Control device for controlling a plurality of image forming apparatuses
US5694201A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 2, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F11/3485
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A control system for collectively supervising a plurality of copiers or similar image forming apparatuses connected to a control device by communication lines with or without the intermediary of communication control units. To down-load data relating to image formation, the control device determines whether or not a copier of interest is an inoperative state and, if it is in an inoperative state, automatically sends the data to the copier via a telephone line, an exchange, and a communication control unit. This data is written to storing means built in the copier. To up-load data relating to image formation, the control device causes each copier to automatically send the data stored in the storing means thereof and stores the data in memory means thereof. Up-loading is effected at an optimal time other than the time when the copier is performing an automatic adjustment, in use, or quite likely to be used.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.