JP2946626B2 - Copier management device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial applications]

The present invention relates to a copier management device that communicates copier management data with a centralized management device of a management center.

[Prior art]

(1) A method has been proposed in which management data of a plurality of copiers is transmitted to a single central processing unit, and the processing units collectively process the data (JP-A-54-54032). (2) An apparatus for managing a plurality of copying machines by transmitting management data of each copying machine to a single central control device via each terminal device and processing the data by the control device has been proposed. (JP-A-54-44522). (3) A system has been proposed in which a central control device and a terminal device communicate with each other via a telephone line network.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a centralized management system in which management data of a plurality of copiers is transmitted from each terminal device to a management device on the center side via a telephone network, there is no connection between the terminal device and the management device on the center side. There are cases where it cannot be obtained. For example, there are cases where calls from a large number of terminal devices are duplicated and a line connection cannot be made, or a case where an operation failure has occurred in the management device on the center side. In such a case, the call is redialed after a predetermined time (redial)
It is possible to do. However, when calls from a very large number of terminals are duplicated, it is difficult to connect to the centralized management device despite the redial. Therefore, even when it is necessary to urgently perform data communication with the management center, a case may occur in which the connection with the management center cannot be established. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to increase the possibility of connection when urgent communication with a management center is desired.

[Means for solving the problems]

According to the present invention, a transmission time zone is assigned according to the transmission priority. That is, the present invention relates to a copier management apparatus for calling a central management apparatus of a management center via a network and performing data communication for copier management with the central management apparatus. An interface means, the interface means when a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied so that a signal for calling a communication terminal on the center side connected to the central control device is transmitted from the communication terminal on the copying machine side to the network. A call control means for transmitting a call command signal to the transmission condition, a judgment means for judging the priority of the transmission condition, a first transmission time zone of the call command signal for the transmission condition of the low priority, and the transmission of the high priority Transmission time zone management means for setting the second transmission time zone of the call command signal for the condition to a different time zone, wherein the call control means determines the judgment result of the judgment means. And transmitting the call command signal in a first transmission time zone when the priority is low, and transmitting the call command signal in a second transmission time zone when the priority is high. Device. In the above, the communication terminal is a telephone, a facsimile machine, or the like. Further, the predetermined condition is a condition for requesting transmission in the management of the copying machine. For example, occurrence of trouble, occurrence of JAM, number of copies, data of control parameters for various parts, and the like. In addition, the priority is determined depending on whether or not a prompt response is required of the administrator.

[Action]

In the present invention, different transmission time zones are assigned by the transmission time zone management means when the transmission priority is low and when the transmission priority is high. Therefore, it is possible to further increase the possibility of connection with a transmission center having a high priority. Also, similar restrictions apply when redialing,
Transmissions with high priority (for example, transmissions due to troubles) are easily connected even when the lines are congested. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. 18 (in the case of the present invention) and FIG. 19 (when there is no transmission time zone allocation). Note that, in the figure, a broken line indicates a case where it is not possible to connect to the centralized management device. It is assumed that the line on the centralized management apparatus side is occupied by a low-priority transmission from another device a immediately before the first transmission of a high-priority transmission (FIG. 19). In this case, the transmission with the higher priority cannot be connected to the center, as is apparent from the figure. After that, when transmissions from other devices occur continuously as shown in the figure, retransmission (2
In addition to the third transmission, the re-transmission (third transmission) and the re-retransmission (fourth transmission) performed after a predetermined time similarly cannot establish a connection with the management center. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 18, when low-priority transmissions and high-priority transmissions are assigned to different transmission time zones, the first connection cannot be established. However, when re-transmitting a high-priority call, the transmission of the low-priority other device has ended and the transmission of the low-priority other device is prohibited. Can be achieved.

【Example】

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. [1] System Configuration First, the configuration of the system consisting of "copier / DT (data terminal) / network (public telephone line) / center" will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the above system, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the circuit configuration of the system. As shown in the figure, the present system includes a device on the user side, a device on the center side as an administrator, and a network connecting these devices. On the user side, copy machine 4, DT (data terminal)
1. A modem 52 as a communication terminal device and a telephone 53 as a normal communication device are provided. On the other hand, the center, which is an administrator, includes a modem 72 as a communication terminal device, a telephone 73 as a normal telephone device, and a computer 90 (main body, display 92, keyboard 9).
3, a printer 94) is installed. The DT1 is a device that receives various information of the copying machine 4, performs predetermined processing, and transmits the processed information to the computer 90 on the center side. On the other hand, the center creates data for copier management based on the transmitted data and performs necessary measures. Hereinafter, 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, photosensitive drum surface potential, toner concentration in developer, photosensitive drum exposure, developing bias voltage, toner on photosensitive drum) The amount of adhesion, the grid voltage of the charger, etc.) are detected by various sensor groups (not shown), and taken into the CPU 41 for processing.
It transmits to CPU11 of DT1 via serial I / F43 and serial I / F13. The various element data are referred to as element data x in the following description of the flowchart.
_{This is} abstractly described as _i (i = 1 to the number of items of element data). In the copying machine 4, a counter (a total counter indicating the number of paper discharges, a counter according to the paper size indicating the number of sheets used according to the paper size) serving as a basis of the amount charged by the manager, and a counter (a counter for maintenance) are provided. 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. DT1 C via serial I / F12
Send to PU11. The PM counter is a counter that counts the number of times of use for each part, and is used as a guide for replacing parts. 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). Signal, etc.) and signals from various switches other than the operation panel (such as the trouble reset switch 49 for commanding the resetting of trouble), etc., set the prescribed operation and mode, etc. The corresponding signal to the serial I / F42 / serial I / F
The data is transmitted to the CPU 11 of the DT1 via the line 12. The transmitted data also includes numerical data displayed on the display unit 45. <DT1> The data of the copying machine 4 is taken in, the modem 52 is started under predetermined conditions (conditions in which the transmission flag is set to "1": see the description of the flowchart for details), and the line with the center side is started. And transfer the copier management data (such as the element data and count data) to the CPU 91 of the center.
This is a device for transmitting data to the Internet. The control CPU 11 of DT1 stores the RO
M14, a non-volatile memory 16 for storing number data (to be described later), a battery-backed-up work system RAM 15, and a battery-backed clock I
C17 is connected. As described above, the CPU 11 transmits the data from the copying machine 4 to the
Take in from serial I / F12 or serial I / F13,
Execute a predetermined process. The CPU 11 also performs a predetermined operation / mode setting or the like according to the input of the operation switch. These processes will be described in the description of the flowchart. Note that Table 5 drawing is a diagram showing the paper discharge code is data inputted through the serial I / F12, JAM code, the data structure of the trouble code, paper ejection codes at the falling edge of the bit b ₀ And the JAM code is bit b
₇ = 1, b ₆ = 0. The trouble code is represented by bits b ₇ = 1 and b ₆ = 1. As the operation switches, four dip switches DIP / SW1 to DIP / SW4 and a push switch 21 are provided 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, and DIP / SW2 is the ID number (D
TID) input mode, DIP / SW3 is ID for center identification
Switches for setting the number (center ID) input mode. The push switch 21 is a switch for instructing an initial setting transmission (see FIG. 8: S145) and the like. On the other hand, the CPU 11 is connected to a communication I / F (RS232CI / F) 51 of a modem 52 via a communication I / F (RS232CI / F) 18. That is, by instructing the modem 52 to transmit an off-hook signal and a center selection signal to the modem 52 via these devices, a line with the center-side modem 72 can be connected and communication with the center computer 90 can be performed. Is configured. The content of the data (data for managing the copying machine 4) transmitted from the DT1 to the center side is determined by the type of the transmission flag set to "1", as described later in detail. <Center> A computer device configured to be connected to a large number of DTs via a telephone line network, and is a device for centrally managing copying machines corresponding to the large number of DTs. That is, from the DT side, the telephone line network / modem 72 / modem side communication I / F (RS232CI / F) 71 / computer side communication I / F (RS232
Management data indicating the status of the copying machine to which the DT is connected is created based on data (the element data, count data, etc.) input to the CPU 91 via the CI / F 98. Based on the management data, a bill is printed out, a decision is made as to whether or not a serviceman is to be dispatched, and further, a part or the like to be prepared at the time of dispatching is selected. After the reception of the data from the DT side is completed, the CPU 91 transmits the data to the DT side. Details will be described later in the description of the flowchart. [2] System Control Next, the control of the system consisting of "copier / DT / (telephone network) / center" will be described. <Process in 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, performs initial settings such as clearing of a memory and setting of a standard mode (S41), and thereafter executes the processing of steps S43 to S49. 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
Etc.), a process of receiving input signals from a group of switches such as a trouble reset switch 49, and a group of sensors (not shown) arranged in the copying machine. Step S47 is a step collectively showing processes required for a copying operation and the like, and includes, for example, paper feed control, scanning control, photosensitive drum control, developing device control, and the like. On the other hand, if JAM or other trouble occurs (S
49; YES), a signal corresponding to the trouble that has occurred is transmitted to the control CPU 11 of the DT (S51). Further, if the trouble reset switch 49 is operated by an operator or the like (S53; YES), a trouble reset signal is transmitted to the DT control CPU 11 in the same manner as described above (S55). <Process in Data Terminal> Next, the process in the control CPU 11 of the DT will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. (A) Main Routine First, an outline of the processing will be described based on the main routine of 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 S35. In each subroutine step, the following processing is roughly executed. * 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 will be described later, setting of the center selection number (telephone number), DT ID number (DTID), center ID number (center ID), and initial setting transmission are performed. * 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 DT updates these data to the latest values and holds them. * Element data reception / data processing: S19 As described later, data corresponding to the average value and standard deviation of each emergent data are 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. * Scheduled transmission determination: S23 At a predetermined scheduled transmission time, the scheduled transmission flag is set to 1, and various count data and various element data are transmitted to the center. After the transmission by the regular transmission is completed, the next regular transmission time data, the current time data, and the closing date data of the bill are returned from the center side. * Warning transmission determination: S25 As described later, the element data, the count value of the JAM counter, and the count value of the PM counter are each compared with a predetermined threshold. Further, based on the result, it is determined whether or not the warning data and the warning recovery data should be transmitted to the center. * 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, a command is issued to connect the line to the center, and after the connection, data communication is executed. * Counter CT: S35 Every time one minute elapses (S33; YES), "1" is added to the counter CT, and the remainder obtained by dividing the value after the addition by "7" is substituted for the counter CT ( S35). The counter CT will be described in the section on redial time processing (FIG. 14). (B) Subroutine Next, details of the subroutine steps will be described with reference to FIGS.
This will be described with reference to the drawings. * Initial setting process (Fig. 8) This process is performed when the power switch is turned on.
This process is executed when the DIP / SW4 is turned on (S11; YES). The center selection number, data terminal ID number (DTID), and center ID number (center
After receiving the initial setting of ID), perform initial setting transmission. First, the memory 15 is initialized (S101), and 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 on 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 are completed (S141; YES), the push switch 21 is validated. When the push switch 21 is turned on (S143; YES), an initial setting is transmitted to the center (S145). . That is, the center is called via the telephone line network, and the above two types of ID data are transmitted to the CPU 91 of the center. 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. When the transmission / reception ends, it is determined whether or not 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. On the other hand, if the processing 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 processing, data for comparison with a threshold value (warning transmission judgment; see FIG. 11) is calculated based on the element data transmitted from the copying machine. First, the element data group x _{i, j} transmitted from the copying machine every time the copy paper is discharged is taken in from the serial I / F 13 (S20
1). 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 _iMIN , and the sum x
_ik are sequentially updated (S205 to S217). Thereafter, the subscript j is incremented (S219), and 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 S223, steps S237 to S245,
Alternatively, the processing of steps S247 to S263 is executed. Step S237~S245 are cumulative process of S227~S233 is a process in the case where not reached 33 times, for each item, the sum RiSUM difference R _ik between the maximum value and the minimum value, and, the four sum XiSUM average value X _ik data, a step of calculating the 32 data samples. On the other hand, step S247~S263 are performed when the cumulative processing of S227~S233 is not less than 33 times, for each item, the sum of the sum Risum, and the average value X _ik of the difference R _ik XiSUM Is calculated for the latest 32 times of data, and the respective average values ▼ and ▼ are calculated. As described above, for each item of element data, the average value of the latest 128 (= 4 × 32) data
▼ and average value of deviation (value equivalent to standard deviation) ▲
Get ▼. * Trouble transmission determination (Fig. 10) This process is a subroutine that manages trouble transmission and trouble recovery transmission. That is, in the state of “trouble flag = 0” (S301; YES),
When a trouble code from the copier is detected (S303; YE
S), set the trouble flag and trouble transmission flag to “1”
Are set respectively (S305). In the state of “trouble flag = 1” (S301; NO),
When the paper ejection code from the copier is detected (S307; YE
S), the trouble flag is reset to "0", and the trouble recovery transmission flag is set to "1" (S309). This is because paper discharge in the copying machine is an operation performed after recovery from a trouble. The call processing (FIG. 13) is executed by setting the trouble transmission flag and the trouble recovery transmission flag, and trouble data and trouble recovery data are transmitted to the center. * Warning transmission determination (FIG. 11) In this process, warning transmission and the like are managed. Steps S401 to S427 are processes for executing a warning transmission when the value of the element data is out of the inherent allowable range, and executing a warning recovery transmission when the value of the element data is returned to within the allowable range. 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 or not it is within the range of _iL or more. If it is out of the allowable range (S413; YES or S415; YES), the warning flag F _i and the 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 transmitted to the center. 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 the processing of step S431 and thereafter. Steps S431 to S445 are to issue a warning when the count value (frequency) of the JAM counter and the PM counter exceeds a specific threshold, and to issue a warning recovery transmission when the count value returns below the threshold.
This is a process to be executed. First, an initial value “i (the value of the last number of the element data + 1)” is set to the item number m indicating the type of the JAM counter and the PM counter (S431). Next, in step S433, the target JAM counter or P
Determine the warning flag for the M counter. As a result, when the warning flag for the JAM counter or the PM counter is “0” (S433; YES), whether the value of the counter is within the allowable range specific to the counter, that is, the threshold _m It is determined whether the counter has exceeded the threshold. If the counter has exceeded (S435; YES), the warning flag _Fm and the warning transmission flag for the counter are set to “1”, respectively (S43).
7). As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the warning data is transmitted to the center. On the other hand, in S433, if the warning flag for the target JAM counter or PM counter is “1” (S4
33; NO), the value of the counter determines whether the returned below the threshold, if the return (S441; reset to YES), a warning flag F _m for the counter "0", also ,
Set the warning recovery transmission flag to "1". As a result, the call processing (FIG. 13) is executed, and the alarm recovery data is transmitted to the center. After performing this processing until m reaches the total number of items of the counter and the element data, in other words, after performing all the counters, the process returns to the main routine. As described above, the warning transmission and the warning recovery transmission are managed. * PM transmission determination (Fig. 12) In this process, PM transmission is managed. First, an initial value “1” is set to the item number i indicating the type of the PM counter (S501), and after executing the processes of steps S503 to S511, the value of i is incremented, that is, the type of the PM counter is changed. Alternately, repeat the above process. Here, when the PM counter is cleared (S505; YES, and S507; YES), the processing of S503 to S511 stores the count value immediately before the PM counter is cleared (S509),
This is the process of setting the transmission flag to "1" (S511). The PM counter is cleared by a serviceman when replacing a part corresponding to the PM counter. When the “PM transmission flag = 1” is set, the call processing (the
13) is 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) The line to the center is not connected (S605; N
O), on the condition that it is not waiting after the transmission command of the off-hook signal and the selection signal (S607; NO), and on the condition that it is not in the transmission prohibited time zone (S607; YES, and, S60).
9; YES or S607; NO, and, S608; YES), instruct the modem 52 to transmit an off-hook signal and a selection signal (S6).
Ten). The "CT" in steps S608 and S609 will be described in the section on redial time processing (FIG. 14). In the above description, as shown in FIG. 18 (the scale scale is 1 minute in FIG. 18), the transmission prohibition time body includes a high-priority transmission (for example, a trouble transmission) and a low-priority transmission. The time zones are set alternately and complementarily, and the transmission prohibition and the transmission permission are alternately repeated at intervals of 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, and so on. Usually, high-priority transmissions such as trouble transmissions occur at a lower frequency than low-priority transmissions, so high-priority transmissions are performed even when transmissions from many DTs are concentrated. Connection with the existing DT is easy to be secured. As is clear from the comparison with FIG. 19, the line with the center is connected relatively quickly (the second time in FIG. 18) even when the transmission from another device occurs continuously. Next, as a result of the processing in S610, the telephone 53 becomes “busy”
Therefore, when the off-hook signal and the selection signal cannot be transmitted (S611; YES), a redial time (time after the predetermined time) is set after a predetermined time to execute the process of S610 again (S613). ). As a result, the determination in S603 is “YES” until the redial time comes.
Therefore, the process of S610 is not executed.
When the redial time comes, S603; NO → S605; NO
→ S606; NO → (S607; YES, and, S609; YES or S607; N
O, and, S608; YES) → S610 instructs modem 52 to transmit the off-hook signal and the selection signal again. In addition, as a result of the selection signal being sent from the modem 52 to the telephone network in accordance with the process of S610, the center modem 72
Is found to be "busy (including connection to modem 72 but no response from CPU 91)" (S6
15; YES), a redial time process (S617, see FIG. 14) is executed, and at the time set in the process, the above-mentioned S610 is again executed.
Execute the processing of The redial time processing will be described later in detail. On the other hand, as a result of the selection signal being transmitted from the modem 52 to the telephone line network in accordance with the processing of S610, the center modem 72
When the line is connected (S605; YES), it waits for the ready state of the modem 52 (S621; YES), and then transmits data to the center (S625). The data to be transmitted is data defined by the transmission flag set to “1”. Thus, when all data is transmitted (S623; YE
S), reset the transmission flag to “0” (S
627), an on-hook signal is transmitted to the telephone line network, and the line with the center telephone 73 is disconnected (S62).
9). The call processing is performed as described above, data is transmitted to the center, and data from the center is received as necessary. * Redial time processing (FIG. 14) This processing is to set a re-call (redial) time when the DT cannot be connected to the center due to the circumstances of the center. First, a counter (redial counter) for counting the number of redials is counted up (S651). The counter is cleared after connection with the center. Next, it is determined whether or not the current call is a call in the emergency mode (in the case of trouble transmission). If the call is in the emergency mode (S653; YES), the redial counter value is set to a times (= 10). ~
On the condition that the time is less than or equal to about 20 times (S655; YES), the time one minute after the present time is set as the next call (redial) time (S657). That is, in the emergency mode, the center is called every minute until the number of redials exceeds a. However, if the set time is in the transmission prohibited period (S685; NO, or S687; NO), the redial time is reset. The processing in steps S681 to S687 will be described later. When the number of redials in the emergency mode exceeds a (S655; NO), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the redial time (S659). This is in order to avoid occupying the user's telephone when connection to the center is not possible (a line error, center computer operation stop, etc. is assumed) despite a call. On the other hand, if it is determined in S653 that the emergency mode is not set (S653; NO), that is, if the call is caused by a cause other than the occurrence of a trouble, the redial counter value is b times or less (S661). ; YES), an arbitrary even-minute time within 20 minutes from the present is set as a next call (redial) time by a random number (S663). That is, redial is performed within 20 minutes. This is to increase the possibility that each DT can be connected to the center by dispersing the redial time of each DT when a center call is generated from a large number of DTs. However, as in the case of the emergency, when the set time is in the calling prohibited time zone (S685; NO, or S687; N
O), reset the redial time. If the number of redials in the non-emergency mode exceeds b times (S661; NO), any even minute time within 40 minutes from the present time, provided that it is c times or less (S665; YES). Is set as the next call time using a random number in the same manner as described above (S667). That is, redial is performed within 40 minutes. This is to further increase the possibility of connection to the center by dispersing the redial time of each DT to a wider range than in the case of step S663 when a center call from many DTs is occurring. is there. However, as described above, if the set time is in the calling prohibited time zone (S6
85; NO, or S687; NO), reset the redial time. Further, if the number of redials in the non-emergency mode is greater than c and less than or equal to d (S669; YES), an arbitrary time within 40 minutes from the present time is determined using a random number as described above,
It is set as the next call time (S671). That is, the condition of even-minute time is canceled, the selectable time is increased more than in the case of step S667, and the possibility of connection to the center is increased. However, as described above, if the set time is in the calling prohibited time zone (S685; NO, or S687; NO), the redial time is reset. If the number of redials in the non-emergency mode exceeds d (S669; NO), a predetermined time on the next day is set as the redial time (S673). This is in order to avoid occupying the user's telephone when connection to the center cannot be established despite d outgoing calls (it is assumed that the line is abnormal, the center computer is stopped, etc.). Steps S681 to S685 are performed when the set redial time is in the calling prohibited time zone (S685; NO, or S687; N
O) This is a process for resetting the redial time. As shown in FIG. 7, the CPU 11 sets (S
33; YES), the counter variable CT is incremented by "1" and divided by "7", and the remainder is substituted for the counter variable CT (S35). That is, the value of CT changes in rotation from 0 → 1 → 2 → 3 → 4 → 5 → 6 → 0 →. Note that CT = 0 to 3 is a transmission permitted time zone of low-priority transmission, and CT = 4 to 6 is a transmission permitted time zone of high-priority transmission (see FIG. 18). The current time X is added to the CT by the processing in step S681, divided by "7", and the remainder is obtained and substituted into the counter variable CTX, so that the CTX is equivalent to the CT. can do. That is, CTX = 0 to 3 can be set as a low-priority transmission allowed time zone, and CTX = 4 to 6 can be set as a high-priority transmission permitted time zone. Thus, the determinations in steps S685 and S607 can be made. <Process at the center> Next, the CP installed in the computer 90 of the center
The processing in U91 will be described with reference to FIGS. (A) F1 to F7 key processing (FIG. 15) The CPU 91 starts processing when the power is turned on, and first executes environment settings for a modem, a printer, and the like (S6).
1). After that, the following mode is set or the following processing is executed according to each key input operation of F1 to F7. -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 warning content. 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) Displays the unreceived status (S81). That is, the user information of the copier 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 user information is displayed on the display 92. When the submenu is selected, various counters of the user copier (total counter, counter for each paper size, JAM counter, trouble counter, PM counter)
Is displayed on a monthly or item basis. -F7 key operation (S87; YES) A bill is printed out (S89). For example, the charge amount is calculated based on the count value of the total counter and a predetermined formula, and the printer 94 is activated to print out. (B) Interruption processing (FIGS. 16 and 17) The CPU 91 receives the data transmitted from the DT by the interruption processing, and performs a predetermined processing on the received data (S91). First, when an interrupt from the DT side occurs, DTID and transmission data are received (S901). If a communication error occurs (S903; YES),
Request the DT side to retransmit the DTID and transmission data (S90
Five). When the communication is normally completed (S907; YES), the line is disconnected (S909), and then the data is totaled by item and by month, and screen display data is created by operator selection (S91).
1).

【The invention's effect】

As described above, according to the present invention, the transmission time zone is assigned according to the transmission priority. According to the present invention, a high priority call can be connected to the center without being interrupted by a low priority call. In addition, since the same applies to redialing, high-priority transmission such as when a trouble occurs becomes easy to be connected even when the lines are congested, and the responsiveness by the center is enhanced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a system in which the apparatus of the embodiment is used, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of the system, FIG.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of an operation panel of a copying machine to which the embodiment device is connected, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of data transmitted from the copying machine to the embodiment device, and FIG. 6 is a control CPU of the copying machine. 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of FIG. 7 to 14 are flowcharts showing processing in the control CPU of the embodiment device,
FIG. 7 is a main routine, FIG. 8 is an initial setting processing subroutine, FIG. 9 is an element data reception / data processing subroutine, FIG.
FIG. 11 is a warning transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 12 is a PM transmission determination subroutine, FIG. 13 is a call processing subroutine, and FIG.
The figure shows a redial time processing subroutine. Fig. 15 ~
FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing processing by a control CPU of a computer of a center connected to the apparatus of the embodiment via a network, FIG. 15 is a main part of a main routine, FIG. The figure shows the details of the interrupt processing. FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram of the relationship between the transmission prohibited time zone and the transmission mode, and FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing the overlapping of transmission when there is no transmission prohibited time zone. 1 Data terminal (DT), 4 Copy machine, 90 Computer at center, 11 CPU of DT, 41 CPU of copy machine, 91 CP at center
U, DIP / SW1 to DIP / SW4 ... Dip switch, 21 ... Push switch, 53 ... DT side phone, 73 ... Center side phone,

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-63-253957 (JP, A) JP-A-61-114643 (JP, A) JP-A-1-99358 (JP, A) JP-A-3-3 162055 (JP, A) JP-A-61-163498 (JP, A) Patent 2881656 (JP, B2) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) H04M 11/00-11/10 G03G 21 / 00 396

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A copier management apparatus for calling a central management apparatus of a management center via a network and performing data communication with the central management apparatus for copier management, wherein the copier management apparatus communicates with a modem of a communication terminal. An interface means for transmitting a signal for calling the communication terminal on the center side connected to the centralized management device from the communication terminal on the copying machine side to the network when a predetermined transmission condition is satisfied;
Paging control means for transmitting a paging command signal to the interface means; determining means for determining the priority of the transmission condition; first of the paging command signal for the low-priority transmission condition;
A sending time zone, and a sending time zone managing means for setting a second sending time zone of the call command signal for the high-priority sending condition to different time zones, and the calling control means comprises: Based on the result of the determination by the determining means, when the priority is low, the call command signal is transmitted in a first transmission time zone, and when the priority is high, a call command signal is transmitted in a second transmission time zone. A copier management device, characterized in that: