JPH047507B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a copying machine management device that centrally manages a plurality of copying machines at one location. Prior Art Conventionally, when a single copying machine is used by multiple departments, the value of copies (cumulative number of copies, etc.) has been managed separately for each department. . For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 54-72057, which was filed and published by the present applicant, there is a document that describes the use of portable information recording media (magnetic cards, etc.) distributed to each department.
It is disclosed that the value of copies made in the usage department is stored cumulatively in a predetermined storage area of a data storage device characterized by the unique code recorded in the usage department. ing. Further, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 54-3539, also filed by the present applicant, discloses setting and inputting a unique code indicating the department in use using a ten-key switch. Nowadays, in the information age, the need for copying services is rapidly increasing, and government offices, companies,
In user organizations such as schools that have a large number of users, multiple copying machines are installed, and any copying machine can be used by a user department that is a group of a large number of users or a specific group of users. You can see where you are. Even in this type of use of copying machines, it is necessary to comprehensively manage the value of copies made by each department (or user) using the copying machines, from the perspective of sharing the cost of copying among beneficiaries. There is. However, in the management device for a single copying machine that has been proposed in the past, only the usage value of each usage department made by that copying machine is stored in the data storage device of each copying machine, and as mentioned above, If the conventional device is applied as is to the usage pattern of a group of copying machines, the use value information of each usage department will be dispersed to each copying machine, and the burden of human labor such as collecting and aggregating the information will be large. Moreover, this burden tends to increase as the number of copying machines increases and the number of departments using them increases. Therefore, the present applicant further proposed
As disclosed in the above publication, copy data for each department code is transmitted from each of a plurality of copiers to a management device, cumulatively added and stored as the number of copies for each department and copier, and the data is stored. We have proposed a central control device for copying machines that allows data to be aggregated and displayed or printed out as needed. However, since this device does not have a means for storing usage value information such as the number of copies by department and maintenance information by type on the copying machine side, as the scale increases and the signal transmission path becomes longer, noise etc. In some cases, transmission may become impossible, or there is a risk that stored data may be lost for some reason on the management device side, but in such cases, a problem arises in that data cannot be collected again. Furthermore, if the terminal device of each copying machine were to store cumulative data such as departmental copy sheets, a problem would arise in that it would take time for the management device to collect and total the data. Purpose This invention was made in order to solve the problems caused by the conventional copying machine management device as described above. It memorizes usage price information such as the number of sheets, and enables communication with the management device that manages the group of copying machines at any time.Furthermore, in order to aggregate data by the management device, it is possible to store usage price information such as the number of sheets, and to enable communication at any time with the management device that manages the group of copiers. The purpose is to shorten the time required to transmit accumulated storage data such as the number of copies, and to shorten the totaling time. In this specification, the term "copying machine" refers not only to general copying machines but also to machines having a copying function, such as facsimile machines and copying machines. Also, "department"
refers to classifications necessary for management such as companies, departments, groups, individuals, etc. Configuration The configuration of the present invention will be described below based on examples. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a system block diagram. In both figures, numerals 1, 2, 3, and 4 are copying machines, to which terminal devices 5, 6, 7, and 8 are attached, respectively. 9 is a central management device, and 10 is a communication line. Each terminal device 5, 6, 7, 8 is connected to a central management device 9
The polling address contained in the transmission data of the central management device 9 is connected to the terminal device by a communication line 10 in a known multi-drop method, and the transmission data is transmitted only when the polling address included in the transmission data of the central management device 9 matches a predetermined address unique to each terminal device. In response to command signals included in the data, data transmission and other processing are performed. That is, regardless of the number of terminal devices, by using one twisted pair communication line 10,
Communication between the central management device 9 and arbitrary terminal devices 5 to 8 is now possible. The central management device 9 directly connects to each terminal device 5, 6, 7, 8 individually without going through the communication line 10, and transmits the above polling address, thereby
It has also become possible to communicate independently. Note that data modulation for data transmission is performed by the RZ method using DC transmission for transmission, and by the differential detection method for reception. Next, details of the terminal device and the central management device will be explained. First, FIG. 3 shows an external view of the terminal device, and FIG. 4 shows its circuit configuration using an example of the terminal device 5. As shown in FIG. 4, the terminal device 5 includes a data processing device consisting of a microcomputer 21, a terminal data storage memory 22 for recording terminal data, etc., and a magnetic processor for reading magnetic code signals recorded on a magnetic card 23. Information reading means includes a card reader 26 consisting of a head 24, a card detection switch 25, and a circuit that demodulates and shapes the waveform of the magnetization code signal of the magnetic card 23 read by the magnetic head 24, and the information is copied from the microcomputer 21 to the copying machine 1. A prohibition release signal S27 is sent to cancel the prohibition, and the copying pulse signal S28 and copy size signal S29 are sent from the copying machine 1. If a jam (paper jam) occurs during use,
An input/output circuit 31 for providing a maintenance information signal S30 indicating the status of the copying machine such as a serviceman call to the microcomputer 21, and a communication circuit 3 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the central management device 9.
2, an interphone circuit 33 for communicating with the central management device 9, a display 34 and its driver circuit 35, and the like. Further, 36 is a latch circuit that latches data from the microcomputer 21, 37 is a relay that switches the communication circuit 10 to the communication circuit 32 side or the interface-on circuit 33 side by means of a double changeover switch 38, and 39 is also used as a microphone for the interface-on. The speaker 40 is a transmitting/receiving switch. 41 is a recall switch used when displaying terminal data using a management card; 42 is a management switch used to erase memory, invalidate department codes, etc. using the management card; 43 is for making calls using the interface. This is a call switch used when calling the central management unit. 47 is a digital switch for setting an address unique to each terminal device, for example, a 5-bit
It is equipped with five small switches so that the address of the terminal device can be set using a BCD code, and the address set by these switches is stored in the microcomputer 21 via the input/output circuit 31. Note that the keys for the recall switch 41 and call switch 43 are installed outside, such as on the side of the case, as shown in FIG.
The digital switch 47 is provided inside or on the back of the case so that it cannot be operated by general users. 44 is a power supply circuit, and 45 is a power-on reset circuit. The card detection switch 25 detects when the magnetic card 23 is inserted into the slit 5a (see FIG. 3) formed in the case of the terminal device 5.
It is a limit switch that closes when it receives an acting force from the card and opens when the card is pulled out. As the card detection switch 25, a photoelectric switch using a photocoupler, a magnet and a reed switch, a Hall element, or the like may be used instead of the limit switch. This card detection switch 2 is connected to the card reader 26.
5 is connected to the card reader 26, and the card reader 26 is equipped with a circuit that eliminates the chattering noise that occurs at the moment the switch is opened and closed, and can accurately detect the presence or absence of a card. The detection signal S25 is input to the microcomputer 21. Magnetic strip track 23 of magnetic card 23
a starts code specified in JIS B9561,
The ID code (3 digits) and department code (3 digits) are recorded in digital format as serial binary signals using the F2F method, which is known as magnetic information. This magnetic information is read by a magnetic head 24 provided inside the case along the slit 5a of the terminal device 5, and a demodulation circuit in the card reader 26 generates demodulated data and a clock pulse signal corresponding to the data. Then, the data signal SD and clock signal SC are input to the microcomputer 21. Note that the demodulation circuit of the card reader 26 is as follows:
For example, a known circuit as shown in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 49-66116, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 50-85320, etc. is used. A microcomputer (hereinafter abbreviated as "microcomputer") 21 that controls the central part of this terminal device 5 is
Central processing unit (CPU), read-on memory (ROM) that stores control programs, data memory (RAM), timing generator, input/output ports (I/O ports), serial transmission ports, and signal transmission buses It is a digital computer that is integrated into an LSI chip and performs digital calculations in a time-sharing manner based on a control program for terminal device control that is predetermined using a stored program method. This microcomputer 2
1, Intel's MCS-51 (8051) is suitable. This microcomputer 21 and each logic block are connected by an address bus 21A, a data bus 21D, and a control bus 21C.
D are time-divided and organically coupled using addresses by the address bus 21A, so that signals can be received from or given to each logic block. When the inserted magnetic card 23 is valid,
A prohibition release signal S27 is sent from the microcomputer 21 to the input/output circuit 31 (for example, an Intel plastic I/O element 8255) to cancel the prohibition on the use of the copying machine 1, thereby making the copying machine 1 usable. A copy size signal S29 is input from the copying machine 1 as a 2-bit signal coded as shown in the following table.

[Table] When copying is started, a copying pulse S28 of level "1" generated in each copying process is input to the microcomputer 21 via the input/output circuit 31, and is output according to the code of the department using the terminal data storage memory 22. Added to address by size. Furthermore, there are signals indicating the status of the copier, that is, when it is in use (the main motor is operating), a serviceman call signal to call a serviceman in the event of a failure, and a signal indicating the location of a jam in the event of a jam. A maintenance information signal S30 such as non-jamm occurrence: 00, paper feed jam: 01, separation jam: 10, fixing jam: 11, returns to 00 after reset) is also input to the microcomputer 21 via the input/output circuit 31. The terminal data storage memory 22 is a known C-
A MOS random access memory (RAM) is used and is connected so that the microcomputer 21 can select a storage address and write and read data (binary code signals). Diode D, resistor R ₁ and rechargeable battery B
A backup circuit 46 consisting of
The memory 22 is connected to the memory 22 and is configured to retain the data stored in the memory 22 even when the main power of the terminal device 5 is lost. In addition to this, due to the pull-up resistor _R2 ,
A write inhibit signal of high level "1" is normally applied to the control input terminal R/W of the memory 22, including when the main power supply is lost. Then, only when a high level “1” signal is applied from the microcomputer 21 to the base of the transistor Q ₁ , a low level “0” write enable signal is applied to the control input terminal R/W, and the memory 22 is It can be used in write mode, and data writing is prohibited when the main power is turned off or turned on. Terminal data storage memory 2 held by each terminal device
2 is the cumulative number of copies data for each department in use (monthly total), data on the number of copies by size, data on the cumulative number of copies over the set time (daily total), and the terminal device, for each specific copying machine managed by the terminal device. The total number of copies made in the apparatus, the number of jams in each jam location of the copying machine, the number of failures in each failure location, data on the actual operating time of the copying machine, etc. are stored. The allocation of storage addresses in the terminal data storage memory 22 is shown in FIG. That is, in the storage area of the memory 22, there are prepared address groups that indicate address groups assigned to each department and correspond to the department code recorded on the magnetic card 23. For example, 22a indicates a group of addresses assigned to a certain usage department code, 22a-1 indicates the ones digit and tens digit of the cumulative number, 22a-2 indicates the hundreds and thousands digits, and 22a-3 indicates the number digits. 10,000's place and 100,000's place respectively
Store in BCD code. 22a-4, 5, 6 are the ones digit of size A3,
hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, and hundreds of thousands, respectively.
Store in BCD code. Similarly, 22a-7, 8, 9 are size A4,
22a-10, 11, 12 are size B4, 22a-13,
14 and 15 are data storage areas of size B5NO. 22X indicates an address group for cumulative number data of the terminal device. Furthermore, the address group 22Z includes an area for storing the number of jams for each jam location, the number of failures for each failure location, the actual operating time of the copying machine, and the like. The communication circuit 32 is a circuit as shown in FIG. 6, and is connected to the transmission terminal TXD of the serial interface of the microcomputer 21 by a signal line 32a, and to the reception terminal RXD by a signal line 32b. The signal line 32a is connected to a light emitting element of a photocoupler 32d via a transistor 32c, and the output of the light receiving element is amplified by an amplifier 32e and outputted to an output terminal 32g by a driver circuit 32f. Thereby, the serial digital signal output from the serial interface transmission terminal TXD of the microcomputer 21 is converted into a 15V serial digital signal and is applied to the communication line 10. On the other hand, the receiving circuit is connected to the terminal 32g of the communication circuit 32.
A comparator 32h connected in parallel with the external signal receives an external signal, a photocoupler 32i performs photoelectric isolation, and the signal is input to the receiving terminal RXD of the microcomputer 21 through a signal line 32b. Other terminal devices 6, 7, 8 and central management device 9
The communication circuit also has the same or similar circuit configuration. Note that when the microcomputer 21 of each terminal device transmits data through this communication circuit 32, it checks the cumulative storage data for each department (number of copies, etc.) in the terminal data storage memory 22, and stores data related to departments for which the data is zero. It also serves as a means to prevent transmission. Next, other configurations of the terminal device will be explained. The inter-on circuit 33 is used to communicate inquiries and instructions between the central management device 9 and each terminal device, and when the call switch 43 is pressed, if the communication line 10 is not in communication, the microcomputer 21 activates the relay. 37 and set the changeover switch 38 to the fourth position.
The communication line 10 is switched from the state shown in the figure to be connected to the interface circuit 33 side. Therefore, by pressing the button on the transmitting/receiving switch 40 to switch to the b side, the user can transmit a voice from the speaker 39 which also serves as a microphone. When the button of the switch 40 is released and returned to the side a, the speaker 39 becomes in a state where a call from the central management device 9 can be heard. Note that calls from the central management device 9 to each terminal device will be described later. The display 34 is a dot liquid crystal display with 5 x 7 dots and 10 to 20 characters, a dot fluorescent display, or a small
A dot display such as CTR, and a magnetic card 2
When 3 is inserted, the usage department code recorded therein is displayed, and the cumulative sheet number data of the corresponding usage department is displayed.Furthermore, when the recall switch 41 is pressed, sheet number data by size is sequentially displayed. It also displays the time and guidance from the central management device 9. A driver circuit 35 that drives this dot display 34 is a peripheral I/O of the microcomputer 21.
(For example, Intel 8041) is suitable. In other words, this driver circuit 35 has a 1K byte ROM, 64 bytes RAM, and 24 lines of I/O.
It is an LSI with a built-in ROM, and a control program for controlling the display 34 and a character generator for character display are stored in the ROM. The power supply circuit 44 receives a commercial power supply AC100V, converts it into a constant stabilized DC voltage VD,
It is supplied to the microcomputer 21 and other circuits. The power-on reset circuit 45 generates a reset signal in response to the rise of the DC voltage VD output from the power supply circuit 44 to cause the microcomputer 21 to start executing the control program from the start address. Next, the configuration of the central management device 9 is shown in FIGS.
This will be explained using figures. FIG. 7 is an external perspective view, in which the keyboard 50,
It is equipped with a printer 51, a display 52, an interface-on microphone/speaker 53, and the like. As shown in FIG. 8, the keyboard 50 includes a power switch 54, a pilot lamp 55, a numeric keypad 56, an end key 57, a minus key 58, an enter key 59, a clear key 60, a print key 61, a paper feed key 62, and a manual key. 63, a status key 64, a terminal key 65, an erase key 66, a setting key 67, and a call key 68. The print key 61 is used when printing out data on a paper P by the printer 51, and the paper feed key 62 is used when sending out the printed paper P. The call key 68 is used to switch the inter-on's microphone/speaker 53 from the speaker to the microphone to transmit a call. The uses of other keys will be described later. FIG. 9 shows the circuit configuration of this central management unit, and the data processing means includes a CPU 70, a program memory (ROM) 71, a central data storage memory (RAM) 72, a display interface 73, and a keyboard. interface 74
, a printer interface 75, a communication interface 78, a timing signal generation timer 79, and a clock 80 as main elements,
It is connected by an address bus 70A, a data bus 70D, and a control signal line 70C, and functions as a microcomputer as a whole. Note that as the CPU 70, for example, an 8085A made by Intel Corporation is used, and as the memories 71, 72 and each interface and timer 79, those sold for the 8085A can be used. For example, ROM71 is Intel's 2732A or 2332A, RAM72 is Toshiba's TC5516APL,
The display interface 73 is an Intel 8041 like the terminal device, the keyboard interface 74 is an Intel 8279, and the printer
Interface 75 is manufactured by Mostek.
MK3870, timing timer 79 is Intel 8253, clock 57 is National Semiconductor MN58174AN, communication interface 7
8 is suitable for Signetex 2651. In addition to these data processing means, a display 52
driver 81, driver 82 of the printer 51,
A communication circuit 83, an inter-on circuit 84, a transmit/receive switch SW68 using the call key 69, a power supply circuit 85, a power-on reset circuit 86, etc. similar to those of the terminal device 5 described above are provided. Although not particularly shown, elements such as chip selectors and buffers for interconnecting functions between circuit devices are appropriately combined. The program memory 71 is comprised of a read-on memory (ROM), and stores therein a predetermined control program for control operations controlled by the CPU 70 using a stored program method. The central data storage memory 72 consists of random access memory (RAM) and is used for temporary storage of data used in the course of data processing as well as for storing data resulting from the data processing. This central data storage memory 72 is also backed up by the battery _B1 in the same way as the terminal data storage memory 22 of the terminal device 5 described above, so that it retains data even if the main power supply disappears. The display interface 73 is connected to a dot display 52 of liquid crystal or fluorescent display type with 40 characters per line, and displays numbers or characters based on instructions from the CPU 70. The keyboard interface 74 provides instructions for each data processing to be described later to the CPU 70 through input from each function key and numeric keypad connected to the keyboard 50 shown in FIG. The printer interface 75 is connected to the printer 5
1 is connected, and each data to be described later is output according to instructions from the CPU 70. The printer 51 has, for example, 40
It may be a 5×7 dot thermal printer or a printer of another type. The clock 80 is a clock that counts the year, month, day, hour, minute, second, and day of the week, and can be set and read by instructions from the CPU 70. It is used to display the time on the display unit 34 of 7 and 8 when data is not being processed, and to automatically tally data by set time or day. This clock 80 is backed up by a battery _B2 and is always in operation. The communication interface 78 includes a transmitter terminal TXD and a receiver terminal RXD for serial digital signals.
The communication circuit 83 is used to communicate with the terminal devices 5, 6, 7, and 8 via the communication line 10. A relay (not shown) similar to that described for the terminal device 5 causes the changeover switch 88 to switch the communication line 10 from the communication circuit 83 side to the interface circuit 84 side in response to a command from the CPU 70. The power supply circuit 85 receives AC100V from a commercial power source and converts it into a constant and stable DC voltage VD.
Supplies CPU 70 and other circuit elements. The power-on reset circuit 86 is configured to cause the CPU 70 to start digital calculation from the start address of the control program stored in the program memory 71 in response to the rise of the DC data VD output from the power supply circuit 85. Generates a reset signal. Timer circuit 79 provides a reference clock signal to advance the digital processing of CPU 70. The operational interaction between the aforementioned terminal devices 5, 6, 7, 8 and the central control device 9 is characterized by a control program that defines the operation of the respective data processing means. . First, each of the terminal devices 5 to 8 has the following operations defined by a control program. (1) When using the copier to which it is attached, the magnetic card 23 on which code data indicating the department in use is recorded is read by the magnetic head 24 and card reader 26, and is temporarily stored in the internal register of the microcomputer 21. Remember. (2) Determine whether the code data is valid. (3) If the code data is invalid, an "error" warning is displayed on the display 34. (4) If the code data is valid, the copy prohibition of the copier to be managed is canceled and the department code is displayed on the display 34. (5) Input the size signal S29 and copy pulse S28 from the copying machine, and add the cumulative number of sheets to the area for the cumulative number of sheets at the address according to the corresponding department code in the map shown in FIG. 5 in the terminal data storage memory 22. It is also displayed on the display 34 together with the department code. Further, the number of copies is added to the address corresponding to the size signal S29, and also to the address of the total number of copies data in the terminal device. (6) Add to the data at the corresponding address in the terminal data storage memory 22 according to the maintenance information signal S30 of the copying machine. (7) Use department data, size-specific data, and terminal status data (maintenance information such as the number of times jams have occurred) are held in the terminal data storage memory 22. (8) A signal (polling signal) transmitted from the central management device 9 is received via the communication circuit 32, and it is determined whether or not it is a request to the terminal device. (9) If it is a request to the terminal device, decipher the contents of the transmitted signal. The command is as follows: (a) ADS (All Data Send) Send the usage department data (including size) sequentially for each of all usage departments. However, in order to shorten transmission time, if the unregistered department code or data is zero, it will not be sent. Includes a request to send terminal device data including automatic aggregation of set time and set date. (b) DDS (Division Data Send) Send only the specified department data (including number of sheets by size). (c) ADC (All Data Clear) Clear all usage department data (including size) and terminal status data. (d) DDC (Division Data Clear) Delete data only for designated departments. (e) AHOLD (All Hold) Prohibit the use of the copying machine managed by that terminal device. (f) Prohibit the use of DHOLD designated use departments. (g) VSED Lift the prohibitions in (e) and (f) above. (h) DRX (Receive Data & Display) Receive data (time, guidance, etc.) from the central control unit 9 depending on the status of the copying machine and display it on the display 34. (This display will disappear when you reinsert the magnetic card.) (i) TEL (Telephone) Make the inter-on ring tone and switch to inter-on. (j) MDS (Machine Data Send) Send the copy size, jam, and operating signal of the copier. (10) If the decoded command is ADS, DDS, or MDS, a data sending or processing completion report is included in the sending data and sent from the communication circuit 32 to the central management device 9. (11) If the decoded instruction is other than (10) above, execute it. (12) By using the management card, it is possible to read and display terminal data using only the terminal device. (a) Auto display card When this card is inserted, the copy number data (including size) for each department is automatically read out sequentially for a certain period of time (approximately 4 seconds) and displayed along with the department code. (b) Manual display card When this card is inserted, the department code and its copy number data are sequentially displayed each time the recall switch 41 is turned on. Furthermore, by turning on the management switch 42, the use of the department code displayed at that time is prohibited. (c) Clear card By inserting this card, all memory data can be erased (all cleared) by turning on the management switch 42, and the department codes can be sequentially displayed by the recall switch 41, and the designated department code can be cleared. It is also possible to erase (partially clear) the memory data only by turning on the management switch 42. (d) Maintenance Card By inserting this card, when the recall switch 41 is turned on, maintenance information such as the number of jams described above can be sequentially read out. Further, by inserting this card and turning on the management switch 42, all maintenance information can be erased. On the other hand, a program for the following operation is defined as the data processing means of the central management device 9. (1) Decode the key operations on the keyboard 50 and read the contents of each of the above-mentioned commands ADS, DSS, ADC, AHOLD,
Determine one of the VSEDs. Furthermore, the specified display and key input are determined. (2) Based on the determination result, transmission data indicating the contents of the command is sent to the terminal device 5 via the communication circuit 83.
~Send to 8. (3) Receive transmission data indicating responses from terminal devices 5 to 8. (4) Determine whether the received signal is data from the specified terminal device. (5) When sending data indicating one of the command contents DDS, ADS, DDC, or AHOLD is sent to the terminal device, determine which data indicates a processing end signal among the data received from the terminal device. (6) If the determination results in (4) and (5) above are negative, an error display and warning sound are generated. (7) Send the command content ADS and calculate the copy number data included in the data from the terminal device according to a predetermined calculation procedure. (8) Display and print out the results of (7) above. (9) Receive data from the terminal device using the command DDS, display it, and send out the DRX signal. (10) Switch to interface on when there is a call from a terminal device or a call or response from a management device. (11) Set the time to automatically send out the commands ADS and DDS, receive data from the terminal device at the set time, and perform calculations. (12) Display and print out the data in (11) above. (13) Perform self-diagnosis function. FIG. 10 shows an arrangement of communication data used for communication between the terminal device and the central management device. This communication data includes a head code that includes a code indicating the beginning of the communication data and a direction identification code that determines the communication direction (terminal device → central management device, or central management device → terminal device), terminal address (polling address) code, ADS, DDS, ADC,
It consists of instruction codes such as DDC, AHOLD, and VSED, actual data, and check data.
The length (capacity) of actual data changes depending on the command. The following operation of the terminal device will be explained with reference to the operation flow diagrams of FIGS. 11 to 19. FIG. 11 shows the main routine that is cyclically repeated from power-on. When the power is turned on, the standby state is displayed on the display 34 in STEP 1, the insertion of the magnetic card 23 is checked in STEP 2, and when the magnetic card is inserted, the code read from the magnetic card is validated in STEP 3 ( If it is not valid, the process jumps to the error routine shown in FIG. 12 in STEP 9, and an error message is displayed on the display 34. If the card is valid in STEP 3, then STEP 4 to 8
to determine whether it is a card with each function. If it is determined to be a department card in STEP 4, STEP 10
The program then jumps to the copy routine shown in FIG. 12, issues a prohibition release signal S27 to the copying machine to cancel the copy prohibition, and displays the department code and the cumulative number of copies for that department. Then, a copy size signal S2 is sent from the copying machine.
9 is input, and thereafter, the cumulative number of sheets by department counter and the number of sheets by size counter are counted up by the copying pulse S28 that arrives every time one sheet is copied, and the data is stored in the terminal data storage memory 22. When the copying is completed and the magnetic card 23 is removed, the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. 11 and proceeds from STEP15. If it is determined to be an auto display card in STEP 5,
In STEP 11, jump to the auto display routine shown in Figure 13 and display the cumulative number of sheets for each department using department code 001.
From then on, it is automatically displayed on the display 34 every 4 seconds. If it is determined to be a manual display card in STEP 6,
In STEP 12, the program jumps to the manual display routine shown in FIG. 14, and each time the recall switch 41 is pressed, the cumulative number of sheets in the designated category is displayed on the display 34. Further, by pressing the management switch 42, the use of the department code displayed at that time is prohibited. In addition, the automatic display card and manual display card are provided with cards for daily totals, monthly totals, monthly totals by size, etc.
It is possible to display sheet count data for each department that is appropriate for each department. If it is determined to be a clear card in STEP 7,
In STEP 13, jump to the clear routine shown in Figure 15,
By pressing the management switch 42, all stored data is cleared (erased). If you want to clear only the data of a designated department, each time you press the recall switch 41, the designated departments are displayed one after another, and when the designated department you want to clear is displayed, press the management switch 42 to clear the data of that designated department. do. If it is determined to be a maintenance card in STEP 8,
In STEP 14, the program jumps to the maintenance routine shown in FIG. 16, clears the maintenance information of the copying machine by pressing the management switch 42, and sequentially displays the maintenance information on the display 34 by pressing the recall switch 41. Returning to FIG. 11, in STEP 15, it is determined whether the inter-on call switch 43 has been pressed in order to inquire of the person monitoring the central management device regarding the occurrence of paper jams and operations. If it is determined that a call has been made, STEP16
Then, the program jumps to the interface on routine shown in FIG. 17, and first checks whether the communication line 10 is in use by checking whether or not there is communication data shown in FIG. 10. If the communication data is all "0", it is determined that it is not in use. , a ring tone is transmitted from the communication circuit 32 to the central management device 9 via the communication line 10. When the call key 68 of the central management device 9 is pressed, the terminal device receives the answer code and transmits an answer signal sound, and the relay 37 disconnects the communication line 10 from the communication circuit 32 side and connects it to the interface circuit 33 side. Connecting. Termination of a call due to inter-on is determined by whether the push-on/push-off type call switch 43 is pressed again and turned off. If the call is terminated, the communication line 10 is returned to the communication circuit 32 side and the main routine is resumed. Return to. Alternatively, the call switch 43 may be turned on to automatically return to the communication circuit side after a set time of 1 to 3 minutes after a call is made, thereby preventing forgetting to switch. If you cannot make a call within the set time, just press the call switch again. Return to the main routine in Figure 11, STEP17
Then, the start bit of the communication data received by the communication circuit 32 from the central management device is checked based on the logic level of the signal applied to the microcomputer 21. The communication data (FIG. 10) is defined so that the header code data includes a start bit that is connected for a predetermined time at a certain logic level (for example, level "1"). When it is determined that this start bit has been hit,
In STEP 18, the received data following the start bit is stored at a predetermined allocated address in the internal RAM of the microcomputer 21. In STEP 19, it is determined whether the number data (polling address) of the terminal device included in the stored reception data matches. If they match, the instruction code of the reception data is determined in the following steps 20 to 29 sequentially. Process. However, if the terminal numbers do not match, return to STEP1. Note that the instruction code is assigned as a binary code depending on the instruction. If the command ADS is determined in STEP 20, the process jumps to the all data transmission routine shown in FIG. 18 in STEP 30 and sequentially sends out all data. In FIG. 18, it is determined in STEP 301 and 302 whether the daily total number data is aggregated or the monthly total number data is aggregated. The daily total and monthly total are assigned as binary codes in the sub-instruction code (see Figure 10) following ADS. STEP 304 to 308 are the daily accounting data sending flow, and in STEP 304, the department code "001" is first entered.
Check whether the data is zero, and if it is zero, check the next department code "002".
We are trying to shorten the transmission time. In STEP 305, since the data of the department code "001" is not zero, the daily total sheet count data is sent to the central management device by communication data. Check whether the department code is the end of the setting code in STEP 306, and if it is not the end, STEP 307
Increment the department code and proceed to STEP304~
307 is repeated to send out the daily total number data of the next department code. If the department code ends in STEP306,
Counter (memory) of daily sheet count data in STEP308
is deleted, a completion code is sent in STEP 316, and the process returns to the main routine shown in FIG. Next, monthly total data aggregation will be explained. In STEP 309, as in STEP 304, it is checked whether the monthly total data of each department code is zero, and if it is not zero, the monthly total number data of the corresponding code is sent out in STEP 310. If the data is aggregated by size in STEP 311, the mode is checked and data of each size is sent sequentially. STEPs 313 and 314 are the same as STEPs 306 and 307 above. Finally, in STEP 315, the total number of copies from the copying machine is sent out, and in STEP 316, a completion code is sent. Errors in each data are prevented by providing a parity check code for each data. Although not shown, if there is an error, a code for retransmission is sent and processed. If it is determined that the instruction is DDS in STEP 21 of Fig. 11,
In STEP 31, the routine jumps to a routine for sending data of the designated department, but since it is the same as STEP 304 to 308 and 309 to 315 in FIG. 18, illustration thereof is omitted. If it is determined in STEP 22 that the instruction is ADC, the process jumps to the routine for erasing all data shown in FIG. 19 in STEP 32.
Then, the execution inquiry code is sent to the central management device, and key operations on the central management device (for example, numeric keypad 5) are sent to the central management device.
After checking the arrival of the execution code (the enter key 59 is pressed after "987" is input in step 6), data in all sections of the memory is erased. Then, it sends a completion code to the central management device and returns to the main routine. If it is determined in STEP 23 that the instruction is DDC, the routine jumps to a routine for erasing data only in the designated department in STEP 33, but since it is the same as the flowchart in FIG. 19 except for specifying the department, illustration is omitted. If the instruction AHOLD is determined in STEP24,
In STEP34, jump to the routine that prohibits the use of all codes.
In order to prohibit use of the copier by all department codes, even normal cards are invalidated. If the instruction DHOLD is determined in STEP25,
Step 35 jumps to a routine that prohibits the use of designated codes, and prohibits the use of copy machines only in designated departments to prevent misuse of department cards. This prohibition is performed by setting a logic "1" level to the first bit of the address corresponding to the department code of the memory. If the instruction is determined to be VSED in STEP26, STEP36
to jump to the code usage ban release routine,
Cancel the prohibition in STEP 34 or 35. That is,
The first bit of the address corresponding to the prohibited department code in the memory is set to a logic "0" level. If the command DRX is determined in STEP 27, the routine jumps to the display of received data in STEP 37, and while the copying machine is in use, commands from the central control unit (for example, time, guidance when a jam occurs, etc.) are received and displayed on the display 37.
to be displayed. If it is determined in STEP 28 that it is a command TEL, the process jumps to the inter-on calling routine in STEP 38, and switches the communication line 10 to the inter-on circuit 33 side in response to the inter-on calling from the central management device as described above. If it is determined that the command is MDS in STEP 29, the process jumps to the machine data transmission routine in STEP 39, and checks whether the copier is in use, a jam has occurred, the size in use, a serviceman call, etc. in response to polling from the central control unit at set intervals. Send machine data indicating status. Next, regarding the operation of the central management device 9, the seventh
8 and 20 to 39. Note that in FIGS. 21 to 39, the display contents of each display 52 are also illustrated. Figure 20 shows an overview of the functions that can be performed by this central management device, including various settings, terminal clear, terminal designation, manual tally (number of copies), automatic tally (number of copies), and terminal status collection (manual collection of machine data), data transmission, data reception,
It is broadly divided into automatic collection (machine data) functions. The automatic aggregation function operates automatically at preset times. The data transmission function operates automatically upon receiving a call from the other party. The automatic collection function operates automatically according to a schedule such as a preset time. While automatic aggregation, data transmission, and automatic collection functions are in operation, reception of other functions is prohibited. FIG. 21 shows the functions when the power is turned on. When the power switch is turned on, a power-on message is printed out, and the clock (year,
Displays the month, day, hour, minute, day of the week), and displays a short horizontal line as a guide for the job name, waiting for the job to be specified. FIG. 22 is a flowchart of the operation for selecting the contents of the setting task. When the setting key 67 in FIG.
will be displayed and the guide display will move to the setting code field. Therefore, by using the numeric keypad 56 in FIG.
When any of the setting codes 6 is input, that code is displayed on the monitor in the guide display column of the display 52, and is cleared by pressing the clear key 60, but it is set by pressing the enter key 59, and if necessary Then, the next setting can be made, and by pressing the end key 57, the content selection operation for this setting task is ended. Setting codes 1 to 6 are as shown in the figure, respectively.
This is a code for selecting unit price settings, terminal collection condition settings, automatic aggregation condition settings, section aggregation condition settings, clock settings, and system settings. Each of these setting operations will be explained below. (1) Unit price setting As shown in Figure 23, if the unit price (cost for one copy) has already been set, it will be displayed together with the guide, so if you wish to correct it, use the numeric keypad 56 to set the average unit price. Enter and press clear key 60
If the enter key 59 is pressed without pressing , the unit price is newly set. When the print key 61 is pressed, the set unit price is printed out by the printer 51, and when the end key 57 is pressed, the operation ends. (2) Terminal Receive Condition Settings As shown in Figure 24, if there are specified conditions, they will be displayed, and a guide will appear at the start time of the Receive.If you wish to change them, use the numeric keypad 56. Then input a new collection start time and press the enter key 59 to set it. Next, the guide display moves to the display field for the already set reception interval (time), so if you want to change it, enter a new reception time interval using the numeric keypad 56, The setting is made by pressing the enter key 59. Monitor display, printing, and termination are the same for all setting operations, so explanations will be omitted. (3) Setting automatic aggregation conditions As shown in Figure 25, if there is a specified automatic aggregation time, it will be displayed along with the guide display, so if you want to change it, use the numeric keypad 56 to select a new The setting is made by inputting the total time and pressing the enter key 59. Then, the message "Nitsukei?" will appear, so press the enter key 59 if you want to print the daily bill, or press the minus key 58 if you don't want to print it. Next, the message "Kukankei?" will appear, so press the enter key 59 if you want to print the interval meter, or press the minus key 58 if you don't want to print it. (4) Section aggregation condition setting As shown in Figure 26, if there are specified conditions, they will be displayed, and a guide will appear in the section aggregation start month and day column.If you want to change them, press the numeric keypad. 56, the user inputs a new month and day for starting section aggregation, and presses the enter key 56 to set the setting, and the guide display moves to the column for section days. Therefore, when it is desired to change the number of days in this section, the new number of days in the section is inputted using the numeric keypad 56 and the enter key 59 is pressed to set the new number of days. (5) Clock settings As shown in Figure 27, the set date, time, day of the week, and year after leap year are "Hizuke", "Jikan", "Yobi", and "Uruudoshi".
are sequentially displayed near the right end of the display 52, and a guide display is also made.
Settings are made according to the following. For example, set the day of the week as "0" for Sunday.
The number of days from Sunday is entered using the numeric keypad 56, such as "1" for Monday, "2" for Tuesday, "6" for Saturday, and so on. To set a leap year, use the numeric keypad 56 to input the number of years since the leap year, such as setting a leap year to "0", the next year to "1", and the year after next to "2". By setting the leap year, all settings will be set to the built-in clock and a clock setting message will be printed out. (6) System settings This is an operation to set the machine number (number of machines) and department code (number of codes) of the copying machine to be used.As shown in Figure 28, the machine number that has already been set (1 to 5) is displayed, so if you want to change it, first enter the smallest consecutive machine number, for example "1", using the numeric keypad 56, then press the enter key 59 to register, or press the minus key to delete. Press key 58, then enter the highest machine number, for example "10".
By inputting with the numeric keypad 56 and then pressing the enter key 59 or the minus key 58, the machine number "1 to 10" can be registered or deleted. If you want to register or delete only a specific machine number, for example "3", enter the machine number "3" using the numeric keypad and press the enter key or minus key.
Do this repeatedly. Press the end key 57 to finish setting the machine number, and then the set department code (in this example, 1 to 250) will be displayed. If you want to change it, repeat it in the same way as when setting the machine number. By inputting the minimum code and maximum code among the department codes using the numeric keys and pressing the enter key or minus key, all department codes between them can be registered or deleted. When registering or deleting only a specific department code, it is sufficient to input the department code using the numeric keypad and press the enter key or minus key twice. By pressing the end key 57, the setting of the department code is completed and the user waits for the next task designation. Next, the terminal clear operation will be explained. This is an operation that erases data in some departments or terminals, or all data. First, as shown in Fig. 29, a clock is displayed and a guide is displayed in the business name field. When you press the clear key 60 in Fig. 8, "Clear" is displayed in the business name, and "Code" is displayed on the right side. A guide will be displayed. Then, use the numeric keypad 56 to enter the clear code 6.
Enter any one of 8 to 8 and press the enter key 59. Clear code "6" is designated as clear category, "7"
is a code for selecting clear terminal designation, and "8" is a code for selecting all clear designation. If you enter the clear code "8" to specify all clear, press the enter key 59 and then press the end key 57 to clear all the counters as data storage devices of all terminal devices and the central management device. Cleared, all copy count data by terminal and by department will be deleted. If the print key 61 is pressed before pressing the end key 57, the cleared contents will be printed out. If you want to specify a clear department, as shown in Figure 30, "Clear Boomon Code" will be displayed, and a guide will appear on the right side of it, so enter the code of the department you want to clear using the numeric keypad 56 and press the enter key 59. . If there are multiple departments that you want to clear, you can enter the department code using the numeric keypad 56 and press the enter key 59 repeatedly. By pressing the end key 57, the designation of the clear category is completed, and the process returns to FIG. 29. If you want to specify a clear terminal, "Clear Tanmatsu Code" will be displayed as shown in Figure 31, and a guide will appear on the right side of it, so enter the code of the terminal device you want to clear using the numeric keypad 56,
Press enter key 59. If there are a plurality of terminal devices to be cleared, repeat this operation, and after specifying all the terminal devices to be cleared, press the end key 57 to finish specifying the terminals to be cleared, and return to FIG. 29. In this way, when you press the end key 57 again after specifying the department or terminal, or both, for which you want to clear data, all the counters of the corresponding terminal or the data of the counter of the specified department will be cleared.
At that time, the display 52 displays "Tanmatsu Clear" as shown in the lower part of FIG.
A flashing “-” is displayed below the . Subsequently, the counter (memory) of the central management device itself, which stores the data of the relevant terminal and department, is cleared. If the print key 61 is pressed before pressing the end key 57, the clear contents are printed out, as in the case of all clear. Next, a terminal designation operation for prohibiting or canceling the prohibition on the use of a copying machine by a specific department or terminal will be explained. First, as shown in Fig. 32, a clock is displayed and a guide is displayed in the business name column, so when you press the terminal key 65 in Fig. 8, "Tanmatsu" is displayed as the business name, and on the right side, "Code" is displayed. ” is displayed as a guide. Then, the user inputs the terminal designation code "1" or "2" using the numeric keypad 56 and presses the enter key 59. The terminal designation code "1" is a code for selecting prohibition or cancellation of the specified department, and the code "2" is a code for selecting prohibition or cancellation of the specified terminal. In the case of "designated department", as shown in FIG. 33, enter the department code using the numeric keypad 56,
To prohibit, press the enter key 59, to cancel, press the minus key 58. If there are multiple designated departments, repeat this operation to designate them one by one, and then press the end key. The case of the "designated terminal" is the same as the case of the "designated department" except that the terminal code is input using the numeric keypad 56 and then the enter key 59 or the minus key 58 is pressed, as shown in FIG. After specifying the department and/or terminal in this way, when the print key 61 is pressed, only the prohibited contents are printed out. Then, when the end key 57 is pressed, use of the copying machine by all departments of the designated terminal or the designated department is prohibited or the prohibition is canceled. As mentioned above, this designated department is prohibited by setting "1" to the first bit of the address of the area for storing the number of copies for each department in the terminal data storage memory 22 (Fig. 4) of each terminal device. The prohibition is canceled by setting this to "0". At this time, the display 52 displays "〓Danmatsu City'' as shown in the lower part of FIG. 32, and a "-" flashes below the "〓". Next, manual aggregation operations will be explained. First, as shown in Fig. 35, a clock is displayed and a guide is displayed in the business name field. When the manual key 63 in Fig. 8 is pressed, "SHUIUKEI" is displayed in the business name.
will be displayed, and a guide will be displayed to the right of the code. Then, one of the total designation codes 1 to 6 or 11 to 16 is input using the numeric keypad 56 and the enter key 59 is pressed. Aggregation designation codes "1" and "2" are for daily, monthly, section, or only monthly totals, and "3" and "4" are for daily, monthly, and section totals by department.
"5" is the code for specifying the daily total, monthly total, or interval total for the designated department, and "6" is the code for specifying the monthly total for each department and size.
16 is a code for specifying the same aggregation contents as above for each terminal or a designated terminal. Note that the dotted line portion in FIG. 35 indicates an optional function. If you specify aggregation by department or device,
As shown in FIG. 36, the contents of the tally are displayed and printed out by the printer 51. If you wish to interrupt printing, press the end key 57 to end the printing. The displayed contents in the figure are divided by division or terminal, and when it is divided by division, it is displayed as "Bumon", and when it is divided by terminal, it is displayed as "Tanmatsu". is the department code or terminal code being printed, is the tally content specification code,
is a summary item, "Nitsukei Tsukikei Kukankei", "Tsukikei Keihi", "Tsukikei A3 A4
"B4 B5" etc. will be displayed. In the case of a designated department or designated terminal tally, as shown in FIG. When pressed, the tabulated contents are printed out by the printer 51. The display contents shown in the figure are "Bumon" or "Tanmatsu" and are the display of the total contents, with the daily total as "D", the monthly total as "M", and the section total as "W". is the department code or terminal code, is the total number of sheets, and is the total expense. Next, see the 38th manual regarding the manual collection operation of the terminal status.
This will be explained using figures. First, when you press the status key 64 in FIG. 8, a guide display will appear on the right side of "JIYOTAITANMATSU CODE", so enter the terminal code of the terminal device you wish to receive using the numeric keypad 56 and press the enter key 59. When the button is pressed, machine data (maintenance data) indicating the status of the copying machine (terminal status) stored in the specified terminal device is collected and displayed. Then, by pressing the print key 61, the contents are printed out. By sequentially inputting each terminal code and repeating the above operations, all the machine data of each terminal device can be totaled, and by pressing the end key 57, the process ends. Automatic collection is performed automatically according to the terminal collection conditions (collection start time and collection time interval) set in advance as described above.
As shown in the figure, the message "DATA SET OFF" is displayed (a "-" flashes below the "–"), and the machine data from each terminal device is collected, and then the "DATA SET OUT" is displayed.
will be displayed and the received terminal status data will be printed out. Note that printing can be interrupted by pressing the end key 57. Effects As described in the embodiments above, according to the present invention, a large number of copying machines constituting a group of copying machines can be
It can be easily centrally managed at a location, and the central management device can automatically obtain aggregated data showing usage values such as the number of copies for each department and copying machine at a preset time. At this time, only the data of the department codes registered in advance in the central management device are sent and received, and the data are totaled. Therefore, the totalization can be performed only from the desired department, which simplifies the totalization work and shortens the totalization time. In addition, since data relating to departments whose department code data is zero, registered in advance in the central management device, is not transmitted, the transmission time is shortened, and the aggregation can be performed in a short time. Using this aggregated data, we can manage billing costs for copying machines for each department, and
Consumables such as toner can also be supplied easily and timely.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a system block diagram thereof. Third
The figure is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the terminal device, and FIG.
Similarly, FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the memory address allocation of the terminal data storage memory 22, and FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram showing a specific example of the communication circuit 32. .
7 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the central management device, FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the key arrangement of the keyboard 50, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration, and FIG. The figure is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement of communication data used for communication between a terminal device and a central management device. Figures 11 to 19 are
FIG. 3 is a flow diagram for explaining the operation of the terminal device. 20 to 39 are flowcharts for explaining the functions and operations of the central management device. 1-4... Copy machine, 5-8... Terminal device, 9...
... Central management unit, 10 ... Communication line, 21 ... Microcomputer, 22 ... Terminal data storage memory, 23 ... Magnetic card (information recording medium), 2
4... Magnetic head, 26... Card reader, 31
...Input/output circuit, 32...Communication circuit, 33...Interface-on circuit, 34...Display device, 39...Speaker, 41...Recall switch, 42...Management switch, 43...Call switch, 50... keyboard, 51... printer, 52... display,
53...Speaker, 70...CPU, 71...Program memory (ROM), 72...Central data storage memory (RAM), 79...Timer, 80...
...Clock, 83...Communication circuit, 84...Interface circuit.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A copying machine management device that uses an information recording medium on which a department code indicating a specific department of use is recorded when a copying machine is used, which is attached to each of a plurality of copying machines, and each of which has the following:
(a) a plurality of terminal devices equipped with (j); (a) information reading means for reading a department code from the information recording medium; and (b) determining whether the information read by the information reading means is normal. (c) signal input means for receiving a signal indicating use value information including at least the number of copies from the copying machine; (d) a plurality of departments; (e) a first storage means for registering codes in advance and having a plurality of memory addresses corresponding to the plurality of department codes; (e) an input means for inputting one of the plurality of department codes registered in the first storage means into the central management device; (f) a memory corresponding to the department code read by the information reading means of the first storage means from the use value information received from the copying machine; (g) determining whether or not the use value information of the department code corresponding to the storage address where the flag is set, among the plurality of department codes registered in the first storage means, is zero; (h) Prohibition means for prohibiting transmission of the use value information stored in the first storage means to the central management device for a department for which the use value information is zero in the judgment means; (i) a second storage means in which the terminal device numbers of each of the plurality of terminal devices are registered; (j) a department that receives a command from the central management device and stores it in the first storage means based on the received command; A first communication means for transmitting use value information of department codes other than those whose transmission is prohibited by the prohibition means among the department codes input by the input means, among the use value information by code; A central management device connected to the terminal devices by a communication line and equipped with the following (a) to (n): (a) sending commands to the plurality of terminal devices and receiving use value information from each terminal device a second communication means for receiving; (b) an input means for inputting in advance a specific department code and terminal device number among the department codes and terminal device numbers corresponding to all the memory addresses stored in the first storage means; c) a third storage means in which the department code and terminal device number inputted by the input means are registered; a second data processing means for storing data in a storage address of the third storage means corresponding to a department code and a terminal device; (e) an output means for outputting a data processing result by the second data processing means; and (f) time data. (g) data input means for inputting time data; (h) fourth storage means for storing time data input by said data input means; (li) time stored in said fourth storage means. Judgment means for judging whether or not the data and the time data of the clock means match; of the terminal device, and
Means for transmitting the use value information of a department code corresponding to a storage address where a flag is set in the storage means and whose transmission is not prohibited by the prohibition means. Characteristic copy machine management device.