JPH06130753A - Equipment control system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make version control efficient and to surely maintain and improve quality by controlling a ROM version en bloc without any manual work. CONSTITUTION:This system is equipped with copying machines 102 to 106 having a CPU executing various kinds of control based on a control program stored in a control ROM, a data communication device 107 executing communication with the respective copying machines, and a central controller 109 transmitting an instruction signal and data to the device 107; and the device 107 compares present version data transmitted from the copying machine and stored in the control ROM with former version data and transmits the present version data to the controller 109 through a communication line 108 by self-calling in the case of judging that the contents are different.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device management system such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer. More specifically, the ROM version is sent by remote control and compared with the old ROM version. Toki R
The present invention relates to a device management system that sends an OM version to a central management unit by self-call and performs centralized device management.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In an OA device such as a copying machine using an electronic control unit controlled by a microcomputer,
The program data is stored in the control ROM, and each control is executed based on this program data. Even after the sale and installation of the program data, version upgrade (replacement of ROM) is executed as necessary due to reasons such as improvement of the device, elimination of trouble occurrence, function expansion, and use change.

Further, for example, various kinds of failures that occur in a copying machine or the like and methods for dealing with the failures depend to a large extent on the difference in the version (type of program data) of the control ROM in the built-in microcomputer system. For this reason, it is the current situation that the version management of the control ROM must be manually performed in real time.

Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-195732 discloses a technique for displaying the version of the control ROM by depressing an operation key. Further, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 4-68898 discloses "a method for automatically transmitting the setting contents of a device by remote operation", which discloses a technique for reading and transmitting the setting contents of a device by receiving specific data by a remote operation.

[0005]

However, in the conventional apparatus as described above, since the version management of the control ROM must be performed manually, the management efficiency is poor and reliable quality is ensured. There was a problem that it was difficult to maintain and improve.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to improve the efficiency of version management by collectively managing ROM versions without human intervention, and to reliably maintain and improve quality. To do.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a plurality of electronic devices having control means for executing various controls based on a control program stored in a program storage means, and In a device management system comprising a data communication unit for executing communication with a plurality of electronic devices and a central control unit for sending command signals and data to the data communication unit, the data communication unit is the program storage unit. The present invention provides a device management system for transmitting the current version data to the central control means by a self-call when comparing the current version data stored in (1) with the old version data and determining that they are different.

The version data sent to the data communication means is preferably written in the program storage means of the electronic device.

Also, a plurality of electronic devices having a control means and a non-volatile memory for executing various controls based on a control program stored in the program storage means, and a data communication means for performing communication with the plurality of electronic devices, A central control means for sending a command signal and data to the data communication means, wherein the data communication means compares the current version data stored in the program storage means with the old version data, When it is determined that they are different, in the device management system that sends the current version data to the central control means by self-calling,
It provides a device management system in which version data sent to the data communication unit is written in a non-volatile memory included in the electronic device.

Further, it is desirable that the version data sent to the data communication means be written in a non-volatile memory of the electronic device by operating an input key in a self-diagnosis mode different from a normal operation mode.

Further, it is desirable that the version data sent to the data communication means is the date of creation of the program stored in the program storage means.

[0012]

In the equipment management system according to the present invention, the data communication means compares the version data of the program stored in the program storage means sent from the electronic equipment such as a copying machine with the previous old version data, and the contents thereof are compared. , The current version data (stored in the program storage means) is sent to the central control means by a self-call, and the central control means performs remote version collective management of a plurality of electronic devices. To do.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a device management system according to the present invention. Reference numeral 101 denotes a copying machine group in which a plurality of copying machines 102 to 106 (five in this embodiment) incorporated in the device management system are connected in series. Each copying machine 102 to 106 is a control that stores a control program. A ROM and a CPU that executes various controls based on this control program are internally provided (see FIG. 3).
107 is a data communication device that connects the copying machine group 101 and the communication line 108, 108 is a communication line, and 109 is a central control device. A multi-drop connection is made between the data communication device 107 and the copying machine group 101 based on serial communication RS-485. The communication line 108 is the data communication device 107.
And the central control unit 109.

The operation of the device management system configured as above will be described. The data communication device 107 transfers commands and data to the copying machine group 101 based on a request from the central control device 109. Conversely, the copying machine group 10
Based on the request No. 1, the call is originated and the command and data are transferred to the central control unit 109 via the communication line 108. The data communication device 107 executes communication with the copying machine group 101 by polling and selecting control. The data communication device 107 is energized for 24 hours, and is normally configured to be able to perform communication with the central control device 109 even at night when the power of the copying machine group 101 is off.

FIG. 2 shows the data communication device 10 shown in FIG.
7 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of No. 7. The data communication device 107 controls the copying machine group 101 and the communication line 10
8, a control unit 201 for executing control of commands and data from the central control unit 109, and a copying machine group 101.
Auto dialer unit 20 that calls itself based on the request from
2 and a line control unit 203 that executes connection control with the communication line 108.

Further, the control unit 201 includes a control ROM storing a control program as in a general control device,
And a CPU that executes various controls based on a control program stored in the control ROM, a non-volatile RAM backed up by a battery, and an I / O control chip. The nonvolatile RAM stores transfer data from one of the central control unit 109 and the copying machine group 101 to the other, and also identifies the copying machines 102 to 106 of the copying machine group 101 and the central control. Device 109
The telephone number of is stored.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a schematic structure of a copying machine according to the present invention. 301 is a CPU for controlling each module and functional parts of the apparatus, 302 is a control ROM in which a control program of the CPU 301 is stored. 303 is a RAM for storing processing data of the CPU 301, 304
Is a non-volatile memory NVRAM, and 305 is an input / output port to which an output load such as a drive motor, a solenoid, and a clutch is connected, and an input from a sensor or the like is provided. Also,
306 is a serial communication control unit, 307 is a CPU 3
01 address, data and control bus.
Although the serial communication control unit 306 is one set in the figure, by providing a plurality of sets, signals are exchanged with the operation display unit, the document transport unit (ADF), the transfer paper post-processing unit (sorter, etc.), and the like. The data communication device 107 is also capable of communicating with the data communication device 107.

Next, the general functions of the device management system will be described. This function is roughly classified into two types: first, a control function by a command from the central control unit 109, and second, a control function by a command from the copying machine group 101. These two functions will be described in detail below.

Control Function by Command from Central Control Unit 109 In this control, for example, setting and reading of adjustment values such as control voltage, current, resistance, operation timing of a specific copying machine 102, and number of copies, Misfeed (not sent /
There are reading of the counter value such as the number of jams, initialization of the counter value, etc. This control is executed by the selecting process by the data communication device 107.

The selecting process is a function of selecting one of the specific copying machines from the connected copying machine group 101 and performing communication. Each of the copying machines 102 to 106 has a unique identification number, and the data communication device 107 sends a specific code indicating predetermined selecting and the identification number to the serial communication RS-485. At this time, for example, the copying machine 102 compares the identification number that follows with the identification number of the self device with a specific code indicating selection, and if they match, recognizes that the self device has been selected.

Control Function by Command from Copying Machine Group 101 In this case, a fatal failure occurs (this is called immediately after the failure occurs), the number of times replacement parts are designated for replacement, approaching replacement time, and a sensor standard level. Preventive maintenance (P
M) is required (these calls are made at specified times on the day of occurrence), and this control is executed by polling from the data communication control device 107.

The polling is a function of sequentially designating each of the copying machines 102 to 106 of the copying machine group 101 connected thereto and confirming the presence or absence of a connection request from the copying machine group 101. The data communication device 107 sends a specific code indicating the predetermined polling and an identification number to the serial communication RS-485. The copying machine group 101 compares the following identification signal with the identification signal of its own device by the specific code indicating the polling, and recognizes that its own device is polled when they match. Depending on the response of the copying machine group 101 to this polling, it is selected whether to shift to the selecting operation to the corresponding copying machine (in this case, any of 102 to 106) or to polling to the next copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an operation example of the control unit 201 which constitutes the data communication device 107. The control unit 201 is always connected unless there is an incoming call from the central control device 109 via the communication line 108. Machine group 101
The polling in the copying machine is sequentially executed. Therefore,
In FIG. 4, the polling operation of the copying machine 102 is shown as a representative.

In FIG. 4, first, it is determined whether or not there is an affirmative response (presence or absence of an ACK signal) (S401), and when it is determined that there is an affirmative response, the selecting operation of the copying machine 102 is executed (S402). . After that, it is determined again whether there is an affirmative response (S403), and when it is determined that there is an affirmative response, communication with the copying machine 102 is executed (S404), and the polling operation of the next copying machine 103 is started. (S409).

When it is determined in step 401 that there is no positive response, a negative response (NAK) is issued.
Whether or not there is a signal) is determined (S405), and when it is determined that there is no negative response, it is determined whether or not a timeout has occurred for a preset time (S406),
When it is determined that the time-out has occurred, the next copying machine 1
The process moves to the polling operation No. 03 (S409). Also,
When it is determined in step 405 that there is a negative response, the polling operation of the next copying machine 103 is started (S).
409).

When it is determined in step 403 that there is no positive response, it is further determined whether or not there is a negative response (S407). When it is determined that there is no negative response, a timeout is set for the preset time. If it is determined that there is a time-out (S408), the process proceeds to the polling operation of the next copying machine 103 (S409). Further, when it is determined in step 407 that there is a negative response, the process proceeds to the polling operation of the next copying machine 103 (S409). When it is determined in step 408 that the timeout has not occurred, the process proceeds to step 403, and the subsequent operations are continued.

To explain the above operation in more detail, when the identification number of its own device is designated, the copying machine 102 side responds to this. At this time, the central controller 109
When there is no outgoing call request to the terminal, a negative response is output with a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes), or when a outgoing request is issued, an affirmative response is output with another predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) To do.

When the control unit 201 receives a negative response from the copying machine 102, it shifts the polling order to the polling of the next copying machine 103 and continues to execute the same control. On the other hand, if an affirmative response is received, the polling operation is suspended and the selecting operation is started. When the copying machine 102 can handle the selection, it outputs an affirmative response as in the polling, and when it cannot, it outputs a negative response.

When the control unit 201 receives an affirmative response, it outputs a communication permission by a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) to the copying machine 102 which has sent the response, and the control unit 20
1 communicates with the copying machine 102. When the communication between the control unit 201 and the copying machine 102 ends based on the communication procedure, the control unit 201 restarts the interrupted polling operation.

In the polling operation, the control unit 20
When the power supply of the copying machine 102 corresponding to the identification signal output by 1 is turned off, or when neither the positive response nor the negative response is obtained when the copying machine 102 is not connected, the control unit 201 sets a predetermined time. As the time passes, the polling order is shifted to the next copying machine 103, and the same control is continuously executed.

On the other hand, the spontaneous call from the data communication device 107 to the central control device 109 has an item to make an immediate call when a failure occurs and an item to make a spontaneous call at a specified time on the occurrence date as described above. Make a decision. In the present invention, there is no particular limitation as to which item is to be used as a spontaneous call of the control ROM 302 version data. The self-call is the control unit 2
From 01, the automatic dialer unit 202 and the line control unit 203 for controlling connection with the communication line 108 are activated to transmit data to the central control unit 109.

The control unit 201 suspends the polling operation from the central control unit 109 based on the occurrence of an incoming call through the communication line 108, and outputs a communication permission by a predetermined specific code (or a combination of codes) to the copying machine 102. hand,
Communication between the control unit 201 and the copying machine 102 is started. When the communication between the control unit 201 and the copying machine 102 based on the communication procedure ends, the control unit 201 restarts the polling operation that was interrupted.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation example of polling and selecting processing with the data communication device 107 which is a part of the control procedure of the copying machine group 101 according to the present invention. In the figure, it is judged whether or not the own device is polled (S501), and when it is judged that the own device is not polled, it is further judged whether or not the own device is selected (S502), and it is not selected. When judged, this routine is ended. That is, when there is no instruction of polling and selecting from the data communication device 107, the process ends without any processing.

If it is determined in step 501 that the device itself has been polled, it is determined whether the power-on flag is ON (S503). If it is determined that the power-on flag is ON, then It is determined whether or not there is transmission data in (S504), and when it is determined that there is transmission data, an affirmative response is output (S50).
5), this routine ends. On the other hand, the above step S5
In 04, when it is determined that there is no transmission data,
A negative response is output (S506), and this routine ends.

If it is determined in step 502 that the device itself has been selected, it is further determined whether or not the device can handle the selection (S50).
7) If it is determined that the selection cannot be performed due to a series of copying processes or the like, a negative response is output (S508), and this routine ends. On the other hand, when it is determined in step 507 that selection can be supported, an affirmative response is output (S509), after which a selecting process is executed (S510), and this routine ends.

If it is determined in step 503 that the power-on flag is OFF, the power-on flag is set to "1" (S511) and an affirmative response is output (S512). After that, it is determined whether or not the own device is selected (S513), and when it is determined that the own device is selected, an affirmative response is output (S5).
14) output the control ROM version data (S5
15), this routine is ended.

As described above, every time the power of the copying machine group 101 is turned on, the version of the control ROM 302 is checked, and if the version is updated, the call is spontaneously made through the communication line 108. Therefore, the control ROM 302 in the copying machine installed in an unspecified number of users in a remote place
It is possible to perform version control of all at once without human intervention.

Therefore, according to the device management system of the present invention, the copying machine installed by an unspecified number of users and the central control unit 109 installed at a sales or service base or the like.
The following effects are achieved by exchanging commands and data with the communication via the communication line 108. First, the efficiency of service system and quick response will be realized. Second, automation of meter reading work for billing will be realized. Third, an environment that enables new value-added services will be realized. Fourth, it becomes possible to collect strategic information.

In this embodiment, the version management system of the control ROM 302 of the copying machine group 101 has been described. However, in addition to the copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer,
The same effect can be obtained by connecting a plurality of OA devices equipped with a microcomputer controlled based on a program ROM stored in an office computer or the like instead of the copying machine.

[0040]

As described above, according to the device management system of the present invention, the data communication means is the version data of the program stored in the program storage means sent from various electronic devices and the previous old version data. If the contents are different, the version data is sent to the central control means by self-calling,
Since batch version management is performed by remote control,
The version data of the program storage means (ROM) can be collectively managed without human intervention, and as a result, the efficiency of version management and reliable quality maintenance can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a device management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the data communication device shown in FIG.

3 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing operation of a control unit forming the data communication apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing an example of polling and selecting processing operation with a data communication device which is a part of a control procedure of a copying machine group according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

101 copy machine group 107 data communication device 108 communication line 109 central control unit 201 control unit 202 auto dialer unit 203 line control unit 301 CPU 302 control ROM 304 NVRA
M

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of electronic devices having a control means for executing various controls based on a control program stored in a program storage means, a data communication means for performing communication with the plurality of electronic devices, and the data communication. In a device management system comprising a central control means for sending a command signal and data to the means, the data communication means compares the current version data stored in the program storage means with the old version data. A device management system characterized in that, if it is determined that they are different, the current version data is sent to the central control means by self-call. 2. The device management system according to claim 1, wherein the version data sent to the data communication unit is written in the program storage unit of the electronic device. 3. A plurality of electronic devices having a control means and a non-volatile memory for executing various controls based on a control program stored in a program storage means, and a data communication means for performing communication with the plurality of electronic devices. A central control means for sending a command signal and data to the data communication means, wherein the data communication means compares the current version data stored in the program storage means with the old version data, When it is determined that they are different, in the device management system that sends the current version data to the central control unit by the self-call, the version data to be sent to the data communication unit is written in the nonvolatile memory of the electronic device. A device management system characterized by being a thing. 4. The version data sent to the data communication means is written in a non-volatile memory of the electronic device by operating an input key in a self-diagnosis mode different from a normal operation mode. Item 3
Equipment management system described. 5. The version data sent to the data communication means is the date of creation of the program stored in the program storage means.
The device management system according to 3 or 4.