JPH07203105A - Copying machine management system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To inform information corresponding to a picture quality state including quality of a copy picture unable to be discriminated substantially without being checked by a supervisor with a copying machine main body to a host computer at a management point with a simple operation by providing a communication control means sending state information with copying machine main body information to the system. CONSTITUTION:The system is provided with a state card 1004-1 on which state information to be informed to a host computer at a management point is stored, a card reader 1001 reading the state information, an SRAM 911 storing main body information relating to a copying machine, and a communication control means 900 The communication control means 900 sends the state information read on the state card 1004-1 by the card reader 1001 together with the main body information relating to a copying machine stored in the SRAM 9 as required to the host computer at a management point via a public line. Thus, the state information specific to the copying machine corresponding to the picture quality state of a copied picture is surely informed to the host computer by a simple read command operation by the user.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a host computer on the management base side via a public line.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a copying apparatus management system for managing at least one copying apparatus from a host computer on the management base side via a public line.
For example, if a certain copying machine does not reach a certain temperature even after adjusting the temperature of the fixing device, the copying machine judges that it is abnormal, stops the copying operation, and generates an error code (E code). Display on the operation panel, etc.

Then, the E code is used as the ID of the copying machine.
At the same time, it is automatically transmitted to the host computer on the management base side through the public line. As a result, the management base side can immediately know which copying apparatus and what E code has occurred, and can quickly dispatch a service person to the user side.

Further, when an error occurs, the user does not have to call the management site and explain the content of the error.

[0005]

However, since the E code is generated by the copying apparatus by automatically detecting an abnormality, the E code causes, for example, the image quality of transfer paper to be poor.
In order to notify the management base of an abnormal state in which the copying machine cannot detect itself, the user eventually calls the management base,
There was a problem that the error state had to be explained.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and by controlling the notification of the status information regarding the image quality of the copied image read from the storage medium to the management base side, the copying apparatus automatically operates. If an abnormality that cannot be self-detected occurs, such as when the transfer image quality is poor, the user has to bother to call the management site and explain the error condition. An object is to provide a copying apparatus management system that can be omitted.

[0007]

A first copying apparatus management system according to the present invention is a storage medium in which status information to be notified to the host computer on the management base side is stored, and a status stored in this storage medium. The reading means for reading the information, the holding means for holding the main body information about the copying apparatus, and the main body information held by the holding means for the status information read by the reading means into the storage medium, together with the public information. Communication control means for transmitting to a host computer on the management site side via a line is provided.

A second copying apparatus management system according to the present invention comprises a first storage medium in which status information to be notified to the host computer on the management base side is stored and a host computer on the transmission destination on the management base side. A second storage medium in which a code to be specified is stored, a reading unit for reading the status information stored in the first storage medium or the code stored in the second storage medium, and body information about the copying apparatus. Holding means for holding the state information read by the reading means to the first storage medium, and the second storage via the public line together with the main body information held in the holding means by hand when necessary. Communication control means for transmitting to the host computer on the management base side according to the code stored in the medium is provided.

A third copying apparatus management system according to the present invention comprises a storage medium storing status information to be notified to the host computer on the management base side, and a reading means for reading the status information stored in the storage medium. Holding means for holding body information relating to the copying apparatus, and body information held by the holding means as needed together with the body information read by the reading means in the storage medium via the public line. Communication control means for selecting and transmitting any of the host computers on the management base side corresponding to the state information stored in the storage medium is provided.

A fourth copying apparatus management system according to the present invention includes a storage medium in which status information to be notified to a host computer on the management base side is stored, and a reading unit for reading the status information stored in the storage medium. Holding means for holding body information concerning the copying apparatus, and communication control for transmitting the body information corresponding to the status information read by the reading means into the storage medium to the host computer on the management base side via the public line. And means.

[0011]

According to the first aspect of the invention, the communication control means manages the status information read by the reading means into the storage medium via the public line together with the main body information held in the holding means as needed. The information is transmitted to the host computer on the site side and surely notifies the host computer of the device-specific state information corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in transmitting to the host computer on the management base side according to the code, the status information read by the storage means into the first storage medium is held in the holding means by hand as necessary. It is transmitted to the host computer on the management base side according to the code stored in the second storage medium via the public line together with the main body information to be stored on the specific management base side stored in the second storage medium. This is to notify the host computer of state information unique to the apparatus corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

According to the third invention, the communication control means, via the public line, together with the main body information held in the holding means, if necessary, the state information read by the reading means into the storage medium. Corresponding to the image quality status of the copied image to an appropriate host computer that manages each status information by selecting and transmitting one of the host computers on the management base side corresponding to the status information stored in the storage medium This is to reliably notify the device-specific state information by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the communication control means transmits the body information corresponding to the status information read by the reading means to the storage medium to the host computer on the management base side via the public line. The main body information held in the holding means corresponding to the device-specific state information corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image is reliably notified to the host computer by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

[0015]

【Example】

[Embodiment 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a copy information management system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

In the figure, 100 is a copying machine main body and 190
Is a CPU (central processing unit) 1 that controls the main body of the copying machine
Reference numeral 91 is a bus line, and 192 is a RAM for storing the status of the copying machine. Reference numeral 900 denotes a copy information management device, which manages information of the copying machine, for example, the number of copies for each department. The copier 100 is a serial communication line 90 between CPUs.
Exchange information with 3.

Further, the copy information management device 900 collects jam information, abnormality information, etc. of the copying machine 100 from the central management device 50.
Host computer 8 through 0 and public line 801
00. The host computer is installed in the management base where the service person stands by. This allows the service person to take immediate action. 902
Is a CPU that controls the copy information management apparatus.

Reference numeral 901 denotes an RS-422 interface, which is hardware for flowing information sent from the CPU 902 via the bus line 904 to the RS-422. A centralized management device 500 manages a maximum of six copy information management devices 900 by one telephone line. CPU5
Reference numeral 04 denotes the communication control means 9 of the copy information management apparatus by using the communication control means 502 connected by the bus line 503.
01 and the RS-422 communication line 501. Since a public line is used for communication with the host computer, a modem 505 is used as an interface, which is connected to the CPU 504 by a bus line 503.

FIG. 2 shows the copy information management device 9 shown in FIG.
12 is a detailed block diagram illustrating the configuration of No. 00.

Reference numeral 910 is an R storing a program or the like which describes the control procedure of the copy information management system according to the present invention.
OM. Reference numeral 911 denotes a counter that counts the number of copies for each department, and an SRAM that stores a personal identification number set by the administrator for each department. Reference numeral 912 is a DRAM used as a work area of a program. 913 is the CPU 902
Is an external line connected to the I / O port and the interrupt terminal of the card reader 1001 and the printer 1002.

The card reader 1001 is a magnetic card reader and is used, for example, to read the department number of a card distributed by department. It is also used for reading the administrator card used by the administrator, the copier status card, and the destination designation card related to the present invention. This is embedded in the operation unit of the main body of the copying machine.

The printer 1002 is a tally printer, and is used by the administrator when tallying the number of copies of each department at the end of the month. At the time of tabulation, the cable of the printer is connected to the connector 1003 on the operation panel of the copying machine body. The CPU 902 is a central processing unit that controls the copying machine information management apparatus, and is connected to the CPU 801 of the copying machine body through serial communication. For example, if the department number read from the card reader is valid, the CPU 801 communicates data indicating that copying is possible to the CPU 801.
801 enables the copy operation.

Further, the CPU 902 directly controls the card reader and the printer by using the I / O port and the interrupt terminal. Further, the CPU 902 controls the operation panels 600 and 700 of the copying machine body via the CPU 801.

This is because, for example, when the administrator controls the personal identification number and the like, it is set using the operation panels 600 and 700 of the main body of the copying machine. At this time, the CPU 8 of the main body of the copying machine controls the reading of the input value of the key and the control of the display of the liquid crystal screen.
01 does. If the key input sequence is related to the management of the copying machine, the key input value is transmitted to the CPU 902. Alternatively, when the display data of the liquid crystal screen is received from the CPU 902, it is displayed on the liquid crystal screen.

913 is an I / O port.
Input / output is controlled from the operation panel PL via the O port 913. The operation panel PL is composed of a key group 600 and a display group 700.

In this embodiment, a storage medium (state cards 1004-1 to 1004-8, etc. described later) storing state information to be notified to the host computer on the management base side.
And a reading unit (card reader 1001) for reading the status information stored in the storage medium, and a holding unit (SRAM 911) for holding body information about the copying apparatus.
And a communication control means for transmitting the status information read by the reading means to the storage medium together with the main body information held in the holding means to the host computer 800 on the management base side via the public line as necessary. With
The communication control means 900 sends the status information read by the reading means to the storage medium to the host computer on the management base side via the public line together with the main body information held in the holding means as necessary, This is to reliably notify the host computer of the device-specific status information corresponding to the image quality status of the copied image by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

A first information storing state information to be notified to the host computers 800 and 803 on the management base side is stored.
Storage medium (status cards 1004-1 to 1004-8)
A second storage medium (a magnetic card (not shown)) that stores a code that identifies the destination host computer on the management base side; and the status information or the second storage that is stored in the first storage medium. A reading unit (card reader 1001) for reading the code stored in the medium and a holding unit (SRAM) for holding body information about the copying apparatus.
911) and the state information read by the reading unit into the first storage medium, together with the main body information held in the holding unit by hand as necessary, is stored in the second storage medium via the public line. The communication control means 900 is provided with a communication control means for transmitting to the host computer on the management base side according to the generated code, and the communication control means 900 holds the status information read by the storage means in the first storage medium by hand if necessary. A specific management stored in the second storage medium is transmitted to the host computer on the management base side according to the code stored in the second storage medium via the public line together with the main body information stored in the means. This is to notify the host computer on the site side of the device-specific state information corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

During communication, whether or not data communication is normally performed, for example, transfer of test data to determine a checksum and the like, and if normal, communication that enables communication with the host computer, etc. RO is the protocol
It is assumed to be stored in M910 or the like.

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

In the main body 100, 101 is a platen glass on which an original is placed, 103 is an illumination lamp (exposure lamp) for illuminating the original, and 105, 107 and 109 are scanning mirrors (scanning mirrors) for changing the optical path of the original. 1
Reference numeral 11 denotes a lens having focusing and zooming functions, and 113 denotes a fourth reflecting mirror (scanning mirror) that changes the optical path.
115 is an optical system motor for driving the optical system, 117, 11
Reference numerals 9 and 121 denote sensors, respectively.

Reference numeral 131 is a photosensitive drum, 133 is a main motor for driving the photosensitive drum 131, 135 is a high voltage unit, 137 is a blank exposure unit, 139 is a developing device, 140 is a developing roller, 141 is a transfer charging device, and 143.
Is a separation charger, and 145 is a cleaning device. 15
1 is an upper cassette, 153 is a lower cassette, 171 is a manual paper feed port, 155 and 157 are paper feed rollers, 159
Is a registration roller.

Further, 161 is a conveyor belt for conveying the recording paper on which an image is recorded to the fixing side, 163 is a fixing device for fixing the conveyed recording paper by thermocompression bonding, and 167 is a sensor used for double-sided recording. . The surface of the above-mentioned photosensitive drum 131 is composed of a photoconductor and a seamless photosensitive member using a conductor, and the drum 131 is rotatably supported by a shaft and operates in response to the pressing of a copy start key described later. Motor 1
By 33, the rotation is restarted in the direction of the arrow in the figure.

Next, when the predetermined rotation control of the photosensitive drum 131 and the potential control processing (pretreatment) are completed, the original placed on the platen glass 101 is scanned by the first scanning mirror 10.
5 is illuminated by an illumination lamp 103 integrally formed with the light source 5, and the reflected light of the original is reflected by the first scanning mirror 105, the second scanning mirror 107, the third scanning mirror 109, and the lens 11.
1 and the photosensitive drum 13 through the fourth scanning mirror 113.
Image on 1. The photosensitive drum 131 is the high voltage unit 13.
5 is charged with corona.

After that, the image (original image) irradiated by the illumination lamp 103 is slit-exposed and an electrostatic image is formed on the photosensitive drum 131 by the known Carlson method.

Next, the electrostatic image on the photosensitive drum 131 is
It is developed by the developing roller 140 of the developing device 139 and visualized as a toner image, and the toner image is transferred to the transfer charger 14.
1 is transferred onto the transfer paper as described later. That is, the transfer paper in the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153 or the transfer paper set in the manual paper feed port 171 is sent into the main body apparatus by the paper feed roller 155 or 157, and is exposed by the registration roller 159 at accurate timing. The image is sent toward the drum 131, and the leading edge of the latent image and the leading edge of the transfer paper are aligned.

After that, the transfer charger 141 and the drum 131
The toner image on the drum 131 is transferred onto the transfer paper by passing the transfer paper between the transfer paper and the transfer paper. After this transfer ends,
The transfer paper is separated from the drum 131 by the separation charger 143, guided to the fixing device 163 by the conveyor belt 161,
It is fixed by pressing and heating, and then the discharge roller 1
It is discharged to the outside of the main body 100 by 65. After the transfer, the drum 131 continues to rotate and the surface thereof is cleaned by a cleaning device 145 including a cleaning roller and an elastic blade.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the layout of the operation panel provided on the main body 100 shown in FIG.

The operation panel has a key group 600 and a display group 700 as described below.

In FIG. 4, an asterisk (*) key 601 is used by the operator (user) when setting the binding margin amount or the mode such as the size setting of the document frame erasing. An all reset key 606 is pressed when returning to the standard mode. 602 is a preheat key,
It is pressed to bring the machine of the main body 100 into a preheated state and to release the preheated state. The key 602 is also pressed when returning from the auto shutoff state to the standard mode. A copy start key (copy start key) 605 is pressed to start copying. 604 is a clear / stop key, a clear key during standby (standby),
It functions as a stop key during copy recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. It is also used when canceling the * (outer risk) mode. The stop key is pressed when interrupting continuous copying. After the copying at the time of pushing is completed, the copying operation is stopped.

Reference numeral 603 is a ten-key pad which is pressed to set the number of copies. It is also used when setting the * (asterisk) mode. A job mode memory key 619 allows the user to register the copy job mode that the user frequently uses. Here, four types of registration of M1 to M4 can be performed. Copy density keys 611 and 612 are pressed to manually adjust the copy density.

Reference numeral 613 denotes an AE key, which is used when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the density of the original or AE key.
Press to cancel (automatic density adjustment) and switch density adjustment to manual (manual). Reference numeral 607 denotes a cassette selection key, which is an upper cassette 151, a middle cassette 153,
Press to select the lower paper deck 201. Also,
When a document is placed on the RDF 300, APS (automatic paper selection) can be selected by this key.

When APS is selected, a transfer paper cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 610 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed to make a unity size (actual size) copy. An automatic scaling key 616 is pressed to automatically reduce or enlarge the image of the original according to the designated transfer paper size. 617 and 618 are zoom keys,
Press to specify any magnification between 64-142%. Reference numerals 608 and 609 denote fixed-size variable magnification keys, which are pressed to specify reduction / enlargement of fixed-size.

Reference numeral 626 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make a double-sided copy from a single-sided original, a double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or a single-sided copy from a double-sided original. 625 is a binding margin key,
A binding margin of a specified length can be created on the left side of the transfer paper. A photo key 624 is pressed when copying a photo original. A multiple key 623 is pressed when creating (combining) images from the two originals on the same surface of the transfer paper.

Reference numeral 620 denotes an original frame erasing key, which is pressed when the user uses the frame erasing of a standard size original, and the original size at that time is set by the asterisk key 601. 62
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a document frame according to the size of a cassette. Reference numeral 622 denotes a page continuous shooting key, which is pressed to copy the left and right pages of the original on different sheets.

Reference numeral 614 denotes a paper discharge method (staple, sort,
Group) selection key, if a stapler that can staple the printed sheets with staples is connected, staple mode or sort mode can be selected or released, and a sorting tray (sorter) is connected Can select or cancel sort mode or group mode. A paper folding selection key 615 allows selection and cancellation of Z-folding in which a recorded sheet of A3 or B4 size is folded into a Z-shaped cross section and half-folding in half. A key 650 enables a selection operation of a first mode in which the bin is moved to an initial setting position (sort / home position) before starting sheet storage and a second mode in which the bin is not moved. .

An ID key 627 is a key for the user to input a personal identification number (ID) of his / her department. For example, even if the departmental card is not inserted, the copying operation can be performed by inputting the personal identification number and verifying it.

In the display group 700, 701 is
An LCD (liquid crystal) type message display for displaying information relating to copying. For example, one character is composed of 5 × 7 dots, a 40-character sentence message, and fixed size scaling keys 608, 609, normal size key 610, and zoom key. 6
The copy magnification set in 17, 618 can be displayed. The display 701 is a semi-transmissive liquid crystal and uses two colors for the backlight. Normally, the green backlight is lit, and the orange backlight is lit when there is an abnormality or the copying is impossible.

Reference numeral 706 denotes a unity-magnification display, which lights up when the unity-magnification is selected. Reference numeral 703 denotes a color developing device display, which lights up when the sepia developing device is set. A copy number display 702 displays the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code. Reference numeral 705 denotes a used cassette indicator, which is an upper cassette 151, an interruption cassette 153, and a lower cassette 20.
It is displayed whether any of 1 is selected.

Reference numeral 704 denotes an AE display, which is an AE key 61.
Lights when AE (automatic density adjustment) is selected by 3. Reference numeral 709 denotes a preheat indicator, which is a two-color LED of green and orange, which lights up green when ready (when copying is possible) and lights up orange when waiting (when copying is not possible).

Reference numeral 708 denotes a double-sided copy display, which lights up when either double-sided copy from double-sided original or double-sided copy from single-sided original is selected. In addition, RDF300 in standard mode
When using, one copy number, density AE mode, automatic paper selection, normal size, single-sided copy to single-sided copy are set. In standard mode when the RDF300 is not used,
The number of copies is 1, the manual mode of density, normal size, single-sided copy to single-sided copy is set. The difference between when the RDF 300 is used and when it is not used is determined by whether or not a document is set on the RDF 300.

A power lamp 710 is turned on when the power switch is turned on. 1004 is a departmental card,
These are magnetic cards such as copier status cards, destination designation cards, and manager cards.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification type card group for notifying the management device of the state of the copying machine shown in FIG.

In FIG. 5, 1004-1 to 1004-
Reference numeral 8 is a status card composed of, for example, a magnetic card, and is provided for each piece of information to be notified. Reference numeral 1006 is a card storage binder, 1007 is a photograph of an image sample, and 1008 is a description. For example, in the present embodiment, the status cards 1004-1 to 100-4 are used as status cards related to image defects.
4-8 are prepared.

The status card 1004-6 functions as a status card for notifying the management device of the backside dirt state, and is described as "The backside of the transfer surface is soiled with toner" as an explanatory note.

The status card 1004-5 functions as a status card for notifying the management device of a fixing failure status, and is described as "When the transfer surface is rubbed, toner is removed".

The state card 1004-7 functions as a state card for notifying the management device of the vertical fog state, and as a description, "a dark streak appears in the vertical direction (direction perpendicular to the transfer paper discharge direction)." Is described.

The status card 1004-7 functions as a status card for notifying the lateral fogging state to the management device, and is described as "a dark line appears in the horizontal direction (transfer paper discharge direction)". .

The status card 1004-4 functions as a status card for notifying the management apparatus of the thin state, and is described as "the image is thin overall" as an explanatory note.

The state card 1004-1 functions as a state card for notifying the management device of the density unevenness state, and is described as "the image has a dark portion and a light portion."

The state card 1004-3 functions as a state card for notifying the blurring state to the management device, and is described as "there is insufficient sharpness in a character portion etc." as an explanatory note.

The state card 1004-2 functions as a state card for notifying the management device of the blurring state, and is described as "the characters are thin in some places" in the explanation.

These explanations are the explanations 1 shown in FIG.
008 (description in a language corresponding to each destination), and a photograph 1007 of each image sample is placed next to the description.

Next, referring to the flow chart shown in FIG. 6, the copying machine centralized management control operation in the copying machine management system according to the present invention will be described.

In this embodiment, it is assumed that six copy information management devices are connected to the centralized management device.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an example of a copying machine centralized management control procedure in the copying machine management system according to the present invention. (1) to (8) show each step.

First, in step (1), the host computer (hereinafter referred to as the host) monitors the centralized management device 500 for a communication request to the copy information management system,
If there is, a pass-through is made with the designated copy information management device (ID # 1 to ID # 6) in step (2).

In step (1), the host computer 8
If there is no communication request from 00, first, in step (3), a communication permission command is issued to the copy information management device 900 of ID # 1.

Since the centralized management device 500 is the master and the copy information management device 900 is the slave, communication cannot be made from the slave unless it receives a communication permission command from the master. Then, in step (4), immediately after this, the ID
If the copy information management device # 1 issues a communication request command, the centralized management device 500 determines that the ID #
The copy information management device No. 1 and the host computer are put into the through state. If not issued, the destination of the communication permission command is set to ID # 2 in step (5), and step (1)
Go back to and do the same.

In step (7), the central control device 500
Constantly monitors the command of the host and waits until the end command is sent to the copy information management apparatus 900 which is pass-through. When it is sent, in step (8), it waits for the pass-through copy information management device 900 to send an end command to the host. When sent, it returns to step (1) and is processed in the same manner.

Next, the control operation on the side of the copy information management apparatus of the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention and the work procedure of the administrator will be described with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure on the side of the first copy information management apparatus of the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

In step (1), the user checks whether or not there is an image defect such as blur on the transfer paper, and if there is, selects the corresponding status card 1004-4 from the card storage binder 1007 in step (2). . Then, in step (3), the corresponding status card 1004-4 is inserted into the card reader 1001.

CPU 902 of copy information management apparatus 900
Detects the card insertion through an external line 913 by an interrupt or the like, and simultaneously reads the code of the card 1004-4.

In this embodiment, since the card 1004-4 is inserted, the code is a code representing a state such as a blur. Then, the CPU of the copy information management apparatus 900
902 is the C of the central control device 500 in step (4).
It waits for a communication permission command from PU 504. Upon receiving the communication permission command, the CPU 902 of the copy information management device 900 immediately issues a communication request command to the CPU 504 of the centralized management device 500 in step (5).

Next, in step (6), the central control unit 50
Since the CPU 504 of 0 makes the copy information management apparatus 900 and the host computer 800 pass through, the CPU 902 of the copy information management apparatus 900 instructs the host computer 800 to identify the copy machine identification code (ID code).
And send the card code. Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the case where there is one management base, that is, the host computer 800 has been described. In this embodiment, there are a plurality of management bases, and depending on the type of the status card inserted, select the management base to communicate with,
The case of communication will be described.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the copying machine information management system showing the second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals.

In the copying apparatus management system configured as described above, the communication control means 901 has the reading means (card reader 1001) as the storage medium (status card 1004-).
1 to 1004-8) corresponding to the status information stored in the storage medium (SRAM 911) via the public line together with the main body information held in the holding means as necessary. The host computer 8001 or the host computer 803 on the management base side is selected and transmitted, and the device-specific state information corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image is transmitted to the appropriate host computer that manages the respective state information. The notification is made surely by a simple read instruction operation by.

Further, the communication control means 901 stores the main body information held in the holding means corresponding to the state information read by the reading means (card reader 1001) in the storage medium,
Since it is transmitted to the host computer on the management site side via the public line, the host computer can be surely notified by simple reading instruction operation by the user of the body information corresponding to the device-specific state information corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image. can do.

In this embodiment, the centralized management device 5 shown in FIG. 1 is used.
00, there are two modems, a modem 505 and a modem 506, and a public line 8 is provided for each.
01 through the host computer 800 of the management base 1,
The host computer 803 of the management site 2 is connected through the public line 802.

For example, the management base 1 specializes in handling the abnormality relating to the image described in the first embodiment, and the management base 2
Shall specialize in handling other abnormalities.
Other abnormalities include, for example, double feeding of originals from the feeder 300 and wrinkles on ejected copy sheets.

Next, with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 9, the control on the second copy information management apparatus side of the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention and the work procedure of the administrator will be described.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure on the second copy information management apparatus side of the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

In step (1), it is checked whether the copy paper has an image defect. If so, in step (2), the status card 1004 corresponding to the phenomenon of the image defect is selected from the card storage binder 1007, and the card reader 100 is selected.
Insert into 1. In step (8), the copy information management device 9
The CPU 902 of 00 is the CPU 5 of the central control device 500.
It waits until 04 sends a communication permission command to the management site 1, that is, the management site that specializes in image defects.
If sent, proceed to step (6).

On the other hand, in step (1), if the image is not defective,
If the E code is removed in step (3) (when the E code is generated, the host is automatically notified without inserting the card), if any other defect appears, similarly in step (4), the corresponding condition is set. The card 1004 is selected and inserted into the card reader 1001.

In step (5), the copy information management device 90
The CPU 902 of 0 is the CPU 50 of the central control device 500.
4 waits until it sends a communication permission command to the management site 2, that is, the management site that handles other than image defects. If sent, proceed to step (6).

The CPU 504 of the central control unit 500
When at least one host computer is not communicating with any copy information management apparatus, the code of the host computer that is vacant in sequence to the copy information management apparatus (several vacant) as in the first embodiment. If more than one code), issue a communication permission command.

However, the communication permission command is not issued to the copy information management device that has already passed through with the host computer.

At step (6), the CPU 902 of the copy information management apparatus 900 immediately sets the CP of the centralized management apparatus 500.
A communication request command is issued to the U 504, and the CPU 504 of the centralized management device 500 puts the management base and the copy information management device at the time of issuing the communication permission into a pass-through state. Then, in step (7), the copy information management device 50
0 transfers the identification code and the status code of the copier managed by itself to the management base. [Third Embodiment] In the present embodiment, in the copying apparatus management system shown in FIG. 1, the copying information management apparatus sucks up necessary copying machine information from the copying machine main body according to the inserted status card, An example of transferring the information together with the status card code to the host will be described.

Next, with reference to the flow chart shown in FIG. 10, the control procedure and the work procedure of the administrator on the side of the third copy information managing apparatus of the copying apparatus managing system according to the present invention will be described.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an example of the control procedure on the side of the third copy information management apparatus in the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention. Note that (1) to (6) indicate each step.

In step (1), the user checks whether or not there is an image defect such as fixing failure on the transfer paper, and if there is, selects the corresponding status card 1004 from the card storage binder 1007 in step (2).

Then, the corresponding status card is inserted into the card reader 1001. CP of the copy information management device 900
The U902 detects the card insertion through an external line 913 by interrupt or the like, and at the same time reads the code of the card 1004. The code in this case is, for example, a code indicating a state such as fixing failure.

The CPU of the copy information management device 900
902 issues a request command for information of the RAM 192 inside the copying machine to the CPU 190 of the copying machine 100 if necessary according to the code of the status card read in step (3) in step (4).

For example, when a card with a defective fixing is inserted, it is desired to know the temperature information of the fixing device of the copying machine main body. Therefore, a request command for the temperature value of the fixing device is sent to the copying machine via the serial communication line 903. Issue. Step (5)
The CPU 190 of the copying machine is the RAM 19 inside the copying machine.
The temperature data of the fixing device in No. 2 is transmitted to the CPU 902 of the copy information management apparatus 900 via the serial communication 903. In step (6), the CPU of the central control device 500
It waits for a communication permission command from 504.

When the communication permission command is received, the CPU 9 of the copy information management apparatus 900 is immediately executed in step (7).
02 refers to the CPU 504 of the centralized management device 500,
Issue a communication request command.

Next, in step (8), the central control unit 50
Since the CPU of 0 makes the copy information management apparatus 900 and the host computer 800 pass through, the CPU 902 of the copy information management apparatus 900 is the host computer 80.
When the identification code of the copying machine, the code of the status card, and the information of the copying machine received from the copying machine are received, the data is transmitted.

According to the present embodiment, the recording medium on which the information about the copying apparatus for transmitting to the management base side is recorded, and the recording medium reading means attached to the copying apparatus for reading the recording information of the recording medium. And a storage means for holding information relating to the copying apparatus in the copying apparatus, and the recording information when the recording information of the recording medium is correctly read by the recording medium reading means, and the recording information if necessary. Since the control means for transmitting the contents of the storage means in the copying machine according to the information to the host computer through the public line is provided, when the copying machine has an abnormality that cannot be self-detected, for example, transfer When a symptom such as poor image quality of the paper occurs, the user inserts the card corresponding to the error into the copying machine. Quality a call to automatically host computer (management centers) the error code and copying apparatus unique ID indicating the meaning such a bad transmits. Further, if necessary, information on the copying machine main body, for example, information on the temperature of the fixing device can be simultaneously transmitted to the host computer.

By combining the above embodiments, the first storage medium (state card 10) in which the state information to be notified to the host computers 800 and 803 on the management base side is stored.
04-1 to 1004-8), a second storage medium (a magnetic card (not shown)) storing a code for identifying the host computer of the transmission destination on the management base side, and the first storage medium. Read status information or a reading unit (card reader 1001) for reading the code stored in the second storage medium, and the status information read by the reading unit in the first storage medium via the public line. The communication control means 900 is provided with communication control means for transmitting to the host computer on the management base side in accordance with the code stored in the second storage medium, and the communication control means 900 uses the status information read by the storage means to the first storage medium. The specific code stored in the second storage medium is transmitted via the public line to the host computer on the management base side according to the code stored in the second storage medium. You may notify the device-specific state information corresponding to the image quality state of the copy image to the base side of the host computer with a simple read instruction operation by a user.

[0099]

As described above, the first aspect of the present invention
According to another aspect of the invention, the communication control means, together with the main body information held by the holding means in the state information read by the reading means in the storage medium, is connected to the host computer on the management base side via the public line. Will be sent to
It is possible to reliably notify the host computer of state information unique to the apparatus corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

According to the second aspect of the invention, in transmitting to the host computer on the management base side according to the code, the status information read by the recording means into the first storage medium is held in the holding means by hand as necessary. The information is transmitted to the host computer on the management base side according to the code stored in the second storage medium via the public line together with the main body information, so that the specific management base side stored in the second storage medium is stored. It is possible to notify the host computer of the status information unique to the apparatus corresponding to the image quality status of the copied image by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

According to the third aspect of the invention, the communication control means, together with the main body information held in the holding means as necessary, the state information read by the reading means into the storage medium is transmitted via the public line. Since any one of the host computers on the management base side corresponding to the status information stored in the storage medium is selected and transmitted, it corresponds to the image quality status of the copied image to the appropriate host computer managing each status information. The device-specific status information can be reliably notified by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the communication control means stores the body information held in the holding means corresponding to the status information read by the reading means in the storage medium on the management base side via the public line. Since it will be sent to the host computer,
It is possible to reliably notify the host computer of the main body information corresponding to the state information unique to the apparatus corresponding to the image quality state of the copied image by a simple read instruction operation by the user.

Therefore, the administrator can notify the host computer of the management site by a simple operation of information corresponding to the image quality state including the quality of the copied image, which cannot be discriminated by the administrator without looking at the main body. By analyzing the notified information, it is possible to smoothly arrange the necessary preparations for proper inspection and repair, and it is possible to significantly improve the service.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a copy information management system showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed block diagram illustrating the configuration of the copy information management device shown in FIG.

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

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an arrangement configuration of an operation panel provided on the main body shown in FIG.

5 is a diagram showing an example of a notification type card group for notifying the management device of the state of the copying machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a copying device centralized management control procedure in the copying device management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure on the side of a first copy information management apparatus of the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a copying machine information management system showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure on the second copy information management apparatus side of the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure on the side of a third copy information management apparatus of the copy apparatus management system according to the present invention.

[Description of reference numerals] 600 key group 700 display group 900 copy information management device 901 communication control device 902 CPU 910 ROM 911 SRAM 912 DRAM 1001 card reader 1002 printer

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A copying apparatus management system for managing at least one copying apparatus from a host computer on the management site side via a public line, a storage storing status information to be notified to the host computer on the management site side. A medium, a reading unit for reading the state information stored in the storage medium, and a communication control unit for transmitting the state information read by the reading unit into the storage medium to a host computer on the management base side via the public line. A copying apparatus management system comprising: 2. In a copying apparatus management system for managing at least one copying apparatus from a plurality of host computers on the management base side via a public line, status information to be notified to the host computer on the management base side is stored. A first storage medium, a second storage medium that stores a code that identifies a host computer that is a transmission destination on the management base side, and status information or a second storage that is stored in the first storage medium. A reading means for reading the code stored in the medium, and a management base for complying with the status information read by the reading means in the first storage medium according to the code stored in the second storage medium via the public line. And a communication control means for transmitting to the host computer on the side. 3. A copying machine management system for managing at least one copying machine from a plurality of host computers on the management site side via a public line, and stores status information to be notified to the host computer on the management site side. Storage medium, reading means for reading the state information stored in the storage medium, and the state information read by the reading means in the storage medium into state information stored in the storage medium via the public line. A copying apparatus management system, comprising: communication control means for selecting and transmitting any corresponding host computer on the management site side. 4. A copying apparatus management system for managing at least one copying apparatus from a host computer on the management base side via a public line, and a storage storing status information to be notified to the host computer on the management base side. A medium, a reading unit for reading the state information stored in the storage medium, a holding unit for holding the body information about the copying apparatus, and the body information corresponding to the state information read by the reading unit in the storage medium. And a communication control means for transmitting to the host computer on the management base side via the public line.