transfer step of transferring warning information indicating an abnormality of the centralized management device or an abnormality of a line enabling communication between the centralized management device and a host computer to a predetermined device communicable via the communication device; A display control step of performing a display based on the warning information in response to the determination that there is no other line in the step, wherein the determination step further includes the first step when the transfer in the transfer step cannot be performed. The presence or absence of a second separate line different from the other line is determined, and the transfer step determines the warning information via the second separate line in response to the determination that the second separate line exists. Is transmitted to a predetermined device. 8. The abnormality according to claim 7, wherein when it is determined in the determining step that the second separate line does not exist, the display control step causes the display unit to display a display based on the warning information. Notification method. 9. The abnormality notification method according to claim 7, wherein the predetermined device is a centralized management device different from the centralized management device. 10. A line that enables communication between the management device or the management device and a host computer in response to no response to a communication request to a management device that manages the device having an image forming function. A determining step of determining whether there is an abnormality, a first determining step of determining the presence or absence of another line when it is determined to be abnormal by the determining step, and determining the another line according to the determination of the first determining step. A first transfer step of transferring the warning information to a predetermined device via the first line, and if the warning information cannot be transferred via the another line in the first transfer step, whether or not there is still another line A second judging step of judging whether the warning information is present via the further another line when it is judged in the second judging step that the further another line exists. A second transfer step of transferring to a predetermined device, and a display control step of causing a display unit to display based on the warning information when it is determined that there is no other line in any of the first and second determination steps. An abnormality notification method comprising: