JPH11225239A - Remote image forming device management system - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Problem] To enable a service center to smoothly schedule a report data from an image forming apparatus, to suppress an increase in investment cost and operation cost of newly added equipment, and to improve equipment of the service center. To be used effectively and efficiently. When each of clients 201a to 201n of a service center 200 receives report data transmitted from a plurality of copying machines 1, each of the clients 201a to 201n stores the report data in a storage report data file. Thereafter, the notification data is read from the file, and it is determined whether or not the notification data can be displayed in the primary display area. If it can be displayed, the notification data is displayed in the primary display area. Also, if it is not displayable, it is determined whether or not the report data is highly urgent data, and if it is highly urgent data, it is determined whether or not the report data is displayable in the secondary display area. Are displayed in the secondary display area if they can be displayed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a remote image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as copying apparatuses and a plurality of monitoring terminals in a service center are connected via a public line network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As such a remote image forming apparatus management system, a plurality of image forming apparatuses (copiers and the like premised on remote diagnosis) installed in offices and the like of an unspecified number of users (customers) are used as data. It is generally known that a communication device and a public line network can be used to connect to a sales and service base (hereinafter referred to as a "service center").

In such a remote image forming apparatus management system, the use state of each image forming apparatus is managed by centrally managing a plurality of image forming apparatuses installed in remote locations by a service center provided in one place. And the management information is used for maintenance of the image forming apparatus. The contents of the use status include the number of copies, etc., and the contents of the maintenance include automatic calling to the service center by self-diagnosis of the image forming apparatus, adjustment of each part of the image forming apparatus by access from the service center side, and the like.

In such a remote image forming apparatus management system, a plurality of terminal apparatuses (monitoring terminal apparatuses) in a service center respectively display remote report data received from the plurality of image forming apparatuses on a display screen. And
In general, an operator of the terminal device can view the display contents and perform an appropriate treatment for the image forming apparatus delivered to the customer from a remote place.
As can be seen in JP-A-61763, JP-A-3-161766, JP-A-3-162555, etc., the occurrence of an abnormality can be immediately notified, and the notification of the abnormality can be made at low cost without being limited to the number of terminal devices. Also disclosed is one that can be performed.

[0005]

However, in such a remote image forming apparatus management system, as the number of installed image forming apparatuses increases, a terminal device in a service center concentrates a large amount of remote notification data in a certain period. When the remote report data is displayed on the entire display screen of the terminal device and the remote report data with high urgency (data indicating an abnormal event) is received, the remote report data is displayed. Can not do it.

In this case, there is a possibility that it is not possible to respond urgently to the occurrence of an abnormal event of the image forming apparatus. Even if a more urgent abnormal event occurs, it is possible to quickly respond to the new abnormal event. And leads to poor service to customers. In the past, the number of installed terminal devices has been increased and the number of operators has been increased, but this has led to an increase in capital investment and an increase in operation costs of service centers.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and in a remote image forming apparatus management system, a service center can smoothly schedule a remote report data from an image forming apparatus at a remote place (image forming apparatus). Emergency response to the occurrence of abnormal events), the increase in investment and operation costs of newly added equipment (monitoring terminal equipment, communication lines) can be suppressed, and the equipment of the service center can be used effectively and efficiently. The purpose is to be.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a remote image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of monitoring terminal devices in a service center are connected via a public network. In order to achieve this, the following is featured.

[0009] Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes remote report data transmitting means for transmitting remote report data to the service center.
Receiving means for receiving the remote notification data transmitted from each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, storage means for storing the remote notification data received by the means, reading means for reading the remote notification data stored in the means; Means for determining whether or not the remote notification data read by the means can be displayed in a primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device; and means for determining whether display is possible by the means. In this case, the primary storage means for storing the remote report data read by the reading means, and the remote report data stored in the means are displayed in the primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device. If the primary display means and the primary display availability determination means determine that the display is not possible, it is determined whether the remote report data read by the reading means is highly urgent data. Separate data discriminating means, and when the data is judged to be highly urgent by the means, whether the remote report data read by the reading means can be displayed in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device. Secondary display availability determination means for determining whether or not remote display data is read by the reading means when the display is determined to be possible by the means; and secondary storage means for storing the remote notification data read by the reading means. Secondary display means for displaying the obtained remote notification data in a secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the remote image forming apparatus management system according to the first aspect, when a plurality of monitoring terminal devices are determined to be undisplayable by the secondary display permission / inhibition determination unit, a reading unit is provided. Means for judging the presence or absence of another monitoring terminal device capable of displaying the remote notification data read by the device, and if it is determined that there is another monitoring terminal device capable of displaying by the means, the reading is performed. Means for adding a priority to the remote notification data read by the means and transferring the data to the primary storage means or the secondary storage means of the other monitoring terminal device; If it is determined that there is no monitoring terminal device, the remote report data read by the reading means can be displayed again in the primary display area or the secondary display area of the display screen of the own device. Means for determining whether or not display is possible, and a display for narrowing the primary display area of the display screen of the own device and expanding the secondary display area when it is determined that display is possible by the means. Area adjustment means, and further, when the secondary storage means determines that display is possible by the tertiary display availability determination means, adds priority to the remote notification data read by the reading means and stores the data. Means for performing, when the remote report data with the priority added to the primary storage means is stored, the primary display means comprises means for displaying the remote report data preferentially, The secondary display means is provided with a means for displaying the remote notification data with priority when the remote notification data to which the priority is added is stored in the secondary storage means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the remote image forming apparatus management system according to the second aspect, when each of the plurality of monitoring terminal devices is determined to be undisplayable by the tertiary display availability determination means, the reading means is provided. External output means for outputting the remote notification data read by the external device to the outside.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the remote image forming apparatus management system of the third aspect, a service station is provided for dispatching a serviceman who takes action for an abnormality of each image forming apparatus, and the external output means is defined in advance. And transmitting the remote report data determined to be undisplayable by the tertiary display availability determination means to the terminal device in the service station via the public line network.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the remote image forming apparatus management system of the fourth aspect, the terminal device is a personal computer having a display device. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the remote image forming apparatus management system of the fourth aspect, the terminal device is a facsimile device.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. First, as an example of an image forming apparatus constituting a remote image forming apparatus management system according to the present invention, a schematic configuration of a copying machine used in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The copying machine 1 is an electrophotographic plain paper copying machine (PPC). An automatic document feeder (hereinafter abbreviated as "ADF") 3 is mounted on an upper portion of a copying machine main body 2, and the The manual feed tray 4 and the large-volume sheet feeding device 5 are mounted on the side surface, and the discharge tray 6 is mounted on the other side surface. A document tray 7 for the ADF 3 includes a document set sensor 8. The copier main body 2 includes a scanner unit 10, an image forming unit 11, a paper feed unit 12, a fixing / discharge unit 13, a reversing unit 14, a duplex unit 15, and the like.

The scanner section 10 includes a first scanner 24 comprising a contact glass 21, an exposure lamp 22 and a first mirror 23, a second scanner 27 comprising a second mirror 25 and a third mirror 26, Third scanner 3 including fourth mirror 28 and fifth mirror 29
0, a sixth mirror 31, and a lens 32 are provided.

The image forming unit 11 includes a quenching lamp 36 and a charging charger 3 around a photosensitive drum 35.
7, an eraser 38, a potential sensor 39, a developing unit 40 for mounting the toner cartridge 41, a pre-transfer charger 42, a transfer charger 43, a separation charger 44, a P sensor 45, and a cleaning unit 46 are arranged. A registration roller pair 47 is provided before the transfer position in the transfer paper transfer path, and a transfer belt 48 is provided behind the transfer position.

A first tray 51, a second tray 52, a third tray 53, and a fourth tray 54 are detachably provided in the sheet feeding section 12 as trays for stocking and supplying transfer sheets. A first paper supply unit 55, a second paper supply unit 56, a third paper supply unit 57, and a fourth paper supply unit 58 are provided as paper supply units for supplying the transfer papers stocked therein. And a large number of paper feed trays (LC
T) A manual / large-volume paper feed unit 59 for feeding the transfer paper from 60 is also provided.

Further, in order to transport the transfer paper fed by each of the paper feed units 55 to 59 and the duplex unit 15 toward the registration roller pair 47, the right transport unit 6
1, a left transport section 62 and a horizontal transport section 63 are provided. The fixing / discharge unit 13 is provided with a fixing unit 65 and a discharge roller group 66, and the reversing unit 14 is provided with a reversing roller group 67.

Next, the operation of the copying machine 1 having such a configuration will be briefly described. The photoconductor drum 35 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft (not shown), and rotates in a direction indicated by an arrow A according to a copy command or the like. Then, the document fed on the contact glass 21 by the ADF 3 is scanned and exposed by the first scanner 24. The reflected light image is first mirror 23, second mirror 25, third mirror 26,
An image is formed on the photosensitive drum 35 via the lens 32, the fourth mirror 28, the fifth mirror 29, and the sixth mirror 31.

The photosensitive drum 35 is charged with the charger 3.
7, the surface is charged, and when the charged surface is exposed by the reflected light image, an electrostatic latent image is formed. Thereafter, the unnecessary portion is irradiated with light by the eraser 38 to correct the transfer paper or the latent image suitable for the projected image. At this time, in order to obtain a 1: 1 image, the photosensitive drum 35 and the first scanner 24 are driven at the same speed. Then, the latent image on the photosensitive drum 35 is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 40. At this time, a dark or light image can be obtained by applying a potential (development bias voltage) to the developing unit 40.

On the other hand, transfer paper stocked in any one of the first tray 51, the second tray 52, the third tray 53, the fourth tray 54, the manual tray 4, the large-volume paper feed tray 60, and the duplex unit 15 is used. Paper feed units 55-59
And the paper is fed at a predetermined paper feed timing, and the transfer paper is fed to the right transport unit 61, the left transport unit 62,
The sheet is conveyed to the registration roller pair 47 stopped in advance through the horizontal conveying section 63 and the like. Then, the photosensitive drum 35
The registration roller pair 47 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the upper toner image and the leading edge of the transfer paper match.

As a result, the toner image on the photosensitive drum 35 is transferred to transfer paper by the action of the pre-transfer charger and the transfer charger 43. At this time, the photosensitive drum 35
Is very smooth, and the adhesion between the surface and the transfer paper is large. The action of the separation charger 44 lowers the potential of the transfer paper to lower the adhesion.

Thereafter, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 35 by a separation claw (not shown), and the separated transfer paper is sent to the fixing unit 65 by the transport belt 48. The transfer paper sent to the fixing unit 65 is subjected to heat and pressure on the toner here, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed on the transfer paper. It is discharged onto a paper tray. When performing double-sided copying or the like, the sheet is once sent to the reversing unit 14, the conveyance direction is reversed, the sheet is sent to the double-sided unit 15, and the image is again fed to the image forming unit 11 when copying the image of the next original.

Since the toner that has not been completely transferred adheres to the surface of the photosensitive drum 35 after the transfer, the surface is cleaned by the brush and the cleaning blade of the cleaning unit 46, and then uneven by the quenching lamp 36. Constant surface potential.

These control timings are controlled by a control circuit to be described later based mainly on a pulse generated in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 35 or a reference pulse for driving the photosensitive drum 35.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the operation unit of the copying machine. At the center of the operation unit 70, a guidance display unit 71 using a liquid crystal display panel and a pattern display unit 72 are provided, and a large number of keys are provided on the left, right and front sides thereof.

On the right side, a start key 73 and an interrupt key 7
4, Preheating key 75, mode clear / preheating key 76, numeric key 77, clear / stop key 78, timer key 7
9, a program key 80, an enter key 81, and a guidance key 82 are provided. On the left is a remote report key 8
3, sorter key 84, double-sided key 85, page continuous shooting key 8
6, an erase key 87, a paper designation scaling key 88, a zoom key 89, a binding margin adjustment key 90, a centering key 91, and a dimension scaling key 92.

The reduction key 9 is located on the near side of the center.
3, enlargement key 94, same size key 95, paper selection key 96,
An automatic paper selection key 97, a density adjustment key 98, and an automatic density key 99 are provided. When the remote notification key 83 is turned on, the LED of the remote notification display 83a lights up during the remote notification.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a normal screen displayed on the pattern display section 72. Here, a set number display D1,
Copy number display D2, Running display D3, Density adjustment display D4, Misfeed position display D5, Paper supply display D
6, a misfeed display D7, a remote communication abnormality display D8, a toner replenishment display D9, a paper remaining amount display D10, a paper selection / size / direction display D11, a magnification display D12, and the like are displayed in respective patterns.

The guidance display section 71 shown in FIG. 3 displays messages for operation and warning. Further, the operation unit 70 is provided when the user operates a service base (service center).
Report key 83 for reporting when a service is requested to
And a remote communication abnormality display D8 displayed when an abnormality occurs in the notification. However, instead of providing a dedicated remote notification key as in this example, a function corresponding to the remote notification key may be realized by the pressing order, pressing time, or combination of pressed keys of other keys.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a remote image forming apparatus management system to which the present invention is applied. In this remote image forming apparatus management system, clients 201a, 201b,..., 201n installed in the service center 200 and a plurality of user areas (customer destinations) 220 are provided. The installed copying machine (image forming apparatus) 1 and devices such as a terminal device 211 installed at each of the plurality of service stations 210 are connected via a public line network 17 as a communication line.

The service center 200 has a plurality of clients 201 each executing the processing according to the present invention.
a, 201b,..., 201n, and their respective clients 2
., 201n, a file server 204 for controlling an external recording device 203 for storing various management tables to be described later, and master information, and a printing device 2 for printing and outputting various information.
05, each client 201a, 201b, ..., 20
A facsimile server 206 for controlling information transmitted from 1n to the service station 210 is installed, and these are connected by a LAN (local area network) 207 for transmitting and receiving various information (data and control signals). ing.

In each of the plurality of user areas 220, a plurality of copiers 1 and various information such as warning information of a fault occurring in each of the copiers 1 are transmitted to the service center 200 via the public line network 17. Service center 2
A communication control device 18 and the like for performing control (communication control) for receiving various kinds of information transmitted from 00 through the public line network 17 are installed.

Each of the plurality of service stations 210 receives various information transmitted from the service center 200 via the public line network 17 and receives the information from the service center 2.
A terminal device (personal computer) 211 that controls transmission of various information to the service center 200, a facsimile device (facsimile device) 212 that transmits and receives information to and from the service center 200, and a telephone 213 are installed. Each of the service stations 210 dispatches a serviceman who takes measures for an abnormality of the image forming apparatus such as the copying machine 1 at the customer's site.

Here, each copying machine 1 functions as a remote report data transmitting means for transmitting remote report data to the service center 200. Each of the clients 201a, 201b,.
, 201n have functions as respective means shown in the following (1) to (15).

(1) Receiving means for receiving remote report data transmitted from each copying machine 1 (2) Storage means for storing remote report data received by said means (3) Remote storage stored in said means Reading means for reading notification data (4) Primary display availability determination means for determining whether or not the remote notification data read by the means can be displayed in the primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device

(5) When it is determined that the display is possible by the means, the primary storage means for storing the remote report data read by the reading means. (6) The remote report data stored in the means is stored in the primary storage means. Primary display means for displaying in the primary display area secured on the display screen of the machine (7) remote display data read by the reading means when the primary display availability determination means determines that display is impossible Is a data discriminating means for discriminating whether data is urgent or not

(8) If the data is determined to be highly urgent by the means, whether or not the remote report data read by the reading means can be displayed in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device. (9) If it is determined that display is possible by the means,
Secondary storage means for storing the remote report data read by the reading means

(10) Secondary display means for displaying the remote notification data stored in the means in a secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device. (11) Unable to display by the secondary display availability determination means. When it is determined that there is another monitoring terminal device that can display the remote notification data read by the reading device,

(12) If it is determined that there is another monitoring terminal device that can be displayed by the means, a priority is added to the remote report data read by the reading means, and the other monitoring terminal device is given a priority. Transfer means for transferring to the primary storage means or the secondary storage means. (13) If it is determined that there is no other monitor terminal device that can be displayed by the other device presence / absence determination means, the remote device read by the reading means Tertiary display availability determination means for determining whether the report data can be displayed again in the primary display area or the secondary display area of the display screen of the own device.

(14) If it is determined that the display is possible, the display area adjusting means for narrowing the primary display area and expanding the secondary display area of the display screen of the own device. When the means is determined to be displayable by the tertiary display availability determination means, the means is provided with a priority added to the remote notification data read by the reading means and stored.

Further, the primary display means has means for displaying the remote report data with priority when the primary report section stores the prioritized remote report data. Further, the secondary display means includes means for displaying the remote report data with priority when the remote report data with the priority is stored in the secondary storage means.

(15) An external output means for outputting the remote report data read by the reading means to the outside when the tertiary display availability determining means determines that the display is impossible. The external output means is defined in advance. Means for transmitting, via the public communication network, the remote report data determined to be undisplayable by the tertiary display permission / inhibition determination means to the terminal device in the service station. The terminal device is a personal computer or a facsimile device having a display device.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example in the user area in the remote image forming apparatus management system shown in FIG.

In the user area 220, the service center 2
00 each client 201a, 201
b,..., 201n are provided with a communication control device 18 as an interface device for controlling communication with each of the copying machines 1.
It is connected to the. An external communication device such as a telephone 19 or a facsimile device 20 can be connected to the communication control device 18 and can be installed by inserting the communication control device 18 into a user's existing line.

A plurality of copying machines 1 can be connected to the communication control device 18, but there may be a single copying machine. These copiers 1 need not be of the same type and may be of different models, and may be image forming apparatuses such as printers other than copiers. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five copying machines 1 can be connected to one communication control device 18. The communication control device 18 and the plurality of copying machines 1 are connected to the RS-485.
Multidrop connection according to the standard.

Communication control between the communication control device 18 and each copying machine 1 is performed by a basic data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by a polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 18 as a control station, communication with an arbitrary copying machine is enabled. Each copying machine 1 can be set to a unique value by an address setting switch, thereby determining a polling address and a selecting address of each copying machine.

FIG. 6 shows the communication control device 18 of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG. A signal from the public network 17 is first input to the switching unit 180. here,
If the communication from the public line is addressed to the telephone 19 (or the facsimile machine 20 in FIG. 5) connected to the communication control device 18, the public line is
(Or the facsimile machine 20 in FIG. 5), and if the communication is from the service center 200, it is connected to the modem 181 on the public line side.

Further, communication with the copying machine 1 is performed by a communication interface 183 using a transceiver for RS-485. These controls and processes are performed mainly by the CPU 184 according to a control program in the ROM 185. The RAM 186 stores intermediate results of processing and the like, and is also used to temporarily store communication text. Also, various parameters necessary for the operation of the communication control device 18 from the service center 200 are stored in the RAM 1.
86.

Normally, this communication control device 18
Service center 200
The RAM 186 is backed up by a battery 187 so that the contents of these parameters and the communication text are not lost due to accidental power-off, power-off for safety, or the like. Furthermore, a clock 188 and a total counter value automatic call permission switch 1
89 is also provided.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of copying machine 1 shown in FIG. The control of the copying machine body 2
It is performed based on a control program and data stored in the ROM 101 with the CPU 100 as the center. The RAM 102 is used to store intermediate results of processing, various set values, the state of the apparatus, and the like.

The A / D converter 103 includes an exposure lamp 22
Supply voltage, the light emission voltage and light reception voltage of the P sensor 45, the output of the potential sensor 39, the output of the ADS sensor, the output of the lamp light amount sensor for detecting the light amount of the exposure lamp 22, and the current flowing to the photosensitive drum 35. It is used to input the output of the drum current sensor, thermistor voltage in the fixing unit 65, and the like.

The optical system control unit 104 controls the scanner section 10 shown in FIG. High voltage power supply unit 105
Supplies a high voltage applied to the charger 37, the separation charger 44, the transfer charger 43, and the pre-transfer charger (PTC) 42, respectively, and a developing bias voltage applied to the developing roller in the developing unit 40.

The motor control unit 106 controls the main motor that drives the photosensitive drum 35, the paper feed units, the rollers of the transport unit, and the like. The heater control unit 107 controls energization to a fixing heater that heats the fixing roller of the fixing unit 65, and maintains the surface temperature of the fixing roller within a predetermined range. Sensor sensitivity control unit 1
08 is a light receiving gain of the lamp light amount sensor, a light receiving gain of the ADS sensor, a light receiving gain of the P sensor 45, a P sensor 4
5 is used to change the light emission voltage and the like of the LED.

The communication interface unit 109 includes:
This unit communicates with the communication control device 18. An address unique to the copying machine can be set in the range of 1 to 5 by the address setting switch 110. The communication permission switch 111 can be used to set permission / prohibition of communication with the communication control device 18.

The communication permission switch 111 is a dip switch, and when a copier equipped with the switch is connected to an image forming apparatus management system (remote diagnosis system), a service person turns on. You cannot touch it. Therefore, the communication permission switch 111 is kept ON when the copying machine having the communication permission switch 111 is connected to the image forming apparatus management system.

Hereinafter, the operation of this embodiment will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG. First, the function of the remote notification will be described with reference to FIG. 8, FIG. 1, and FIG.

In the case of a remote report using the remote report key, when the remote report key 83 provided on the operation unit 70 of the copier 1 is pressed, as shown in FIG.
Transmits remote report data to the communication control device 18 using the remote report key. Upon receiving this, the communication control device 18 makes a call to a telephone number of the service center 200 set in advance and transmits remote report data by the remote report key.

At this time, the data transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the service center 200 is preset in the communication control device 18 from among a plurality of types of data received by the communication control device 18 from the copying machine 1. Only type of data. This setting can be made from the service center 200 through the public network 17.

When the communication control device 18 finishes transmitting the predetermined data to the service center 200, the communication control device 18 transmits a communication between the communication control device 18 and the service center 200 to the copying machine 1 of the transmission source. The report result report indicating the result is transmitted. This allows
The copy machine 1 of the transmission source can know whether the communication has been completed normally or the communication has not been performed due to some abnormality.

Further, the copying machine 1 is usually provided with a self-diagnosis function so that the copying machine 1 may be in a dangerous state or a dangerous state, for example, when an abnormality in the fixing temperature is detected, or when it is impossible to make adjustments using the electronic volume at each adjustment point. It is common practice to notify a user or serviceman in the form of an "error" or "serviceman call" when it becomes unusable.

Even when an abnormality is detected by the self-diagnosis function of the copying machine 1, a remote notification due to the self-diagnosis abnormality is made from the copying machine 1 to the communication control device 18 as shown in FIG. Is transmitted (self-diagnosis information). The communication control device 18 that has received the remote report data transmits the remote report data due to the self-diagnosis abnormality to the service center 200, and transmits a report report to the copying machine 1 at the transmission end when the communication is completed.

Further, in the case where the copying machine 1 determines that it is preferable to perform maintenance, for example, when the self-diagnosis function diagnoses that an abnormal state has not been reached but the state is very close to the abnormal state, FIG. As shown in c), remote notification data (prior warning information) of a prior warning is transmitted to the communication control device 18. In the case of a remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality, the copying machine 1 is inevitably in an unusable state. When a document is set and the start key is pressed, a copying operation is performed.

At this time, if the load on the controller of the copying machine 1 is heavy due to the copying process, or if there is a possibility that the contents included in the transmission data may be changed by the copying operation to make the data inconsistent, the communication is interrupted. May be. Since the remote report data of the advance warning is of low urgency, the communication control device 18 that has received the data does not immediately transmit the data to the service center 200, but uses the telephone 19 or the facsimile device 20 connected to the communication control device 18. The transmission may be performed at a time convenient for communication, such as a time zone where the frequency is low or a traffic volume of the public network 17 is small.

This time can be set from the service center 200 to the communication control device 18, and the transmission time can be determined based on the coincidence with the current time by the clock 188 shown in FIG. In the case of this remote warning of the advance warning, a report of the report result is not transmitted to the copying machine 1 unlike other remote reports.

The remote warning data of the advance warning is transmitted to the service center 200 at a predetermined time, but the remote warning data of the advance warning received by the communication control device 18 by the predetermined time is stored internally. , At a predetermined time and transmitted to the service center 200. However, if the remote warning data of the advance warning is received beyond the limit that can be stored before the predetermined time is reached, the remote warning data of the previous warning that has been stored before the predetermined time is reached is collected and stored in the service center 200. Send. Service center 2
00, the communication control device 18
The management information and the like relating to the remote alert data of the advance warning in the above are deleted.

Next, referring to FIG.
A process for accessing the copying machine 1 from the 0 side will be described. The access from the service center 200 to the copying machine 1 is roughly classified into three types: a read request, a write request, and an execute request.

A read request refers to a process of reading logging data, various set values, output values of various sensors, and the like in the copying machine 1. The write request is a process of rewriting various setting values by transmitting data from the service center 200. The execute request refers to a process for causing the copying machine 1 to perform a test operation or the like.

The service center 20 at the time of each request
9A, 9B, and 9C show communication procedures between the communication control device 18 and the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1. In each case, the target copying machine 1 is transmitted from the service center 200. It dials the connected communication control device 18 and transmits each request data. The communication control device 18 receives these request data from the service center 200. Communication control device 18 that has received the request data
Transmits the request data to the target copying machine 1.

After receiving the request, the copying machine 1 processes the request and transmits a response to the request to the communication control device 18. The communication control device 18 transmits this to the service center 200 and ends one processing unit.

Referring to FIG. 10, service center 200
A process when the communication control device 18 is accessed from the side will be described. The access from the service center 200 to the communication control device 18 is roughly classified into three types, namely, a read request, a write request, and an execute request. The procedure of each process at this time is shown in (a), (b), and (c) of FIG.

The read request is the communication control device 1
The process of reading the setting parameters and status in 8;
When the communication control device 18 reads out the information inside the copier 1 and stores it in the communication control device 18 in advance, it refers to a process of reading out the information. The write request refers to a process of setting parameters of the communication control device 18 by sending data from the service center 200 and the like. The execute request is
This refers to processing for causing the communication control device 18 to perform a test operation such as a function check.

Referring to FIG. 11, service center 200
A process when the communication control device 18 accesses the copier 1 without using the communication will be described. When the communication control device 18 accesses the copying machine 1, the communication control device 18 reads out information inside the copying machine 1, reserves the data inside the communication control device 18, and later accesses the service center as needed. This is a reading process for enabling reading from the memory 200.

Generally, a counter value such as the total number of copies is used for a maintenance contract and maintenance of a copying machine. Using this system, the counter value of the total number of copies is transmitted from the copying machine 1 to the communication control device 18 periodically, and when the power of the copying machine 1 is cut off, the copying machine 1 is in a communication disabled state. Even in this case, the service center 200 can know the counter value.

For this purpose, as described above, the function of the communication control device 18 reading out the information inside the copying machine 1 and retaining the data inside the communication control device 18 is used. The communication control device 18 is connected when the total counter value collection time in the parameters set in the communication control device 18 is reached with reference to the clock 188 (FIG. 6) in the communication control device 18. A request for total copy number information is sequentially made to all the copying machines 1 every day.

The new total copy number information of the copying machine that has responded is backed up in the communication control device 18 by updating the value read the previous day including the date when the total copy number was acquired. RAM1
86 (FIG. 6). When the power of the copying machine 1 for which the total copy number information is requested is cut off or the communication is not possible, the reception of the data response from the copying machine 1 is postponed, and the next copying machine 1 1 is processed.

At the time when the request for all the copying machines 1 is made, the request is made again only to the copying machine 1 which has not been able to receive. Normally, the total counter value collection time is set at night when the power of the copying machine 1 is considered to be turned off.
The power of the copier 1 is turned on with the passage of time, and this communication is performed while the copier 1 is idling immediately after the power is turned on and adjusting each unit.

RAM 18 in communication control device 18
The method of transferring the information on the total number of copies stored and held in the service center 6 to the service center 200 includes a method of periodically reading out the information from the service center 200 on the closing day of each month and the like, and a method of setting in the communication control device 18. There are two methods in which the communication control device 18 automatically transmits to the service center 200 when the total counter value automatic call date and time has reached.

The selection of this method is set by a total counter value automatic call permission switch 189 (FIG. 6) provided in the communication control device 18. When this switch 189 is ON, when the date and time indicated by the parameter set in the communication control device 18 is reached, the call is sent to the report destination telephone number indicated by the parameter set in the communication control device 18. Then, the counter value of the total number of copies is transmitted to the service center 200. When the switch 189 is OFF, the access from the service center 200 is waited without performing an automatic call.

In this example, data to be communicated periodically is used as the counter value of the total number of copies, but data other than this or other data may be added to perform communication. The communication control device 18 is capable of controlling a plurality of copying machines 1 and the like, and acquires data in order. In this system, the data request to an unconnected copier can be prevented from being made, thereby shortening the access time.

FIG. 12 is a list of parameters set in the communication control device 18. A model number and a serial number (machine number) of the copying machine 1 are registered for each copying machine 1 at each address, and are added to a report from the copying machine 1 and transmitted to the service center 200, It is used to determine the address of the copying machine 1 to be selected when accessing from the service center 200.

For each remote reporting reason, a report destination telephone number, the number and interval of redials, and the type of data to be transmitted to the service center 200 (number of occurrences of jam, number of copies, etc.) are set. A checksum is added to each parameter block, and the communication control device 1
8 can be detected when the parameter value is rewritten or lost due to a malfunction of the backup battery 8, the consumption of the backup battery 187, or a communication error.

These parameters are stored in the service center 20
The data is written from the 0 side through the public line network 17, and is written by directly connecting a portable device for parameter setting to the communication control
The configuration may be such that an operating means is provided on the upper side, or the configuration may be such that the setting is made from the copying machine 1.

In this case, since setting of parameters is important, confidentiality is enhanced by adding an ID (password) to communication data. This ID is not uniquely determined for each communication control device 18 and is used when the first parameter is specified (when the parameter in FIG. 12 is not set).
After that, it cannot be changed by communication or the like, but can be made by manually initializing the communication control device 18.

The ID is confirmed every time communication is performed, so that it is impossible to enter the ID from erroneous data or a different system. If a different ID is received a predetermined number of times, this error is stored internally and the service center 200
To automatically notify the system administrator. The ID is checked every time communication is performed to prevent hackers and the like. Although the ID cannot be changed by communication or the like as described above, for example, another ID (I
(For D change).

FIG. 13 shows an example of the format of communication data at the time of remote notification. (A) is a copying machine 1
1 shows a data format transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the communication control device 18. The first field is a report reason code, which indicates the type of remote report using the remote report key 83, remote report due to self-diagnosis abnormality, or remote report of advance warning. This is followed by an information record. This information record shows detailed information of the report reason code that occurred, and includes function information, history information, and status information (toner,
Information such as the status of consumables such as oil and copy paper, output values of various sensors, set values of various adjustment locations, and connection states of various units) are included.

(B) shows a data format sent from the communication control device 18 to the service center 200. In addition to the data from the copying machine 1, fields for a model number and a serial number are added at the top in order to specify the copying machine 1 that is the information generation source. The time at which the notification factor occurred is added by a clock 188 in the communication control device 18 at the rear. In the data area, the type of data (functional information, history information, and status information) to be transmitted to the service center 200 changes according to the parameters set in the communication control device 18.

(C) shows the data format of the report report transmitted to the copier 1 when the report from the communication control device 18 to the service center 200 is completed. This consists of the report result report code and the content of the report report.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a data format at the time of read processing during access from the service center 200 to the copying machine 1. The service center 200 transmits to the communication control device 18 a read request code indicating a read process and a code of an item to be read, following the model number and serial number of the target copying machine 1.

The communication control device 18 removes the model number and serial number fields from the copying machine 1 and sends only the read request code and the item code. Upon receiving this, the copying machine 1 transmits the requested data to the communication control device 18 following the read response code and the received item code. The communication control device 18 adds the model number and the serial number again and transmits the data to the service center 200.

FIG. 15 shows an example of a data format at the time of a write process. In this case, the communication control device 1
In the communication between the copying machine 1 and the copying machine 1 through 8, the data to be written is added following the item code as compared with the case of the read processing. In the communication from the copying machine 1 to the service center 200, the data actually written in the copying machine 1 is transmitted following the item code field. Normally, the data to be written received by the copier 1 and the data written by the copier 1 match. However, when the received data is out of the valid range, the data may be rounded to a boundary value and the data may be written. Do not match in such a case.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the state of Execute
e) Data format for processing. in this case,
In the communication from the service center 200 to the copier 1,
When the operation target cannot be specified only by the item code, a code for supplementing the operation content follows the item code. The copier 1 that has performed the requested operation transmits the operation result information to the service center 200 side.

FIG. 17 shows an example of a data format when the service center 200 accesses the communication control device 18. FIG.
(B) shows the format at the time of write processing, and (c) shows the format at the time of execute processing. These have almost the same data format as when the copy machine 1 is accessed, but instead of the model number and the serial number, the communication control device 18 is used.
Is the code that indicates

FIG. 18 shows an example of a data format when the communication control device 18 accesses the copying machine 1. The data format between the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1 at the time of read processing when accessing the copying machine 1 from the service center 200 shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 is the same. In this case, the copying machine 1 does not need to distinguish between access from the service center 200 and access from the communication control device 18 and can handle them in the same manner.

Here, a report reason code is added to the report data from the copying machine 1 to the communication control device 18 as shown in FIG. The communication control device 18 classifies the report data by identifying the report reason code as shown in the following (1) to (4).

(1) Data from remote notification key 83 (2) Data due to self-diagnosis abnormality (3) Data due to advance warning (4) Data based on total counter value

The communication control device 18 classifies the report data as described above, stores the report data in the internal memory, selects a report destination telephone number in the parameters shown in FIG. 12 for these data, and transmits the telephone number to that number. . Therefore,
Centralized management can be performed by using the same destination telephone number for each category, and management can be performed at individual locations by using individual destination telephone numbers for each category.

In the configuration of FIG. 1, the service center 2
Although 00 is one place, in actual work, the number of copies and the like can be managed using the service center 200 installed in another place.

FIG. 19 shows the CPU of copying machine 1 shown in FIG.
4 is a flowchart illustrating a main routine of the notification control by the control unit 100. When the communication permission switch 111 provided outside the operation unit 70 of the copying machine 1 is ON, whether the remote notification key 83 of the operation unit 70 is pressed, whether the occurrence of abnormality is detected by the self-diagnosis function, Alternatively, a determination is made as to whether or not a prior warning is required, and if any of the states (remote reporting is required), the respective remote reporting processes are performed.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the remote notification subroutine using the remote notification key in FIG. First, remote report data is transmitted to the communication control device 18 by the remote report key 83. If the notification cannot be performed normally, such as no response from the communication control device 18, the remote communication abnormality display D8 (FIG. 4) on the operation unit 70 is turned on or blinks to notify the user of the fact.

When the data has been normally transmitted to the communication control device 18, the timer for judging the timeout is reset and the report of the report result from the communication control device 18 is waited. In this example, the time-out period is set to 3 minutes, and when the report of the report is not received within 3 minutes, the time-out is set as the time-out.
It is displayed by lighting or flashing of the remote communication abnormality display D8 on 0 to notify the user.

When the report of the report is received within the timeout period, it is determined whether or not the report has been normally made based on the report of the result. When the report has been made normally, the fact that the automatic report has been completed is displayed ( In the case of a failure, the fact is indicated by lighting or blinking of the remote communication abnormality display D8, and the process returns to the main routine of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine for remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality in FIG. The processing of this subroutine is the same as that of the remote report by the remote report key 83 described with reference to FIG. 20, except that the data to be transmitted to the communication control device 18 is the data due to the self-diagnosis abnormality and the timeout time is 20 minutes. Therefore, the description is omitted.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the contents of the subroutine for remote notification by prior warning in FIG. In this routine, remote notification data is transmitted to the communication controller device 18 by a prior warning.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a main routine of processing by CPU 100 of copying machine 1 when accessed from communication control device 18. When the communication permission switch 111 shown in FIG. 7 is ON and there is received data in the communication interface unit 109,
Upon receiving the request, the process requested by the first field is determined, and one of a read request, a write request, and an execute request is determined, and a process corresponding to the determination result is performed. If the request is neither of the above, an error code is returned, and the process ends.

FIG. 24 is a flow chart showing the processing contents of the subroutine of the read processing of FIG. In this routine, if the item code received by the copying machine 1 is correct and readable, the requested data is returned, and if not, an error code is returned.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of the write process of FIG. In this routine, if the received item code is not a writable correct one, an error code is returned. If it is correct, the value to be written is checked, and if it is within the valid range, the value of the received data is written as it is. If the item is out of the valid range, if the item can be written by rounding data to the boundary value of the valid range, the boundary value is written. Otherwise, return an error code and return.

Whether or not the data can be written rounded to the boundary value is determined for each item code. Even if the temperature is within the effective range like the setting of the fixing temperature,
Rounding to the boundary value is prohibited for the telephone number of the service center 200 whose value is meaningless, and items that do not affect the image quality such as the auto reset time are rounded to the boundary value for convenience. Allow For example, if the auto reset time is desired to be as long as possible, the value to be written is set to the maximum value which is full of digits, and the maximum value is automatically selected on the copying machine 1 side.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the contents of a subroutine of the execute process in FIG.
In this routine, an error code is returned if the received item code is not an executable correct one. If the item is correct, it is determined whether or not the item requires an operation content supplement. If not, the specified operation is executed and the operation result information is returned. If the operation content supplementation is required for the item, the operation according to the supplemented information is executed. If the operation content supplementation is out of the valid range, an error code is transmitted and the process returns.

Next, a communication procedure between the communication control device 18 and the copying machine 1 will be described. FIG. 27 shows an idle communication sequence when five copiers 1 are connected to the communication control device 18.

The communication control device 18 is provided for each copier 1
A polling cycle for sequentially transmitting a polling sequence is performed using the polling address. The copier 1 polled by its own polling address sends a negative response to the communication control device 1 if there is no transmission text.
8 The communication control device 18 repeats this polling cycle in a normal state where there is no other communication processing.

FIG. 28 shows an example of a communication sequence in the case where a remote report transmission text is stored in the copying machine 1 at the address 2. RS-48 after polling with own address
Send outgoing text on 5 lines.

FIG. 29 shows an example of a communication sequence in the case where a text of a report report is transmitted from the communication control device 18 to the copying machine 1 at address 5. After the current polling is completed, a selecting sequence is transmitted using the selecting address of the target copying machine 1 and the text is transmitted to the copying machine 1. After sending the text, it returns to the original polling cycle.

FIG. 30 shows the communication control unit 18 and the copier 1 when the copier of address 3 is accessed from the service center 200 or the communication control unit 18.
2 shows a communication sequence between the two.

In this case, the communication control device 18 selects the target copying machine 1 and transmits any one of a read request, a write request, and an execute request. Immediately thereafter, the same copying machine 1 is polled, and a response to the request is received. In practice, this sequence will be inserted during the polling cycle shown in FIG.

FIG. 31 shows an example of a communication sequence at the time of scheduled data processing, that is, the transfer of the total counter value performed periodically. When the date and time of collection of the total copy number counter value (total counter value) is reached, the communication control device 18 inserts a selecting cycle for sequentially selecting the copying machines 1 at addresses 1 to 5 between polling cycles. . If a response is received during the selecting cycle, the same copying machine 1 is polled immediately thereafter to receive data (total counter value), and to add date and time information at the time of reception. The data is stored in the RAM 186, so that the copying machine 1 is not selected from the next selecting cycle.

In this example, in the first selecting cycle, a response is received from the copying machine 1 at the addresses 1, 3, and 4, and in the next selecting cycle, the copying machine at the addresses 2 and 5 from which the previous data could not be received. Only selecting is done. Then, in the next selecting cycle, the reception of data of all the copying machines 1 is completed.
The state returns to the state where only the normal polling cycle indicated by 7 is performed.

Here, an example in which five copiers 1 with addresses 1 to 5 are connected has been described. However, if there is a vacant connection, selecting is performed for the vacant address. I do not have it. In the communication control device 18, the condition for starting the collection of the total counter value is set to either when the collection time is reached or when the power to the communication control device 18 is turned on.

FIG. 32 shows another example of a communication sequence at the time of periodically transferring the total counter value. When the date and time of collection of the total counter value is reached, the communication control device 18 performs selective instead of polling at the timing of polling each copying machine 1. Polling is immediately performed on the copying machine 1 which has responded to the selecting, and data is received.

The first cycle for the copying machine 1 at addresses 1 to 5 immediately after the date and time of collection of the total counter value is the same as in FIG. 31, but no polling cycle is inserted next. In the second cycle,
Polling is performed for the copying machine 1 that has already received data, and selecting for the counter value request is performed again for the copying machine 1 that has failed to receive data. When the data of all the copying machines 1 has been received,
Return to the normal state where only polling is performed.

In this example as well, as in FIG. 31, a response is first received from the copying machine 1 at addresses 1, 3, and 4, and in the next cycle, the copying of the address 2 of the copying machine 1 from which the previous data could not be received. The reception of the data of the copying machine 1 is completed, and the data of all the copying machines 1 can be received in the next cycle.

Further, the following processing is further performed on the regular data processing as shown in the above two examples. When reaching the date and time indicated by the parameter set in the own device, the communication control device 18 calls the destination telephone number also indicated by the parameter and transmits the total counter value to the service center 200.

However, the client 201a, 201b,... Shown in FIG.
.., If the power of the 201n side or the communication control device 18 is out of power, or if the date and time is set to only a leap year such as February 29, it cannot be regarded as a year in which the processing of the total counter value can be performed. The new year will cause operational inconvenience.

Therefore, in the remote image forming apparatus management system of this embodiment, if the processing is not completed at the date and time indicated by the parameter, monitoring is performed subsequently, and this operation is performed until the processing is completed. I have to. If there is no February 29, processing is performed on March 1 when the month changes. In this embodiment,
The data of multiple copiers 1 can be controlled, but current copiers have been enhanced by color, digitalization, etc., and more than one total counter is mounted on the copier. Some have done.

The copying machine 1 of this embodiment can mount up to three total counters. In this case, when the communication control device 18 sends the data (total counter value) of the copying machine 1 to any one of the clients 201a, 201b,..., 201n of the service center 200, the individual data is divided into the individual copying machines 1. If the data is sent to the client, extra transmission cost is required, so if there is data to be sent, the data is sent together.

Further, when the communication control device 18 reaches the date and time indicated by the parameters set in its own device, the communication control device 18 stores the above-mentioned scheduled data, including the acquisition date and time, in a specific storage area. . This data can be read from the service center 200.

Next, the main part of the service center 200 in this embodiment will be described. FIG. 33 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of the service center 200.

Each client 201a, 201b, 201c, 201 installed in the service center 200
, 201n respectively include modems 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d, 202e,
.., 202n are connected, and each of the modems is connected to the communication control device 18 at the customer site via the public line network 17.

Each of the modems 202a, 202b, 202
, 202n are clients 201a, 201b, 201c, 201, respectively.
, 201e,..., 201n. Here, one or more modems are connected to one client.

When only one modem is connected to one client, the serial port (CO
If a modem is directly connected to M1) and a plurality of modems are connected to one client, the MC of that client
A modem is connected via an RIC board inserted into the A slot.

The RIC board is equipped with a small OS (operating system), and downloads a protocol driver 301 (see FIG. 34) described later on its own memory. The protocol driver 301
Each can operate asynchronously with multitasking. Usually, in order to reduce the load on the CPU of the client when using a plurality of ports, a program for implementing the communication protocol is downloaded in the RIC board.

FIG. 34 shows the clients 201a to 201a.
3 is a diagram illustrating a specific configuration example of a transmission / reception unit of data (information) with the communication control device 18 in n. This transmission / reception unit has a three-layer architecture. Among them, the protocol layer 300 realizes a communication protocol with the communication control device 18, is positioned above the serial driver, is mounted for each communication hardware, and when viewed from the session layer 310, Absorb the differences in wear.

The protocol layer 300 includes a protocol driver 301 and a protocol stack 302. The protocol drivers 301 are loaded by the number of ports (modems). In the case of the RIC board, the protocol driver 301 is downloaded to the internal memory of the RIC board, and the protocol driver 30 is downloaded.
1 receives the call request and performs the following control.

That is, the modems (202a to 202n)
, A series of protocol sequences with the communication control device 18 is started. Also constantly monitor the modem,
When the data is transmitted from the communication control device 18, the data is promptly received from the communication control device 18 according to the protocol sequence. When the reception is completed, the completion of the reception is notified to the session layer 310 via the protocol stack 302.

The protocol stack 302 is located between the protocol driver 301 and the called controller 311 and exchanges transmission data, reception data, and control data.

The next session layer 310 includes a plurality of PPs (physical ports) 3 realized by the protocol layer 300.
In response to a communication request (call processing, called processing) from the presentation layer 320, the PP 303 is searched to start communication. Further, it monitors the completion of the reception from the communication control device 18, and notifies the presentation layer 320 of the completion when the reception is completed, and passes the data.

The presentation layer 320 is composed of PP30
3 is accessed directly, and the VP (virtual port) 312 linked in the session layer 310 is accessed. The last presentation layer 320 is located above the session layer 310 and has the following functions.

More specifically, a VP handler 321 for handling the VP 312, a transmission request unit 322 for processing a transmission request from the client, and a reception monitoring unit 3 for polling the VP 312 and passing received data to a higher-level function.
23 for exchanging data with the communication control device 18.

The transmission requesting unit 322 performs transmission communication with the VP 312. It is not necessary for the higher-level function to be aware of the protocol driver 301 actually mounted, and by leaving the management of the usable PP 303 to the session layer 310, it becomes unnecessary to be aware of the physical port. In the receiving process, by polling the VP 312, there is no need to be aware of the physical receiving port.

FIG. 35 shows each of the clients 201a-201.
n is a block diagram showing the flow of data received by the transmission / reception unit and the storage unit for each copier 1 (image forming apparatus) at the customer's destination, and FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing an example of data reception processing by the transmission / reception unit and the storage unit. FIG. 37 is a flowchart showing an example of the data accumulation process.

The reception monitoring unit 323 located in the presentation layer 320 of the transmission / reception unit in each of the clients 201a to 201n first performs initial processing such as securing the number of ports of the VP 312, and then executes data (remote communication) from the communication control device 18. A read area for reading the notification data) is secured, the called VP 312 is opened, and reception monitoring is started (steps S1 to S4).

Then, the monitoring of the reception status of whether the reception of data from the communication control device 18 has been completed normally or an abnormal event has occurred continues, and the called VP 312 enters a reception completed state, and the buffer of the called VP 312 is buffered. If there is received data, the received data is read from the buffer of the called VP 312 into the read area secured in step S2 (steps S5 and S6).

Next, the received data read into the read area is written into the received data file 324, and when the writing process is completed normally, the monitoring of the reception status is continued to process the next received data (step S7, S
8, S4, S5). If the writing process cannot be completed normally (error has occurred), the called VP 312 is closed and an error display is performed. If a retry is specified, the called VP 312 is opened again to check the reception status. Continue monitoring (steps S9 to S11, S3 to S
5).

On the other hand, the storage unit 330 operates asynchronously with the above-described reception monitoring unit 323, and first executes internal data initializing processing (customer receiving data initial processing) such as securing a shared memory. If the processing has not been completed normally (an error has occurred), an error message is displayed and the processing is terminated (steps S21 and S21).
22, S31).

When the initial processing is completed normally, it is checked whether the reception data file 324 created by the reception monitoring unit 323 exists (reception data is stored). The reception data of the reception data file 324 is read, and if an error occurs during the reading (when the reading is abnormally terminated), an error message is displayed and the process is terminated (step S).
23-S25, S29-S31).

When the reading of the received data is completed normally, the read received data (remote report data) is written (stored) in the stored report data file 331, and the stored report data file 331 is updated. If an error occurs during the processing (when the update processing ends abnormally), an error message is displayed and the processing ends (steps S25 to S27, S29 to S31).

When the update processing is completed normally, the received data file 324 read out is deleted, and then the received data file 32 created by the reception monitoring unit 323 is again deleted.
4 is checked, and if the received data file 324 does not exist, a check is made to determine whether or not an end instruction has been specified for the storage unit 330. If the end instruction has been specified, the end has been completed normally or abnormally. It is checked whether the process is completed (steps S27, S28, S23, S29, S3
0).

[0149] Then, in the case of normal termination, the accumulation unit 330
Is terminated. If the processing is abnormally terminated, an error message is displayed and the processing is terminated (steps S30 and S3).
1). If the termination instruction has not been designated, the reception monitoring unit 32
The process returns to the check of whether the received data file 324 created in step 3 exists or not, and the same processing as described above is continued (steps S29 and S23).

Hereinafter, each of the clients 201a to 201n
Processing according to the present invention, that is, the storage unit 330
The display processing of the remote notification data (received data) accumulated by the above will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. First, a management table (display characteristic table) for controlling display of received data will be described with reference to FIG.

This display characteristic table 400 is resident on the external recording device 203 of the file server 204 installed in the service center 200, and each client 201
One entry is created each time a to 201n starts.
Each entry is the primary display used line number,
It is composed of the number of primary displayable lines, the number of used secondary display lines, and the number of secondary displayable lines.

Number of used primary display lines 400a1
400an is the value of the display line used on the primary display area secured on the display screen of each of the clients 201a to 201n, and the received data (remote notification data) is displayed on the primary display area. "1" is added every time
The received data is deleted from the primary display area, that is, every time the processing of the received data is terminated by the operator, “1” is set.
Is subtracted.

Number of primary displayable lines 400b1 to 40
0bn is the value of a displayable line on the primary display area on each of the clients 201a to 201n. The number of secondary display used lines 400c1 to 400cn is the value of the display line used on the secondary display area secured on the display screen of each of the clients 201a to 201n. Each time the received data is displayed, “1” is added, and the received data is deleted from the secondary display area, that is, “1” is subtracted every time the processing of the received data is completed by the operator.

Number of secondary displayable lines 400d1 to 40
0dn is a value of a displayable line on the secondary display area of each of the clients 201a to 201n. The values of the number of primary display used lines 400a1 to 400an and the number of secondary display used lines 400c1 to 400cn are set to “0” when each of the clients 201a to 201n is activated, and the number of primary displayable lines 400b1 ~ 400b
n and the number of secondary displayable lines 400d1 to 400dn
Is set by the operator using a keyboard or the like.

Next, a management table (customer-specific table) for controlling transmission of received data to a remote terminal device will be described with reference to FIG. The customer-specific table 410 is resident on the external recording device 203 of the file server 204 installed in the service center 200, and each entry has a model number 410a1
410an, serial numbers 410b1 to 410bn, terminal types 410c1 to 410cn, and terminal device destination telephone numbers 410d1 to 410dn.

The model numbers 410a1 to 410an are model numbers of the copying machine 1 (image forming apparatus) installed at the customer site, and the serial numbers 410b1 to 410bn are serial numbers of the copying machine 1. Terminal type 410c1-41
0cn is the terminal device 211 of the service station 210.
Type, terminal device destination telephone number 410d1-410d
n is the destination telephone number of the terminal device 211. The above-described items are registered by the operator of the service center 200 when the copier 1 is installed at the customer site.

FIGS. 40 and 41 show each client 201.
42 is a flowchart showing an example of the display distribution processing of the received data in a to 201n, FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing an example of a subroutine of the displayable client search processing in FIG. 41, and FIG.
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the remote transmission process of the received data in 201n.

Each of the clients 201a to 201n0 first receives data (remote report data) on the stored report data file 331 stored by the storage section 330.
(Step S41), and the number of primary displayable lines (any of 400b1 to 400bn) and the number of primary displayed lines on the entry corresponding to the own device in the display characteristic table 400 (see FIG. 38). (400a1-400
an) is determined, and it is verified whether or not the received data read in step 41 can be displayed in the primary display area (step S42). The received data is written to the primary display data file (step S43).

Then, when the writing of the received data is completed normally, the received data is deleted from the accumulation report data file 331 (step S44), and "1" is added to the number of used lines for the first display. (Step S
45) After that, it is verified whether or not the next received data exists on the accumulation report data file 331 (step S).
46) If it does not exist, it is verified whether or not the end of the process has been designated (step S47), and the process is terminated when the end has been designated.

If the next reception data exists, the reception data is read (step S41), and the number of the first displayable lines on the entry corresponding to the own device in the display characteristic table 400 is again determined. The difference from the next displayed line number is obtained, and it is verified whether the received data read in step S41 can be displayed in the primary display area (step S42).

If the received data read in step 41 cannot be displayed in the primary display area, the report reason code (see FIG. 13) of the received data is verified (step 41). S48), it is determined whether or not the received data is highly urgent data (step S49,
50) If the report reason code does not indicate a remote report using the remote report key or a remote report due to a self-diagnosis abnormality, that is, if the read received data is not highly urgent data, the process proceeds to step S46 and is similar to the above. Is performed.

If the report reason code indicates a remote report using a remote report key or a remote report due to a self-diagnosis error, that is, if the read received data is highly urgent data, the routine in FIG. To the number of secondary displayable lines (any of 400d1 to 400dn) and the number of secondary displayed lines (400c1 to 400c) on the entry corresponding to the own device in the display characteristic table 400.
cn), it is verified whether or not the received data read in step S41 can be displayed in the secondary display area (step S51). The received data is written to the secondary display data file (step S52).

When the writing of the received data is completed normally, the received data is deleted from the accumulation report data file 331 (step S53), and "1" is added to the number of used secondary display lines. After that (step S54), the process proceeds to step S46 to perform the same processing as described above. On the other hand, if it is not possible to display the received data read in the secondary display area in step S41, a search process (displayable client search process) for another client capable of displaying the read received data is performed. (Step S55).

That is, as shown in FIG. 42, each entry of the display characteristic table 400 is sequentially searched (Step S).
61) The difference between the number of primary displayable lines and the number of primary displayed lines is obtained for each entry, and the received data read in step S41 of FIG. 40 can be displayed in the primary display area. It verifies whether there is any other client (steps S62 and S63), and if so, adds a priority to the received data, and searches the corresponding entry (if there is more than one) in the corresponding entry. Transfer and write to the primary display data file of the client corresponding to the highest-ranked entry (step S6).
7).

Then, when the writing of the received data is completed normally, the received data is deleted from the accumulation report data file 331 (step S68), and the client's primary data which can be displayed in the primary display area is deleted. After "1" is added to the number of used lines (step S6)
9), and return to the routine of FIG.

If there is no client capable of displaying the received data read in step 41 in the primary display area, the number of secondary displayable lines and the secondary The difference from the number of displayed lines is obtained, and it is verified whether or not there is a client capable of displaying the received data read in step 41 in the secondary display area (steps S62 and S63). For example, a priority is added to the received data, and the data is transferred to the secondary display data file of the client (if there are a plurality of entries, the client corresponding to the highest entry among the corresponding entries) and written. (Step S64).

Then, when the writing of the received data is completed normally, the received data is deleted from the accumulation report data file 331 (step S65), and the client's secondary data that can be displayed in the secondary display area is displayed. After "1" is added to the number of used lines (step S6)
6), and return to the routine of FIG. Step 41
If there is no client that can display the received data read in the secondary display area in FIG.
The process returns to the first routine.

When returning from the routine of FIG. 42 to the routine of FIG. 41, it is first determined whether or not there is a client capable of displaying the read received data (step S56). If there is, the process proceeds to step S46. Then, the same processing as described above is performed, but if there is none, the difference between the number of primary displayable lines and the number of primary displayed lines for each entry of the display characteristic table 400 and the secondary display The difference between the number of possible lines and the number of secondary displayed lines is obtained, and it is determined whether the received data read in step S41 can be displayed again in the displayable area (the primary display area or the secondary display area). Verification is performed (step S57).

If the received data read in step 41 can be displayed in the displayable area, a priority is added to the received data read and written to the secondary display data file (step S58). When the writing of the received data is completed normally, "1" is subtracted from the number of primary displayable lines to narrow the primary display area, and "1" is added to the number of secondary displayable lines. Then, after the secondary display area is expanded, the process proceeds to step S53, and thereafter, the same processing as described above is performed.

If it is not possible to display the received data read in the displayable area in step 41, the flow shifts to the routine of FIG. 43, where the model number and the serial number in the read received data (remote report data) are added. Based on the model number (410a) on the customer-specific table 410 (see FIG. 39),
1-4an) and a serial number (410
b1 to 410bn). That is, a corresponding service station is searched (step S71).

If the search is successful (the corresponding service station is searched), the terminal type (one of 410c1 to 410cn) on the customer-specific table 410, that is, the terminal installed in the searched service station Verify the device type (Step S7)
2, S73), when the terminal type is a personal computer (PC) having a display device, the following processing is performed.

That is, based on the destination telephone number of the terminal device on the customer-specific table 410, that is, based on the destination telephone number of the personal computer (terminal device) installed in the searched service station, whether or not the personal computer has been activated. Is verified (step S77). If the personal computer is activated, it is transmitted to the personal computer according to a predetermined communication protocol.
The received data read in step S41 of FIG. 40 is transmitted via the public line network 17 (step S79).

Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission of the read received data has been completed normally (step S8).
0), if the processing has not been completed normally, the read received data is retransmitted to the personal computer (step S79), and if the processing has been completed normally, the transmitted received data is deleted from the accumulation report data file 331. Thereafter (step S81), the flow shifts to step S46 in FIG. 40 to perform the same processing as described above.

If the personal computer installed in the searched service station has not been started, the received data read in step S41 of FIG. After updating the received data (step S78), the flow shifts to step S46 in FIG. 40 to perform the same processing as described above.

When the terminal type is a fax machine,
The received data read in step S41 of FIG.
The data is edited into X transmission data (step S74), and based on the destination telephone number of the facsimile device (terminal device) installed at the searched service station,
Using the communication protocol defined in advance, the edited F
The AX transmission data is transmitted via the public line network 17 (step S75).

Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission of the edited facsimile transmission data has been completed normally (step S).
76) If the processing cannot be completed normally, the fax transmission data is retransmitted to the fax apparatus (step S7).
5) When the processing is completed normally, the transmitted FAX transmission data (received data) is stored in the storage report data file 331.
After that, the process proceeds to step S46 in FIG. 40, and the same processing as described above is performed.

If the terminal type is neither a personal computer nor a facsimile machine, the reception data read in step S41 of FIG. After updating (step S78), FIG.
Then, the process shifts to step S46 to perform the same processing as described above.

FIG. 44 shows each of the clients 201a to 201a.
It is a flowchart which shows an example of the display processing of the received data in 1n. Each of the clients 201a to 201n first reads the received data (remote report data) stored in the secondary display data file, edits it into a display format, and secures the secondary display area on its own display screen. (Step S91).

Next, the presence / absence of received data in the secondary display data file is checked (step S92). If there is received data in the secondary display data file, the flow returns to step S91 to perform the same processing as described above. When the received data is exhausted, the received data stored in the primary display data file is read, edited into a display format, and displayed in the primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device (step S93). .

Next, the presence / absence of received data in the primary display data file is checked (step S94). If there is received data in the primary display data file, the flow returns to step S93 to perform the same processing as described above. When there is no more received data, it is checked whether there is an end instruction. If there is no end instruction, the process returns to step 91 and performs the same processing as described above.

If the secondary display data file stores the received data with the priority added thereto, the received data is read with priority in step 91, and the read data is edited into the display format and Is displayed in the secondary display area secured on the display screen. If the received data with the priority added is stored in the primary display data file, the received data is preferentially read in step 93, and the read data is edited into a display format to be displayed on the display screen of the own device. In the primary display area secured in

To summarize the processing according to the present invention in the remote image forming apparatus management system of this embodiment, when a plurality of copying machines 1 are pressed, the occurrence of an abnormality is detected by the self-diagnosis function when the remote notification key is pressed. In the case where a pre-warning is required or when a pre-warning is required, the corresponding tele-report data (remote-report data by a remote-report key, remote-report data by a self-diagnosis abnormality, remote-report data by a pre-warning) is transmitted to the public network 17. Via the service center 20
Send to 0.

Each client 2 of the service center 200
When each of the remote report data 01a to 201n receives the remote report data transmitted from the plurality of copying machines 1, the remote report data is stored in the storage report data file 331. Then, the remote report data on the stored report data file 331 is read, and it is determined whether or not the remote report data can be displayed in the primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device. The remote report data is stored in the primary display data file.

If the read remote report data cannot be displayed in the primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device,
It is determined whether the read remote report data is highly urgent data, and if the data is highly urgent, whether the remote report data can be displayed in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device. Is determined, and if it can be displayed, the remote report data is stored in the secondary display data file.

If the read remote report data cannot be displayed in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device,
The presence or absence of another client capable of displaying the read remote report data is determined, and if there is another client, the priority is added to the read remote report data, and the first display data file or the secondary display data file of the client is added. Transfer to display data file.

If there is no other client capable of displaying the read remote report data, it is determined whether the read remote report data can be displayed again in the primary display area or the secondary display area of the display screen of the own device. If the display is possible, the primary display area of the display screen of the own device is narrowed, the secondary display region is widened, and the priority is added to the read remote report data to make the secondary display of the own device. Store it in the display data file.

If the read remote report data cannot be displayed in the primary display area or the secondary display area of the display screen of the own device, the remote report data is output to the outside. That is, according to a communication protocol defined in advance,
The read remote notification data is transmitted to a terminal device (a personal computer or a facsimile device having a display device) in the corresponding service station via the public line network 17.

On the other hand, the remote report data stored in the primary display data file is stored in the primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device, and the remote report data stored in the secondary display data file is displayed on the display device of the own device. Each is displayed in the secondary display area secured on the screen. If the primary display data file stores remote report data to which a priority is added, the remote report data is preferentially displayed in the primary display area. Further, when the remote report data to which the priority is added is stored in the secondary display data file, the remote report data is preferentially displayed in the secondary display area.

As described above, in this embodiment, as the number of copiers 1 installed increases, the service center 200
When each of the clients 201a to 201n receives a large amount of remote report data intensively for a certain period and displays the remote report data in all of the primary display areas of its own display screen, the Even if new remote notification data (data indicating an abnormal event) is newly received, the remote notification data is displayed in the secondary display area of the display screen of the own device,
Transfer to another client and display it on the primary display area or secondary display area of the display screen, or send to the terminal device of the service station to display on the display screen or print on paper Can be.

Therefore, it is possible to respond urgently to the occurrence of an abnormal event in the copying machine, which leads to an improvement in service to customers. In addition, since it is not necessary to increase the number of installed clients and increase the number of operators in accordance with the increase in the number of installed copiers, it is possible to suppress an increase in capital investment and an increase in operation costs of the service center 200. Thus, the equipment of the service center 200 can be used effectively and efficiently.

In this embodiment, each of the clients 201a to 201n transfers the remote report data read from the stored report data file 331 to another client and transmits the remote report data to the primary display area or the secondary display area of the display screen. It was also possible to display it in the display area, send it to the terminal device of the service station and display it on the display screen, or print it on paper,
It is not necessary to have such a function. Further, the terminal device of the service station is a personal computer or a facsimile device, but may be another device.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a remote image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of copying machines and a center system are connected via a public line network, the present invention is not limited to this. It can also be applied to a remote image forming apparatus management system in which another image forming apparatus such as a printer and a center system are connected via a public line network.

[0193]

As described above, according to the remote image forming apparatus management system of the first aspect of the present invention, as the number of installed image forming apparatuses increases, the number of monitoring terminal devices in the service center increases. When the remote report data is received intensively for a certain period and the remote report data (low urgency) is displayed in all of the primary display areas secured on the display screen of the own device, the urgency is high. Even when the remote report data is newly received, the remote report data can be displayed in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device, so that the following effects can be obtained.

That is, it is possible to urgently respond to the occurrence of an abnormal event of the image forming apparatus, which leads to an improvement in service to customers. Further, it is not necessary to increase the number of monitoring terminal devices to be installed and increase the number of operators as the number of image forming devices increases, thereby suppressing an increase in capital investment and an increase in operation costs of the service center. At the same time, the equipment of the service center can be used effectively and efficiently.

According to the remote image forming apparatus management system of the second aspect, as the number of installed image forming apparatuses increases, the monitoring terminal device in the service center concentrates a large amount of remote notification data in a certain period. When the remote report data is displayed in all of the primary display areas secured on the display screen of its own device, even if new urgent remote report data is received, the remote report data is In addition to displaying in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device, it can be transferred to another client and displayed in the primary display area or the secondary display area of the display screen. Thus, the effect of the first aspect of the present invention can be reliably obtained.

According to the remote image forming apparatus management system according to the third to sixth aspects of the present invention, as the number of installed image forming apparatuses increases, the monitoring terminal device in the service center sends a large amount of remote notification data in a certain period. When remote reception data is displayed in all of the primary display areas secured on the display screen of its own device while receiving intensive reception, even if new urgent remote notification data is received, the remote notification In addition to displaying data in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of its own device, transferring it to other clients and displaying it in the primary display area or secondary display area of that display screen, it also provides services Claims 1 to 3 allow transmission to an external device such as a terminal device of a station (a personal computer, a facsimile device, or the like) for display on a display screen or printing on paper. It is possible to obtain the effect of the invention more reliably.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a remote image forming apparatus management system to which the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a layout diagram showing an example of an operation unit of the copying machine shown in FIG.

4 is a pattern display section 72 of the operation section 70 shown in FIG.
It is an enlarged view which shows the display content of.

5 is a block diagram showing a specific configuration example in a user area in the remote image forming apparatus management system shown in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a communication control device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 5;
8 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control system of the copying machine 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5;

FIG. 8 is a communication sequence diagram at the time of remote notification in the remote image forming apparatus management system of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a communication sequence diagram when the center system accesses the copying machine.

FIG. 10 is a communication sequence diagram when the center system accesses the communication control device.

FIG. 11 is a communication sequence diagram when the communication control device accesses the copier without using the center system.

FIG. 12 is a list of parameters set in a communication control device 18 shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a format of communication data at the time of remote notification.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a data format at the time of read processing when the center system shown in FIG. 1 accesses the copier.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a data format at the time of write processing.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a data format at the time of an execute process.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of a data format when the center system accesses the communication control device.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data format when a communication control device accesses a copying machine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of notification control at the time of power-on by the CPU of the copying machine.

20 is a flowchart showing the contents of a remote report subroutine using a remote report key in FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing content of a subroutine for remote notification due to a self-diagnosis abnormality in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing contents of a subroutine for remote notification by prior warning in FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a main routine of processing by the CPU of the copying machine when accessed from the communication control device.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of a read process in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of a write process in FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the contents of a subroutine of an execute process in FIG. 23;

FIG. 27 is a communication sequence diagram in an idle state when five copiers are connected to the communication control device.

FIG. 28 is a communication sequence diagram in the case where a remote report transmission text is present in the copying machine at address 2;

FIG. 29 is a communication sequence diagram in the case where a text of a report report is transmitted from the communication control device to the copying machine at address 5;

FIG. 30 is a communication sequence diagram between the communication control device and the copying machine when the copying machine at address 3 is accessed from the center system or the communication control device.

FIG. 31 is a communication sequence diagram between the communication control device and the copying machine when the total counter value is periodically transferred.

FIG. 32 is another communication sequence diagram between the communication control device and the copying machine when the total counter value is periodically transferred.

FIG. 33 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a service center 200 in FIG. 1;

34 is a diagram showing a specific configuration example of a data transmission / reception unit between each of the clients 201a to 201n of the service center 200 in FIG. 33 and the communication control device 18 in FIG.

FIG. 35 shows each of clients 201a to 201n in FIG. 34;
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a flow of data received by the transmission / reception unit and the storage unit for each copying machine 1 at the customer's destination.

FIG. 36 shows each of clients 201a to 201n in FIG. 34;
5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data reception process performed by a transmission / reception unit and a storage unit in FIG.

FIG. 37 shows each of clients 201a to 201n in FIG.
5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a data storage process performed by a transmission / reception unit and a storage unit in FIG.

FIG. 38 shows each of clients 201a to 201n in FIG. 34;
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for describing a management table (display characteristic table) for controlling display of received data in FIG.

FIG. 39 shows each of clients 201a to 201n in FIG. 34;
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram for describing a management table (table for each customer) for controlling transmission of received data to a terminal device at a remote location in FIG.

40 illustrates each of the clients 201a to 201n in FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an example of a display distribution process for received data in the first embodiment.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the subsequent processing.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a subroutine of a displayable client search process in FIG. 41.

FIG. 43 shows each of clients 201a to 201n in FIG. 34;
5 is a flowchart showing an example of a remote transmission process of received data in the embodiment.

FIG. 44 illustrates each of the clients 201a to 201n in FIG.
6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a display process of received data in FIG.

[Description of Signs] 1: Copy machine 17: Public line network 18: Communication control device 200: Service center 201a to 201n: Client 202a to 202n: Modem 203: External recording device 204: File server 205: Printing device 206: FAX server 207: LAN 210: Service station 211: Terminal device 212 FAX device 220: User area

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A remote image forming apparatus management system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses and a plurality of monitoring terminal apparatuses in a service center are connected via a public network, wherein each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses has remote report data. Remote service data transmitting means for transmitting the remote service data to the service center, the plurality of monitoring terminal devices each receiving remote service data respectively transmitted from the plurality of image forming apparatuses, and receiving by the means. Storage means for storing the received remote notification data, reading means for reading the remote notification data stored in the means, and a primary display area for securing the remote notification data read by the means on its own display screen. Primary display availability determination means for determining whether display is possible or not, and the reading means when the display is determined to be possible by the primary display availability determination means. Primary storage means for storing the read remote notification data, and primary display means for displaying the remote notification data stored in the means in a primary display area secured on the display screen of the own device, If the primary display availability determination means determines that the display is not possible, the data determination means determines whether the remote report data read by the reading means is highly urgent data; If the data is determined to be highly-relevant, it is determined whether or not the remote notification data read by the reading means can be displayed in the secondary display area secured on the display screen of the own device. Determining means, secondary storage means for storing the remote notification data read by the reading means when it is determined that the display is possible by the reading means, and remote notification data stored in the means Second display unit and a remote image forming apparatus management system characterized in that a to be displayed in the secondary display area allocated to the display screen of the machine. 2. The remote image forming apparatus management system according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of monitoring terminal devices is determined by the reading unit when the secondary display availability determination unit determines that display is impossible. Means for determining the presence or absence of another monitoring terminal capable of displaying the read remote notification data; and determining that there is another monitoring terminal capable of displaying by the means. Means for adding priority to the remote notification data read by the means and transferring the data to the primary storage means or the secondary storage means of the other monitoring terminal device, and the other device presence / absence determining means. If it is determined that there is no other monitoring terminal device, the remote notification data read by the reading means is again displayed in the primary display area or the secondary display area of the display screen of the own device. A tertiary display permission determining means for determining whether it is possible to display the frequency, if it is determined to be displayed by said means,
Display area adjusting means for narrowing the primary display area of the display screen of the own device and expanding the secondary display area, wherein the secondary storage means can be displayed by the tertiary display availability determination means. When it is determined, there is provided a means for adding a priority to the remote notification data read by the reading means and storing the data, and wherein the primary display means adds the priority to the primary storage means. Means for preferentially displaying the remote notification data when the stored remote notification data is stored, wherein the secondary display means is a remote storage device having a priority added to the secondary storage means. A remote image forming apparatus management system, comprising means for displaying the remote notification data preferentially when the notification data is stored. 3. The remote image forming apparatus management system according to claim 2, wherein each of the plurality of monitoring terminal devices is determined by the reading unit when it is determined that the display is not possible by the tertiary display availability determination unit. A remote image forming apparatus management system, comprising an external output unit for outputting the read remote notification data to the outside. 4. The remote image forming apparatus management system according to claim 3, further comprising: a service station for dispatching a service person who performs a treatment for an abnormality of each of the image forming apparatuses; Remote image forming means for transmitting remote report data determined to be undisplayable by said tertiary display availability determining means to a terminal device in said service station via said public network according to a protocol. Equipment management system. 5. The remote image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein the terminal device is a personal computer having a display device. 6. The remote image forming apparatus management system according to claim 4, wherein said terminal device is a facsimile machine.