JP2963955B2 - Remote management device for image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to a remote management apparatus for an image forming apparatus for centrally managing an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile, a laser beam printer or the like at a remote place using a communication line. About.

[Conventional technology]

Image forming apparatuses such as copiers require maintenance and inspection, such as replacement of photoconductors and toners, in order to maintain good conditions, and these services are managed by professional service companies as well as copy fee management. I have. The service company has a form in which a service person is dispatched to the site periodically or when the copier is out of order. However, as the number of copiers increases and the number of inspection items increases, the burden on service companies increases,
There is a need for a system for remotely managing a plurality of copiers by a single center device to save labor.

As a conventional technique for remotely managing a copying machine, Japanese Patent Application No. Hei.
There is one disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 302502 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 3-161763). This relates to a remote management apparatus in which a copying machine is connected to a center device via a data terminal unit as communication means attached to the copying machine using a communication line. The data terminal unit sends information such as the number of copies by size, total number of copies, exposure voltage, developing bias voltage, etc., taken out of the copier to the center unit at a preset scheduled transmission time, and sends when a trouble occurs. It has a trouble transmission function and a trouble recovery transmission function that sends when the trouble is recovered. If this is used, the service company will be able to ascertain the use status of the copier and the replacement time of parts using the center device without sending a service person to the site.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

In a conventional remote management device, it has been determined that when a reset button provided on the image forming apparatus main body is pressed, the device starts up normally and recovers from a trouble state to a normal state. That is, it is determined that the image forming apparatus is in a normal state even when it is not in a normal state. Therefore, if the operator presses the reset button without elucidating the cause of the trouble and taking any countermeasures, the same trouble will occur even if copying is performed in this state, and the trouble recovery of the same trouble will be sent to the center many times. There was a problem of being communicated to the device.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and determines that the paper has been recovered from the trouble state to the normal state by actually discharging the paper from the image forming apparatus, and performs wasteful trouble recovery transmission due to the same trouble. To provide a remote management device for an image forming apparatus.

[Means for solving the problem]

The remote management device for an image forming apparatus according to the invention according to claim 1 is provided in an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet,
An image forming apparatus comprising: a communication unit that transmits information related to an operation state including failure information of the image forming apparatus; and a central management unit that centrally manages the image forming apparatus based on the information transmitted from the communication unit. In the apparatus remote management device, the communication unit determines a failure state of the image forming apparatus based on the failure information, and a second determination unit determines discharge of the sheet from the image forming apparatus. A third determining means for determining that the fault state has been restored to a normal state based on the determination results of the first and second determining means; and the failure information when the first determining means determines that a failure has occurred. And a control unit for prohibiting transmission of the failure information until the third determination unit determines that the normal state is restored after the transmission of the failure information.

[Action]

In the invention according to the first aspect, when the image forming apparatus has failed, the first determination unit determines that based on the failure information. If the image forming apparatus is in a failure state, the first
If the second determining means determines that the sheet is discharged from the image forming apparatus when the determination is made by the determining means, the third determining means determines that the image forming apparatus has recovered from the failure state to the normal state, and the normal state is determined. Since the control means for prohibiting transmission of the failure information until the recovery to the failure is determined is provided, it is possible to prevent the same trouble from being transmitted many times for the same failure.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings showing examples.

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a remote management device according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a center device.

Each of a plurality of copying machines 1, 1,... As terminal devices is provided with data terminal units 2, 2,. The copying machine 1 transmits data to the data terminal unit 2 via a serial 1 interface (hereinafter, I / F) 11 and a serial 2 I / F 12 (see FIG. 3).
On the top surface is an operation panel used for instructing copying operations, etc.
100 are provided. The data terminal units 2, 2,... Collect data such as the operating state of the copying machines 1, 1,... And transmit the data to the center device 3 as centralized management means via the communication line 6. The data terminal units 2, 2,... Have an operation unit 20, and perform operations such as setting of a mode at the time of initial setting. In the center device 3, the data obtained through the communication line 6 is taken into the central processing unit 32 using a personal computer via the modem 35, and after performing data processing, the data is predetermined by automatic processing or manual processing by key operation of the keyboard 33 of the operator. Is output to the monitor 31 using a CRT display or the printer 36. The central processing unit 32 is connected to a storage unit 34 including an auxiliary storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk device. The storage unit 34 stores data and programs to be handled therein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the data terminal unit 2. In the data terminal unit 2, various processes are executed by the CPU 200 which operates when the power supply 29 is turned on. The power supply 29 is shared with the power supply of the copying machine 1, and is turned on and off by a switch (not shown).

CPU 1 has serial 1 I / F 11 and serial 2 of copier 1
Various data sent from I / F 12 are sent to data terminal unit 2
Provided via a serial 1 I / F 21 and a serial 2 I / F 22. Here, the serial 1 I / Fs 11 and 21 handle data such as mode setting information of the copying machine 1, information indicating the operation state of the copying machine 1 and various count data, and the serial 2 I / Fs 12 and 22 are a developing bias and an exposure voltage. Handles element data such as image forming conditions including. Serial 1 I / F 11,21, Serial 2 I / F 1
The count data and element data read by the CPU 200 via the CPUs 2 and 22 are stored in a static RAM (SRAM) 24. The SRAM 24 stores initial setting data such as a telephone number and an identification (hereinafter referred to as ID) number of the center device 3 and an ID number of the data terminal unit 2 by operating the operation unit 20 and the operation panel 100 at the time of initial setting. SR
The AM 24 is backed up by the backup power supply 27 together with the clock IC 25, and retains various stored data even when the power is turned off.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit 20 of the data terminal unit 2, and four DIP switches DS1, DS2, DS3, DS4 and a push switch P
S is provided. Here, the DIP switch DS4 is a switch for entering the initial setting mode, and DS1, DS2, DS
Reference numeral 3 denotes a switch for designating a mode for setting the telephone number and ID number of the center device 3 and the ID number of the data terminal unit 2, respectively. The push switch PS is a switch for performing manual transmission. The push switch PS and the dip switches DS1 to DS4 are connected to the CPU 200. Input of numerical values at the time of setting each mode is performed using the operation panel 100 provided in the copying machine 1. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the layout of the operation panel 100. The operation panel 100 has a display section 101 for displaying two-digit numerical values in seven segments, numeric keys 102 for inputting numerical values, a clear key 103, and a print key.
104 are arranged.

Further, LED1 L1 and LED2 L2 are connected to the CPU 200. The LED1 L1 is turned on at the time of initial setting of the data terminal unit 2, blinks when the setting is correctly completed, and turns off when the setting is unsuccessful. The LED2 L2 is turned on during communication between the data terminal unit 2 and the center device 3, blinks when the communication is properly completed, and turns off when the communication is unsuccessful.

Various data stored in the SRAM 24 is transmitted to the communication line 6 by the modem 28 via the RS-232C I / F 26, and is taken into the center device 3 via the modem 35 of the center device 3.

Next, the operation of the thus configured remote management device of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the data terminal unit 2.

Before describing the flowchart, the terms on-edge and off-edge used therein will be defined.

The on-edge is defined as an on-edge when a state of a switch, a sensor, a signal, or the like changes from an off state to an on state.

The off edge is defined as an off edge when a state of a switch, a sensor, a signal, or the like changes from an on state to an off state.

When the power is turned on for the first time, it is determined in step S1 whether the dip switch DS4 is in the on / off state to determine whether or not the mode is the initial setting mode. Is performed (step S2). When the DIP switch DS4 is off and not in the initial setting mode or when the initial setting is completed, a copy enable signal is transmitted via the serial 1 I / F 21, 11 to the copier.
, And permit the copying operation (step S3). When the copying operation is permitted, the copying machine 1 serializes each copying operation.
The count data is received via the 1 I / F 11, 21 (step S4). The contents of the count data are a discharge code, a JAM / trouble code, a JAM / trouble counter, a paper size counter, and a use counter for each part (hereinafter referred to as a PM counter). When receiving the count data, the data terminal unit 2 always updates the count data to the latest value and holds it.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the structure of the count data. The discharge code indicates that the sheet has been discharged from the copying machine 1.
A data byte (8 bits), which indicates that the discharged one at the falling edge of the least significant bit b _0. The JAM / trouble code is 1-byte data indicating the state of the copying machine 1, and indicates the normal state when the most significant bit b ₇ = 0. If the most significant bit b ₇ = 1, a bit B ₆ = 0 indicates a JAM (paper jam) state, and if b ₆ = 1, a trouble state is indicated, and bits b _{5 to} b ₀ indicate a JAM / trouble. Indicates the cause. The JAM / trouble counter indicates the count value in 16 bits for each item (cause).
The PM counter also represents the count value in 24 bits for each item (paper size, parts).

When receiving the count data, the copier 1 receives the element data transmitted via the serial 2 I / Fs 12 and 22 every time one sheet is discharged, and performs data processing to be described later (step S5). As described above, the element data indicates image forming conditions such as a developing bias and an exposure voltage, and these numerical values are represented by 8-bit (256 level) numerical values. When this is completed, the trouble transmission is determined by the trouble flag set according to the status of the JAM / trouble code (step S6), and the regular transmission is performed by the regular transmission flag indicating whether or not the regular transmission time set by the center device 3 has passed. A determination is made (step S7). Next, a warning transmission determination based on a warning transmission flag that is set when the element data exceeds the upper and lower thresholds or when the JAM counter and PM counter exceed the count threshold (step S8)
And a manual transmission determination (step S9). Manual transmission determination is performed based on a manual transmission flag that is set by pressing the push switch PS used for performing the initial setting transmission at the time of the initial setting. The transmission data is the same as the trouble transmission and the warning transmission. further
A PM transmission count is determined by the PM transmission flag which is set when the PM counter becomes the count threshold and the part is replaced (step S10), and data to be transmitted is transmitted via the modems 28 and 35 to the center device 3 based on these determination results. (Step S11).

 Next, each processing routine will be described.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the contents of the initialization processing routine in step S2.

First, in step S100, the SRAM 24 is initialized, and the on-edge of the DIP switch DS1 is detected (step S10).
1). When the on edge of the dip switch DS1 is detected, the center device 3 enters the telephone number input mode. First, in step S102, the on-edge of the print key 104 is detected, and when the on-edge of the print key 104 is detected,
The first digit of the number input by the operation of 02 and displayed on the display unit 101 is fetched and registered as a telephone number (step S103). The steps S102 and S103 are repeated by the number of telephone numbers, and the off-edge of the dip switch DS1 is detected in step S104 to terminate the telephone number input mode.

Similarly, the on-edge of the dip switch DS2 is detected in step S105, and the on-edge of the dip switch DS3 is detected in step S109.
Enter the setting mode of the ID number and the ID number of the data terminal unit 2, and end each mode by the off edge of the dip switches DS2 and DS3 (steps S106 to S108 and S110).
~ S112).

When each mode ends, the end of the setting is determined depending on whether or not data has been input in each mode (step S113). When the setting ends, the on-edge of the push switch PS is detected (step S114), and the initial timing is detected at the timing of the detection. The setting data is transmitted to the center device 3 via the modems 28 and 35, and the date (closing date) preset at the center device 3 side and various threshold values used for the regular transmission time and the warning judgment for counting the count data. (Step S11)
Five).

When it is determined in step S116 that the communication with the normal center device 3 has been completed, the process returns to the main routine. When the center device 3 is not normally terminated, for example, when the center device 3 is busy or when a communication failure occurs, the process returns to step S101, and step S114 is performed.
Wait for the ON edge of the push switch PS again.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the contents of the element data reception / data processing routine in step S5. First, in step S201, the copying machine 1 performs serial communication every time one sheet is discharged.
The 8-bit element data x _ij (i: data number) sent via the 2 I / Fs 12 and 22 is fetched, the data number i is set to 1 (step S202), and the maximum value of the element data for each item is set. X _iMAX (steps S203 to S204), minimum value X _iMIN (steps S205 to S206) and sum X _ik (step
S207), and repeats it four times to obtain the maximum value of each four
X _iMAX , minimum value X _iMIN , and sum X _ik are obtained (steps S208 to S208).
211).

When the maximum value X _iMAX , the minimum value X _iMIN , and the sum X _ik are obtained for each of the four items, a range R _ik and an average X _ik are obtained for all items (steps S212 to S217). Finding the range R _ik , the average X _ik and the average for each of those 32 items
_i , the average _i of the range is determined (steps S218, S228-
S232, S219-S220).

Since the element data used for calculating the average _{i and} the average _{i of} the range is the latest X _ik and R _ik , each time a new X _i33 or R _i33 comes, the oldest X _i1 and R _i1 are discarded and forwarded (step S22)
1 to S227).

The above processing is represented by the following equation. 4
Average of _Find the latest 32 of the four ranges R _ik = (X _iMAX −X _iMIN ), Is calculated. Do this for the number of items. That is, the average _Xik and the range R
_ik and average it 32 times, ie every 128 copies
_{In addition, i} and the range average _i are obtained, and a moving average process for _obtaining the average _i and the range average _i using new X _ik and R _ik every four copies is performed.

At the time of initialization of the SRAM 24 in step S100 of the initial setting process, X _iMAX = 0, X _iMIN = 255, X _iSUM = 0, R _iSUM = 0, X _ik = 0, R _ik
= 0, j = 1, and k = 1.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the contents of a trouble transmission determination processing routine in step S6. First it is determined whether the trouble flag = 0 or (step S301), the trouble flag detects an on-edge of the bit b ₆ of the trouble codes when the "0" (step S302), any trouble when it detects on edge Therefore, the trouble flag and the trouble transmission flag are set to "1" (step S303). When the trouble flag is "0", it indicates a normal state, when it is "1", it indicates a trouble state, and when the trouble transmission flag is "1", it indicates that a trouble has occurred and the state should be transmitted to the center device 3. Show. The already trouble flag in step S301 is set to "1", when the trouble state, by detecting the off edge of the least significant bit b ₀ of the bit b ₆ and discharged codes trouble code, copier after the trouble recovery 1 It detects the ejection of one sheet after operating a reset switch (not shown) provided on the main body (step S304), and when it is ejected, resets the trouble flag to "0" and sets the trouble recovery transmission flag. Set to "1" and return to the main routine.
When the trouble recovery transmission flag is "1", it indicates that the trouble has been recovered and the transmission to the center device 3 is to be performed. This flag and the trouble transmission flag are set after the trouble code is actually transmitted to the center device 3. Reset to “0”.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the contents of the regular transmission determination processing routine of step S7. First, in step S701, it is determined whether or not the regular transmission flag is “0”. Here, when the regular transmission flag is "1", it indicates that the current time has already exceeded the regular transmission time, and it is in a state where regular transmission to the center device 3 is to be performed, and the process immediately returns to the main routine. If the scheduled transmission flag is "0", it is determined in step S702 whether or not the current time has exceeded the scheduled transmission time, and if so, the scheduled transmission flag is set to "1" (step S703). Return to This flag is reset to “0” after data is actually transmitted to the center device 3, a new scheduled transmission time is transmitted from the center device 3, and is set in the data terminal unit 2. Even if the power of the data terminal unit 2 is turned off at the scheduled transmission time, the SRAM 24 and the clock IC 25 are operated by the backup power supply 27. The transmission flag is set to "1", and the data at the scheduled transmission time is sent to the center device 3 at this time. When the power of the data terminal unit 2 is turned off, the copying operation of the copying machine 1 is not permitted, so that the values of the various counters are not updated.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the contents of a warning transmission determination processing routine in step S8. Here, all the element data, the JAM counter, and the PM counter are determined. First, the threshold determination of the element data is performed in steps S401 to S410, and the threshold determination of the count value is performed in the next steps S411 to S418. If any one of the thresholds is exceeded, the warning transmission flag is set to “1”. This indicates that the state is to be transmitted to the center device 3.

First, in step S401, i = 1 is set, and a warning flag _i is set.
Is determined to be “0”, that is, whether or not the element data is within the inherent allowable range (hereinafter, being within the allowable range is referred to as normal) (step S402). When the element data is normal, adds the average _i and scope mean _i, from the mean _i when it determines whether or not exceeds the upper limit threshold _i U (step S403), does not exceed,
Subtracting the range mean _i, it is equal to or lower threshold _i or smaller than L (step S405). Lower threshold _i L in and step S405 when it exceeds the upper threshold _i U in step S403
If it is smaller, it is determined that the element data is not normal, the warning flag and the warning transmission flag are each set to "1" (step S404), i is incremented in step S409, and i exceeds the number of items in step S410. It is determined whether or not the threshold determination has been completed for all the element data.If not, the process returns to step S402 to perform the threshold determination for the next element data. Proceed to S411.

When it is determined that the state is normal (step S405: NO)
Proceeds to step S409 without changing any flags.

On the other hand, in step S402, the warning flag _i has already been set to "1", and when it is determined that the element data of the subscript i is not normal and a warning is being issued, it is determined in steps S406 and S407 whether the state has returned to a normal state. When the state returns to the normal state, the warning flag _i is reset to "0" in step S408, and the warning recovery transmission flag is set to "1". The warning transmission flag and the warning recovery transmission flag are reset to “0” after the element data is actually transmitted to the center device 3.

When the threshold determination of all element data is completed in step S410, threshold determination of the JAM counter and the PM counter is performed. Here, for convenience, a serial number is assigned from the element data using the subscript m (step S411). Therefore, the minimum value of the subscript m is the number of items of the element data + 1, and the maximum value is the number of items + the number of items of the JAM counter and the PM counter. In step S412, it is determined whether or not the warning flag _m = 0.
That counter value _m is determined whether a normal state, when the normal state is determined whether the counter value _m exceeds the threshold value _m U (step S413). If it has exceeded, it is determined that the counter value _m is not in a normal state, the warning flag _m and the warning transmission flag are set to "1" (step S414), and step S4 is performed.
In step S418, m is incremented.In step S418, it is determined whether m has exceeded the total number of items, that is, whether or not the threshold determination for all the JAM and PM counter items has been completed. Returning to step S412, the next counter value
The threshold value of _m is determined, and when the process is completed, the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined that the state is normal (step S413: NO), the process proceeds to step S417 without changing any flags.

On the other hand, if the warning flag _m has already been set to "1" in step S412 and it is determined that the count value _{m of the} subscript m is not normal and a warning is being issued, it is determined in step S415 whether or not the state has returned to a normal state. When returning to the normal state, step S416
Sets the warning flag _m to "0" and sets the warning recovery transmission flag to "1". The warning transmission flag and the warning recovery transmission flag are reset to “0” after the count data is actually transmitted to the center device 3.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the contents of a PM transmission determination processing routine in step S10. The PM counter is a use counter for each component as described above, and is set to "0" when a maintenance person replaces a component. First a variable i for count is set to "1" (step S501), the counter value _i of the PM counter _i is judged whether "0" (step S502),
Next, in step S503, the previous count value of the PM counter _i
It is determined whether or not _i is not “0”. Are all of these decision YES, PM counter _i is now "0" when it is determined to have been in holds a count value _i of the previous PM count _i as a clear value _i (step S504), the PM transmission flag " It is set to 1 "(step S505). This flag is reset to “0” when the counter value _i and the clear value _i are actually transmitted to the center device 3. This clear value
_i holds the counter value _i up to the time when the component is replaced. Next, i is incremented (step S50).
6), make this determination for all PM counters _i (step S507), and return to the main routine.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the contents of the data transmission processing routine of step S11. In step S601, one of the transmission flags of trouble, regular time, warning, manual, and PM transmission is set to "1", and step S602
When it is not waiting for redial, the communication operation with the center device 3 is performed via the modem 28. It is determined in step S603 whether or not the line is connected. If the line is already connected, data transmission is continued (step S608) until it is determined in step S604 that the modem is ready (step S605). The data to be transmitted are JAM / trouble code, JAM / trouble counter, paper size counter, PM counter value, PM counter clear value and element data (X,
R). When the data transmission is completed, each transmission flag is reset to "0" (step S606), and the line is disconnected (step S607). If the line is not connected in step S603, dial in step S609. Next, in step S610, it is determined whether or not the co-located telephone connected to the data terminal unit 2, that is, the data terminal unit 2, is in use.
Then, it is determined whether the receiving side, that is, the center device 3 is busy, and if either one is busy, the redial time is set (steps S611, S613). When these processes are completed, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, the operation of the center device 3 will be described. Fifteenth
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the center device 3.

First, in step S1001, environment setting including use conditions of the modem 35, the printer 36, and the like is performed. After this, steps S1002-S
Function key by operator key input at 1014
It is determined which of F1 to F7 has been selected, and the operation of the corresponding function is performed. Thereafter, in step S1016, the regular transmission time monitoring process is performed, and the operations in steps S1002 to S1016 are constantly repeated. When function key F1 is selected in step S1002, model registration processing is executed (step S1
003). Here, the model name of the copying machine, the number of items of element data, the name of element data, the element data standard threshold, and the counter standard threshold are registered by key input.

When the function key F2 is selected in step S1004, a user master input process is executed (step S100
Five). Here, the user name, address, TEL, model name, machine number, transmission date and time, etc. are registered by key input. The ID number of the data terminal unit 2 is automatically issued.

When function key F3 is selected in step S1006, a trouble status display process is executed (step 100).
7). Here, user information such as the user name, address, TEL, model, occurrence date and time of the copying machine 1 in the trouble state is displayed together with the trouble content. The number of troubles is always displayed on a part of the screen. The number of troubles is displayed on a part of any screen.

When function key F4 is selected in step S1008, a warning status display process is executed (step S1009).
Here, the user information of the copying machine 1 that is currently in a warning state is displayed together with the contents of the warning. Note that function key F4
The number of warnings is always displayed on a part of the screen regardless of the operation.

When function key F5 is selected in step S1010, a non-receiving status display process is executed (step S101).
1). Here, the user information of the copying machine 1 registered as the unreceived information in the regular transmission time monitoring process in step S1016 described later is displayed together with the scheduled transmission date and time. The number of unreceived messages is always displayed on a part of the screen. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing a display screen of the non-reception status display, in which the number of unreceived items and the number of troubles are displayed at the top of the screen. Also, two pieces of user information are displayed on the screen, and the scheduled transmission time is displayed in the upper right corner of each.

When function key F6 is selected in step S1012, user information display processing is executed (step S101).
3). Here, the user information is displayed by selecting the user, and the sub-menu is selected to display the total value of the counter of each paper size, the total counter of the paper size, the JAM / trouble counter, and the PAM.
Displays M counter and element data by month or item.

When function key F7 is selected in step S1014, invoicing processing is executed (step S1015). Here, the bill amount is calculated based on the count value of the total counter and the calculation formula, and a bill is issued.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the content of the regular transmission time monitoring process in step S1016. First, i is set to “0” (step S1201), and it is determined whether the regular transmission time of the data terminal unit 2 _i has exceeded the current time (step S1202). The scheduled transmission time is set to the next time when the scheduled transmission is made, so that if the regular transmission is performed normally, the current time will not be exceeded. Therefore, if the current time is exceeded, it is determined that a communication failure has occurred for some reason, and the copying machine 1 is registered in the storage unit 34 as unreceived information (step S1203). And increments i (step S1204), monitors for all data terminal unit 2 _i (step S1205), returns to the main routine. This non-reception information is used for the non-reception status display processing, and a failure of the communication line 6 or an abnormality of the data terminal unit 2 can be detected at an early stage.

After the environment is set in step S1001, RS-232C
The interruption of data reception and processing from the data terminal unit 2 via the I / F 26 and the modems 28 and 35 is permitted, and
Step S1017 always during any processing from 002 to S1016
Is performed. Fig. 17 shows the data reception
It is a flowchart which shows the content of a process. When a reception interrupt request is generated in the center device 3 by reception from each data terminal unit 2, the ID number of the data terminal unit 2 and each data are received in a predetermined order (step S1101).
Next, it is determined whether an error has occurred in the received data (step S1102). If an error has occurred, a retransmission request is issued to the data terminal unit 2 (step S1103). If no error has occurred, wait for the reception to end (step S110).
4) The line is disconnected (step S1105), and each data is tabulated by item and by month (step S1106). Processing such as displaying user information and issuing a bill is performed based on these data.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is determined that the image forming apparatus has recovered from the failure state to the normal state by actually returning to the normal state and discharging the sheet from the image forming apparatus. Therefore, unlike the conventional recovery judgment performed by the operation of the reset button or the like, it is not necessary to repeatedly transmit the trouble recovery for the same failure, and only accurate information is transmitted to the center device. It has excellent effects.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of a remote management device according to the present invention,
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the center device, FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the data terminal unit, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation unit of the data terminal unit, and FIG. , FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the data terminal unit, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the count data, and FIGS. 8 to 14 are flowcharts showing the contents of each processing routine of the data terminal unit. , FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the contents of the main routine of the center device, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the contents of the regular transmission time monitoring process, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the contents of the data reception / processing, and FIG. It is a display screen figure of a reception status display. 1 ... copying machine, 2 ... data terminal unit, 3 ... center device, 6 ... communication line, 24 ... SRAM, 200 ... CPU

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FI G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 K H04M 11/00 301 H04M 11/00 301 H04N 1/00 106 H04N 1/00 106C (72) Inventor Yasuji Watanabe 2--18 Keihanhondori, Moriguchi-shi, Osaka Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sumiaki Hirata 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. (56) References JP-A-64-26866 (JP, A) JP-A-64 -75339 (JP, A) JP-A-62-275947 (JP, A) JP-A-1-287679 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) G03G 21/00 37 0-540 G06F 3/12 H04M 11/00 G03G 15/00 510-534

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A communication unit provided in an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet and transmitting information relating to an operation state including failure information of the image forming apparatus, and the information transmitted from the communication unit And a central management unit for centrally managing the image forming apparatus based on the first determination unit, wherein the communication unit determines a failure state of the image forming apparatus based on the failure information. A second judging unit for judging discharge of the sheet from the image forming apparatus, and a third judging unit for judging that the sheet has recovered from the failure state to the normal state based on the judgment results of the first and second judgment units.
Determining means for transmitting the failure information when the first determining means determines that a failure state has occurred, and providing the failure information until the third determining means determines that the state has returned to a normal state after transmitting the failure information; A remote control device for the image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit for prohibiting transmission of a message.