JPH11231732A - Image forming device management system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To provide an image forming apparatus management system that is highly convenient for customers. An image forming apparatus management system includes a large number of image forming apparatuses connected to a central control device via a data communication device and a communication line. Set the program mode to communication line 250,
By allowing registration from the central control device 260 via the data communication device 200, the customer's usage pattern is asked in advance and prepared before delivery of the image forming device 100, and the The program mode is registered from the central control device 260 via the communication line 250 and the data communication device 200.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses premised on remote diagnosis and a central control unit are connected via a data communication device and a communication line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Customers (repeatedly used on a daily basis)
From the operation display section of the image forming apparatus,
A plurality of sets of image forming modes related to image forming operations such as paper size, image density, magnification, etc. are registered and stored in advance, and are registered and stored by a simple operation from the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus when used. By selectively recalling the image forming mode, and reproducing the image forming mode on the operation display unit, there is a function of reducing the amount of work for the customer by eliminating the trouble of setting the image forming mode for each use. Widely used.

[0003] In general, a combination of image forming modes such as paper size, image density, and scaling ratio is called a program mode. For example, in the first program mode, the paper size is A4, the image density is standard, and the magnification is the same. In the second program mode, the paper size is A3, the image density is dark, and the magnification is "A3 → A4". Or zoom magnification,
It is so.

[0004]

Conventionally, the registration and storage of the program mode is performed by a serviceman upon request of the customer when the image forming apparatus is delivered to the customer, or by the customer himself. I was

Here, an image forming apparatus installed at an unspecified number of customers and a central control apparatus installed at a sales or service base are connected via a data communication apparatus and a communication line, and 1). Efficient and quick service by performing communication from the central control device to the image forming device, 2) communication from the image forming device to the central control device or data communication device, and 3) independent control of the data communication device. It is hoped that a response will be taken.

The present invention has been made in view of such a background, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus management system that is highly convenient for customers.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a central control apparatus on the premise of remote diagnosis are provided with a data communication apparatus and a communication line. An image forming apparatus management system connected via a computer, wherein the image forming apparatus registers a plurality of image forming modes related to image forming operations such as a sheet size, an image density, and a magnification from an operation display unit in advance. Storage means for storing the registered image forming mode in a nonvolatile state;
A calling unit for selectively calling a registered image forming mode from the operation display unit to reproduce the image forming mode on the operation display unit, and executing an image forming operation in the image forming mode reproduced on the operation display unit. And an image forming unit, wherein the image forming mode can be registered from the central control device via a communication line and a data communication device.

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a second aspect is provided.
According to the invention described in the first aspect, the image forming mode can be further read from the central control device via a communication line and a data communication device.

[0009]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus management system includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses (101 to 105, which will be represented by reference numeral 100 in the following description) and a central control device 260, which are premised on remote diagnosis, and a data communication device 200 Communication line 2
The image forming apparatus 100 is connected via a central control unit 260 so that the image forming apparatus 100 can be centrally and remotely managed.

The data communication device 200 includes a central control device 2
A command signal from the image forming apparatus 100 is selectively transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100, and various messages from the image forming apparatus 100 are transmitted to the central control apparatus 260 via the communication line 250. The data communication device 200 is energized for 24 hours, and normally enables communication with the central control device 260 even at night when the power of the image forming apparatus 100 is off.

The data communication device 200 and the image forming device 100 are connected to a serial communication interface RS-48.
5, a selection from the data communication device 200, which will be described later with reference to FIGS.
Communication with the image forming apparatus 100 is performed by polling.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the data communication device 200 of FIG. The data communication device 200 includes a control unit 201, an auto dialer unit 202, a line control unit 20
Consists of three. The control unit 201 includes a plurality of image forming apparatuses 10.
0 and controls the reception of a command signal from the central control unit 260 via the communication line 250. The auto dialer unit 202 makes a self-originated call to the central control unit 260 in response to various reports from the image forming apparatus 100. The line control unit 203 controls connection with the communication line 250 and switching control with the general telephone 204.

Although not shown, the control unit 201 is a general control unit (for example, an image forming apparatus 100 described later with reference to FIG. 5).
ROM that stores a control program, a CPU that executes various controls by the control program, a RAM that temporarily stores data, a nonvolatile RAM that is backed up by a battery, a serial communication control unit, and an input / output port. , And a real-time clock circuit for knowing the current time.

The non-volatile RAM includes transmission data from one of the central control device 260 and the image forming apparatus 100 to the other, and respective device codes (one for specifying one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100). 7), an ID code (described in FIG. 10), and the central control device 2.
The telephone number 60, the number of recalls when the line connection is not successful, the recall interval, and the like are stored.

Next, a schematic function of the image forming apparatus management system will be described. The functions of the image forming apparatus management system are roughly divided into the following three (1) to (3).
There are different types of functions. (1) Communication control from the central control device 260 to the image forming apparatus 100. (2) Communication control from the image forming apparatus 100 to the central control device 260 or the data communication device 200. (3) Unique control of the data communication device 200.

Next, selection will be described.
The communication control from the central control device 260 to the image forming apparatus 100 in (1) includes, for example, the following (a) to (c). (A) The total number of image formations for a specific image forming apparatus 100, the number of image formations for each paper feed tray (paper supply tray), the number of image formations for each transfer size, the number of misfeeds, the number of misfeeds for each transfer paper size, Read and reset the number of misfeeds for each transfer paper transport position. (B) Setting and reading of adjustment values such as control voltage, current, resistance, and timing of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 100. (C) From the image forming apparatus 100 of (2) to the central control device 2
Return result for communication control to 60.

These controls are performed by receiving a command from the central control device 260 and selecting the data communication device 200 to the image forming device 100. The term “selecting” refers to a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses 100.
Shows the function of selecting a specific one from among the above and communicating.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the selecting operation in the data communication device 200. Each image forming apparatus 100 has a unique (specific)
A data communication device 200 having a device code
Sends, on the serial communication interface RS-485, a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined selecting function and a device code of the image forming apparatus 100 to be selected.

Each of the image forming apparatuses 100 compares the next device code with its own device code by using a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a selecting function. Know that you have been selected.

Here, if there is data to be transmitted, the selected image forming apparatus 100 outputs a busy (BUSY) response (step S301) using a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes). I do. When receiving the busy response, the data communication device 200 suspends the selecting operation and shifts to the polling operation described in FIG.

The selected image forming apparatus 100
If there is no data to be transmitted, it determines whether or not it is possible to support the selecting, and if it is, outputs an acknowledgment (step S302) using a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes). To communicate with the data communication device 200 (steps S305 and S30).
6) Yes. If the communication is not possible, a negative response (step S303) using a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) is output, and the communication with the data communication device 200 ends.

If the image forming apparatus 100 corresponding to the device code output from the data communication device 200 cannot output an affirmative response or a negative response due to power-off or the like, the data communication device 200 is determined in advance. After a lapse of a predetermined time (step S304), the selecting operation ends.

Next, the polling will be described. The communication control from the image forming apparatus 100 to the central control device 260 or the data communication device 200 in (2) includes, for example, the following (a) to (e).

(A) The image forming apparatus 100 immediately notifies the central control unit 260 via the data communication device 200 and the communication line 250 when an abnormality (failure) that makes it impossible to perform an image forming operation occurs. Report to (emergency call).

(B) The image forming apparatus 100 makes a request (repair request or supply replenishment request) required by a different user from the image forming mode by a key operation on the operation display unit by the user (customer). The mode shifts to a user request input mode for inputting, and a user request input screen is displayed on a character display 802 of the operation display unit 801 to be described later with reference to FIG. 12, and the user is required by pressing a predetermined key on the screen. When a request is input, the request is immediately reported to the central control device 260 via the data communication device 200 and the communication line 250 (emergency notification).

(C) When the total number of image formations reaches a predetermined fixed number (report level value), the image forming apparatus 100 responds to the corresponding information (for example, the total number of image formations or the order of transfer paper). Information, etc.) to the central controller 260 via the data communication device 200 and the communication line 250 immediately (emergency notification).

(D) The image forming apparatus 100 notifies the corresponding information to the data communication apparatus 200 when the total number of image formations reaches a preset fixed period, respectively.
The data communication device 200 operates at the designated time of the day (this is set by the central
(Stored at 0), the reports received so far are put together and reported to the central controller 260 via the communication line 250 (non-emergency report). This communication control includes a control for transmitting to the central control device 260 without waiting for the designated time when the number of reports received so far reaches a predetermined number before the designated time is reached. Is also included.

(E) The image forming apparatus 100 can start the image forming operation.
Approaching the specified time, reaching the sensor's standard level, etc.
When an event requiring preventive maintenance has occurred, the information to that effect is reported to the data communication device 200, and the data communication device 200 transmits the information at the designated time of the day (this is the central control device 26).
0 and stored in the data communication device 200), and collectively report the reports received so far to the central control device 260 via the communication line 250 (non-emergency report). In this communication control, if the number of reports received so far reaches a predetermined number before reaching the designated time, the central control unit 26 does not wait for the designated time.
Control for transmitting to 0 is also included.

These controls are performed at the time of polling from the data communication device 200. Polling refers to a function of sequentially designating a plurality of connected image forming apparatuses 100 and confirming the presence or absence of a communication request from the specified image forming apparatuses 100.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the polling operation in the data communication device 200. The data communication device 200 sends out a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating a predetermined polling function and a device code of the image forming apparatus 100 to be selected to the serial communication interface RS-485. Each image forming apparatus 100 compares the next device code with its own device code by using a specific code (or a combination of codes) indicating the polling function, and determines that it has been polled when both codes match. know.

Next, the polled image forming apparatus 100
Starts communication with the data communication device 200 when there is a communication request to the central control device 260 or the data communication device 200 (step S402). When there is no communication request or when the started communication ends, An end response (step S401) using the determined specific code (or a combination of codes) is output to end the communication with the data communication device 200. The data communication device 200
Upon receiving the end response, the process proceeds to polling of the next image forming apparatus 100.

If the image forming apparatus 100 corresponding to the device code output from the data communication apparatus 200 cannot start communication or cannot output an end response due to power off or the like, the data communication apparatus 200 will After a lapse of the predetermined time (step S403), the polling operation ends. This polling is performed in the connected image forming apparatus 1 unless selecting occurs.
00 is sequentially repeated.

Next, reading of the total counter (maintenance contract management data) of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described.
The control unique to the data communication device 200 of (3) includes, for example, the following (a) and (b). (A) Reading the total counter value. (B) From the image forming apparatus 100 of (2) to the central control device 2
Return result for communication control to 60.

The control of reading the total counter value is as follows.
Present once a day from the data communication device 200 to the image forming device 100 (00:00, but at this time, the image forming device 1
When the power supply of the power supply 00 is turned off, the selection is performed when the power supply is turned on for the first time after this time.

The data communication apparatus 200 is provided with two memories for the total counter (tentatively referred to as A and B, respectively) for each connected image forming apparatus.
The total counter value read by the regular once-per-day selection is written into the memory A. Therefore, the data of the previous day is rewritten every day in the memory A (however, this is not the case, for example, when the power supply of the image forming apparatus 100 is not turned on all day, such as a holiday). Also, once a month, a predetermined date and time (this is set by the central control device 260, and the data communication device 2
The total counter value stored in the memory A is stored in the memory B (stored in the non-volatile RAM in the memory 00).

From the data communication device 200 to the central control device 2
The contents of the memory B are sent to 60, and there are two transfer methods shown in (a) and (b) below. (A) The central controller 260 reads the total counter value stored in the memory B of the data communication device 200 after the predetermined date and time (date and time when the contents of the memory A are copied to the memory B). . (B) The data communication device 200 makes a self-call after the date and time, and sends out the total counter value stored in the memory B to the central control device 260 via the communication line 250. The date and time at which the self-originating call is made is also set by the central control device 260 and is stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication device 200.

The data communication apparatus 200 has a plurality of memories prepared by combining memories A and B for each connected image forming apparatus. This is because, for example, various total counter values for black-and-white copying, application copying, color copying, and the like can be considered.

Next, control of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit of the image forming apparatus 100. The control units of the image forming apparatus 100 are a CPU 500 and a real-time clock circuit 51, respectively.
0, ROM 502, RAM 503, nonvolatile RAM 50
4, input / output port 505, serial communication control unit 5
The image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus controller 06 to 508, a personal interface (abbreviated as PI in the following description) 509, and a system bus 501.

The CPU 500 is a central control device that controls the entire control by a control program stored in the ROM 502. Real-time clock circuit 510
Generates time information, and the CPU 500 can know the current time by reading the time information. The ROM 502 is a read-only memory that stores various fixed data including a control program used by the CPU 500. The RAM 503 is a random access memory used as a work memory or the like used when the CPU 500 performs data processing.

The nonvolatile RAM 504 is a memory for storing, for example, the contents of mode instructions from an operation display unit and the like described later with reference to FIG. 12, and is backed up by a battery. The input / output port 505 is connected to output loads such as a motor, a solenoid, and a clutch in the image forming apparatus 100 and input signals of sensors and switches.

The serial communication control unit 506 exchanges signals with a control unit (not shown) of the operation display unit. The serial communication control unit 507 exchanges signals with a control unit of a document feed unit (not shown).
The serial communication control unit 508 exchanges signals with a control unit (not shown) of a transfer paper post-processing unit.

The PI 509 is an interface circuit that controls communication with the data communication device 200.
It is provided in order to reduce the load for communication processing with the data communication device 200. Of course, CPU 500
If the processing capacity of PI 509 is sufficient,
It can be taken into PU500.

The main functions of the PI 509 are as follows:
This is as shown in (4). (1) Monitoring of polling and selecting from the data communication device 200. (2) Processing for acknowledgment and negative acknowledgment to the data communication device 200. (3) Validity check, parity check of data transmitted / received to / from the data communication device 200, and retransmission request processing when an error occurs. (4) Header processing of data transmitted and received with the data communication device 200.

The system bus 501 is a bus line including an address bus, a control bus, and a data bus.
ROM 502, RAM 503, nonvolatile RAM 504, input / output port 505, serial communication control unit 506 to
508 and PI 509 are interconnected.

Next, the PI 509 will be described. FIG. 6 shows FIG.
3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a PI 509. FIG. This P
I509 is a CPU 600, a dual port memory 60
2, a register 603 to 606, an input port 607, a serial communication control unit 609, a local bus 601, and a device code setting switch 608.

The CPU 600 includes a central processing unit, a ROM,
This is a one-chip microcomputer including a RAM and the like, and controls the entire PI 509 as a whole. The dual port memory 602 is readable and writable by both the CPU 600 of the PI 509 and the CPU 500 of FIG.
509 and PPC controller (CPU 500, ROM5
02, RAM 503,... Real-time clock 51
0) is a data memory used for sending and receiving text data to and from 0).

The registers 603 to 606 are used for control at the time of sending and receiving the text data, but the details are omitted. The device code setting switch 608 is used to set a unique device code for each of the image forming apparatuses 101 to 105, and is used for polling from the data communication device 200 and identifying the device code at the time of selecting. Serial communication control unit 6
09 is connected to the PI 509 of the data communication device 200 and / or another image forming device 100.

Next, the data structure will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between the central control device 260 and the data communication device 200. In FIG. 7, the serial number is a transmission block number in one transmission, the first block starts with “01”, and is incremented by one thereafter, and is set to “00” after “99”.

The ID code has a purpose of specifying one image forming apparatus, for example, the image forming apparatus 101 from the data communication apparatus 200 and the plurality of image forming apparatuses 100 connected to the data communication apparatus 200. The identification code is a code (processing code) indicating the type of the communication purpose added with the source and the receiver of the text data. The processing code is determined as shown in FIG. The information record includes an information code, the number of digits of the data part, and the data part, and is determined as shown in FIG. A semicolon (;) separator is inserted between the ID code and the identification code, between the identification code and the information record, and between the information records.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data exchanged between the data communication apparatus 200 and the PI 509 of the image forming apparatus 100. As described above, the device code is uniquely set for each of the image forming apparatuses 101 to 105 by the device code setting switch 608, and the association with the ID code in FIG. At the time of the connected installation, the data is read from the image forming apparatus 100 and stored in the nonvolatile RAM in the data communication apparatus 200.
It is appropriately converted according to the text sending direction. The processing code is a code indicating the type of communication purpose as described above, and is obtained by deleting the transmission source and the reception source of the text from the identification code of FIG. This is also appropriately added or deleted by the data communication device 200 depending on the text transmission direction.

FIG. 11 shows the PI 50 of the image forming apparatus 100.
9 and the PPC controller of FIG. 6 (CPU 500 or less)
11 is a diagram showing a configuration example of text data transmitted and received between the data communication device 200 and the PI 50 shown in FIG.
9 is obtained by removing the header, the device code, and the parity part from the text data exchanged with the N.9.

Next, the operation panel of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 12 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus 100. Like the general control unit (for example, the control unit in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 5), the operation display unit includes a ROM that stores a control program, a CPU that executes various controls by the control program, , A nonvolatile RAM backed up by a battery, a serial communication control unit, an input / output port, and the like, and exchanges data with the serial communication control unit 506 in FIG. 5. Omitted.

The operation display unit includes, in addition to the control unit described above, a numeric keypad 810, a numeral clear / stop key 81, and the like.
1, print key 809, enter key 812, interrupt key 813, preheat / mode clear key 814, mode confirmation key 804, screen switching key 805, call key 806, registration key 807, guidance key 808, display contrast volume 803, and Character display 8
02.

A numeric keypad 810 is a key for inputting numerical values such as the number of images to be formed (the number of copies) and a magnification. The number clear / stop key 811 is a key for clearing the number (the number of images to be formed) or for stopping the copy operation. A print key 809 is a key for starting execution of an image forming (copying) operation.

An enter key 812 is a key for confirming the designation of numerical values such as zoom magnification and the number of binding margin dimensions. The interrupt key 813 is a key used to interrupt during copying and to copy another original. The preheat / mode clear key 814 is a key for canceling the contents of all the set image forming modes and for setting the preheat to set the power saving state.

The mode confirmation key 804 is
A key for confirming each image forming mode selectively displayed in 2 in a list display. Screen switching key 805
Are keys for switching the display mode of the character display 802 in accordance with the skill level. A call key 806 is a key for calling a user program.

A registration key 807 is a key for registering a user program. The guidance key 808 is a key for displaying a guidance message or the like on the character display 802. Display contrast volume 803
Is for adjusting the contrast of the character display 802.

The character display 802 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 13 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of the character display 802 of the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus 100.

The character display 802 uses a full-dot display element such as a liquid crystal display or a fluorescent display tube, and has a large number of touch sensors built therein (for example, each of 8 × 8 display pixels). The matrix touch panel switches are overlapped, and details are omitted, but the paper feed tray, automatic paper (the paper feed tray containing the optimal paper is automatically selected according to the original size and the set scaling ratio), image density , Automatic density (the image density is automatically selected according to the density of the original), magnification (same magnification, reduction, enlargement, paper magnification, zoom magnification, dimensional magnification), double-sided image, binding margin, Each image forming mode related to the image forming operation of the sorter or the like can be selected and displayed by pressing (touching) a key on the screen. Also, the status of the image forming apparatus (for example, copying is possible, copying is in progress, no paper is present, etc.) and the number of image formations can be displayed.

Next, the specific control contents of the present invention will be described. First, control contents corresponding to the first aspect of the present invention will be described. FIG. 14 is a display example of program mode registration. When the registration key 807 on the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 12 is pressed, the character display 802 changes from the display of the normal image forming mode shown in FIG. 13 to the display of the program mode registration shown in FIG. Changes to

As a registration procedure, an image forming mode to be registered is set in the display state of the normal image forming mode in FIG. 13, and when the registration key 807 in FIG. 12 is pressed, the display in FIG. The user may press the program mode number key 1201 to be registered in FIG. In this example, ten program modes can be registered, and the program mode number keys (program mode numbers 1 and 2) of white numbers (numbers are squashed with black solid) are set.
Indicates a registered state, and the other program mode number keys (program mode numbers 3 to 10) indicate unregistered.
Normally, an unregistered number is registered, but this does not apply when overwriting a registered program mode. The number of sets of the program mode and the registered and unregistered display modes are not limited to the example in FIG.

The left half of this figure will be registered (FIG. 1)
The image forming mode (set in the display of the normal image forming mode 3) is displayed so that the customer can confirm it. Pressing the program mode number key to be registered ends the registration work.
Pressing 02 returns to the normal image forming mode display of FIG.

FIG. 15 shows a display example of the program mode call. When the call key 806 on the operation display unit of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 12 is pressed, the character display 802 changes from the display in the normal image forming mode shown in FIG. 13 to the display in the program mode shown in FIG. Changes to

As a calling procedure, when the call key 806 is pressed in the display of the normal image forming mode shown in FIG. 13, the display shown in FIG. 15 is displayed, and the program mode number key 1301 called in this figure may be pressed. In this figure, only the program mode number keys (program mode numbers 1 and 2) corresponding to the program modes of the key registration are displayed, and the program mode number keys (program mode number 1) indicated by white numerals are currently selected. Indicates the program mode number in the middle. These display modes are not limited to the example shown in FIG.

The left half of the figure displays the currently selected image forming mode so that the customer can confirm it. Pressing the program mode number key to be called ends the work, so the end key 130
Press 2 to return to the normal image forming mode display of FIG.

FIG. 16 shows an example in which a program mode is registered from the operation display unit (FIG. 12) and the central control unit 260, but the communication line 250, the data communication device 200 and the like are omitted. Program mode 1401
(1) to 1401 (10) are the nonvolatile RAM 504 in FIG.
The image forming mode 1402 is included in the RAM 503 in FIG. Although the details are omitted, the interface with the control unit 1403 of the operation display unit is handled by the serial communication control unit 506 in FIG.

The arrows in the figure represent the flow of data in the program mode. Reference numeral 1404 denotes storage of image forming mode data set on the operation display unit in the RAM 503;
Reference numeral 5 denotes a RAM 503 for storing image forming mode data in accordance with a program mode registration instruction from the operation display unit and a nonvolatile RAM.
Transfer to 504 and 1406 are “program mode registration” data from the central control device 260 to the nonvolatile RAM 504 of the image forming apparatus 100. 1407 to 1409 will be described in the section of control contents corresponding to claim 2.

From the central control unit 260 to the communication line 250,
“Program mode registration” transmitted via the data communication device 200 is performed by selecting from the data communication device 200, but is described in FIG. 3 and will not be described here.

FIG. 17 shows an example of text data (general theory has been described with reference to FIG. 11) that the image forming apparatus 100 receives from the PI 509 when receiving “program mode registration”. The first processing code 1501 stores “04” indicating data writing, and defines a unique code for each of various factors with the information code 1503 constituting the information record 1502 as “program mode registration / read” (program mode). Also, unique codes are defined in each of 1 to 10).

The data section 1505 stores program mode data to be registered (for example, a paper size in 1506 (1), an image density in 1506 (2), a magnification ratio in 1506 (3), etc.). In connection with this, the text data from the data communication device 200 to the PI 509 and the text data from the central control device 260 to the data communication device 200 are not shown, but are shown in FIGS. Similar changes can be made. CPU 50
The “program mode registration” data received by “0” is written and stored in the nonvolatile RAM 504.

Next, control contents corresponding to the second aspect of the present invention will be described. FIG. 16 shows an example in which the program mode is called from the operation display unit (FIG. 12) and an example in which the program mode is read from the central control device 260. However, the communication line 250, the data communication device 200, and the like are omitted. is there.

Program modes 1401 (1) to 1401
1 (10) is included in the nonvolatile RAM 504 of FIG. 5, and the image forming mode 1402 is included in the RAM 503 of FIG. Although the details are omitted, the interface with the control unit 1403 of the operation display unit is handled by the serial communication control unit 506 in FIG.

The arrows in the figure represent the flow of data in the program mode. 1407 is data for displaying the image forming mode on the operation display unit, and 1408 is the image forming mode data in response to a program mode call instruction from the operation display unit. Transfer from nonvolatile RAM 504 to RAM 503, 1
Reference numeral 409 denotes “program mode data read” data from the central control device 260.

From the central control unit 260 to the communication line 250,
The “program mode read” sent via the data communication device 200 is performed by selecting from the data communication device 200, but has been described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 shows the case where the image forming apparatus 100 receives PI 50
9 is an example of text data (general theory has been described in FIG. 11) received from FIG.

The first processing code 1601 stores “02” indicating data reading, and sets the information code 1603 constituting the information record 1602 to “program mode registration /
As "reading", a unique code is defined for each factor (unique codes are also defined in program modes 1 to 10).

The information code 1603 is the same as the information code 1503 described with reference to FIG. The data part digit number 1604 always stores "00" (defined as two digits) because there is no data in the case of reading. Therefore, the data part does not exist. In connection with this, the data communication device 20
Text data from 0 to PI509, central controller 2
The text data from the data communication device 60 to the data communication device 200 is not shown in the figure, but each of the text data shown in FIG.
0 and FIG. The program mode data stored in the non-volatile RAM 504 is transmitted to the central control device 260 by the “program mode read” received by the CPU 500.

The transmission of the program mode data is performed by polling from the data communication device 200.
Since the description has been made with reference to FIG. 4, the description is omitted here.

FIG. 19 shows the image forming apparatus 10 as a response to the reception of the “program mode read” described in FIG.
0 is an example of text data (general theory is described in FIG. 11) to be transmitted to the PI 509.

The first processing code 1701 stores “02” indicating data reading, and sets the information code 1703 constituting the information record 1702 to “program mode registration /
As "reading", a unique code is defined for each factor (unique codes are also defined in program modes 1 to 10). The information code 1703 is the information code 160 described with reference to FIG.
Same as 3. The data to be sent is stored in the data section 1705, and its data configuration is the same as the data section 1505 of the information code 1503 described in FIG. In connection with this, text data from the data communication device 200 to the PI 509 and text data from the central control device 260 to the data communication device 200 are not shown in FIG.
Similar modifications may be made to FIG. 10 and FIG.

[0081]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, a program mode can be registered from a control device via a communication line and a data communication device, thereby enabling a customer to use the program mode in advance of delivery of an image forming apparatus. To be prepared, and the program mode can be registered from the central control device via the communication line and the data communication device at the same time when the image forming apparatus is delivered, thereby realizing a system which is easy for the customer to use. .

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, the program mode can be read from the central control device via a communication line and a data communication device, thereby registering the program mode. The user can confirm the stored program mode or, if the usage pattern of the customer changes, change the program mode data once read, re-register and store it, and create a system that is easy for the customer to use. Can be realized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image forming apparatus management system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the data communication device of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a selecting operation in the data communication device.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a polling operation in the data communication device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a PI in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of text data exchanged between a central control device and a data communication device.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of a processing code.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the contents of an information record.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of text data exchanged between a data communication device and a PI of an image forming apparatus.

11 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of text data exchanged between a PI of the image forming apparatus and the controller in FIG. 6;

FIG. 12 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a layout diagram illustrating a configuration example of a character display of an operation display unit of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example of program mode registration.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a display example of a program mode call.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of program mode writing / reading.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing transmitted / received text data at the time of program mode registration.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating text data received from the PI by the image forming apparatus when receiving the program mode reading.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating text data transmitted from the image forming apparatus to the PI in response to receiving the program mode reading.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 100 Image forming device 200 Data communication device 250 Communication line 260 Central control device

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI H04M 11/00 301 H04M 11/00 301 H04N 1/00 H04N 1/00 C

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses premised on remote diagnosis and a central control apparatus are connected via a data communication apparatus and a communication line. A registration unit for registering in advance a plurality of image forming modes related to image forming operations such as a paper size, an image density, and a scaling ratio from a display unit; a storage unit for storing the registered image forming modes in a nonvolatile state; A calling unit for selectively calling a registered image forming mode from the unit to reproduce the image forming mode on the operation display unit; and an image forming unit for executing an image forming operation in the image forming mode reproduced on the operation display unit. Means for registering an image forming mode from a central control device via a communication line and a data communication device. 2. The image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming mode can be read from a central control device via a communication line and a data communication device.