Method and apparatus for controlling and communicating with business office devices

• US 5,544,289 A
• Filed: 06/06/1995
• Issued: 08/06/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited, Ricoh Corporation (Ricoh Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Ricoh Company Limited, Ricoh Corporation (Ricoh Company Limited)
• Inventors: Motoyama, Tetsuro
• Primary Examiner(s): Harvey, Jack B.
• Assistant Examiner(s): AUVE, GLENN ALLEN
• Application Number:
  US08/473,780
• Time in Patent Office: 427 Days
• Field of Search: 395/835, 395/836, 395/838, 395/839, 395/183.22, 395/183.12, 395/828, 355/203, 355/204, 355/205, 355/206, 358/442
• US Class Current: 710/100
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/5016 User-machine interface; Display panels; Control console
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/5079 for maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 15/55 Self-diagnostics; Malfunction or lifetime display
• CPC Class Codes: G03G 2215/00109 Remote control of apparatus, e.g. by a host
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0733 in a data processing system embedded in an image processing device, e.g. printer, facsimile, scanner
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/0748 in a remote unit communicating with a single-box computer node experiencing an error/fault remote testing G06F11/2294
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2294 by remote test
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3013 where the computing system is an embedded system, i.e. a combination of hardware and software dedicated to perform a certain function in mobile devices, printers, automotive or aircraft systems testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof G05B23/02
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3055 Monitoring arrangements for monitoring the status of the computing system or of the computing system component, e.g. monitoring if the computing system is on, off, available, not available error or fault processing without redundancy G06F11/0703; error detection or correction by redundancy in data representation G06F11/08; error detection or correction by redundancy in operation G06F11/14; error detection or correction by redundancy in hardware G06F11/16
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/3072 where the reporting involves data filtering, e.g. pattern matching, time or event triggered, adaptive or policy-based reporting
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/1293 Printer information exchange with computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 15/00 Arrangements for producing a permanent visual presentation of the output data , e.g. computer output printersprinting or plotting combined with another operation, e.g. with conveying, G06K17/00
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00127 Connection or combination of a still picture apparatus with another apparatus, e.g. for storage, processing or transmission of still picture signals or of information associated with a still picture
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 1/00323 with a measuring, monitoring or signaling apparatus, e.g. for transmitting measured information to a central location
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0074 Arrangements for the control of a still picture apparatus by the connected apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0075 by a user operated remote control device, e.g. receiving instructions from a user via a computer terminal or mobile telephone handset
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 2201/0082 Image hardcopy reproducer H04N2201/0091 - H04N2201/0094 take precedence

Abstract

A method and apparatus for controlling and communicating with business office devices, such as copiers, facsimiles and/or printers. The present invention communicates and controls various modules of business devices which allow an external device such as an operation panel to access the state of a target device, such as a copier, printer or facsimile. The operation panel can communicate with the target device and control the same target device. Also, a remote diagnostics station can provide remote diagnostics of the target device.

Claims

1. A method, comprising the steps of:

storing semi-static state data in a business office device, the semi-static state data including data which may change infrequently over a life of the business office device;

initiating communication between the business office device and a computer, by the business office;

transmitting the semi-static state data from the business office device to the computer; and

receiving the semi-static state data by the computer.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said steps of storing the semi-static state data, transmitting the semi-static state data and receiving the semi-static state data store, transmit, and receive a version of a ROM in the business office device.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said steps of storing the semi-static state data, transmitting the semi-static state data and receiving the semi-static state data store, transmit, and receive an option configuration of the business office device.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

the business office device is a copier; and

the storing step stores the semi-static state data in a memory of the copier.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

the business office device is a facsimile machine; and

the storing step stores the semi-static state data in a memory of the facsimile machine.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

the business office device is a printer; and

the storing step stores the semi-static state data in a memory of the printer.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein:

said computer is a remote computer;

said transmitting step transmits the semi-static state data to the remote computer; and

said receiving step receives the semi-static state data by the remote computer.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein:

said computer is a remote diagnostic station;

said transmitting step transmits the semi-static state data to the remote diagnostic station; and

said receiving step receives the semi-static state data transmitted by the remote diagnostic station.

10. A method according to claims 1 or 9, further comprising the steps of:

initiating a second communication between the business office device and the computer;

performing a second transmitting step which transmits data from the business office device to the computer; and

performing a second receiving step which receives the data transmitted by the second transmitting step.

11. A method according to claims 1 or 9, wherein:

said business office device is connected to an operation terminal;

said operation terminal is connected to said business office device and at least another business office device;

said method further comprising the step of communicating information between said operation terminal and said business office device, and said operation terminal and said at least another business office device.

12. A method according to claims 1 or 9, wherein:

said business office device is connected to an operation terminal;

said operation terminal is connected to said business office device and at least another business office devices which is a different model than said business office device;

said method further comprising the step of communicating information between said operation terminal and said business office device, and said operation terminal and said at least another business office device which is a different model than said business office device.

13. A method according to claims 1 or 9, further comprising the steps of:

storing information in a second business office device;

transmitting the information in the second business office device to the computer; and

receiving the information by the computer.

9. A method, comprising the steps of:

storing static state data in a business office device, the static state data including data which does not change over a life of the business office device;

initiating communication between the business office device and a computer, by the business office device;

transmitting the static state data from the business office device to the computer, after performing the step of initiating the communication; and

receiving the static state data by the computer.

14. A method according to claim 9, wherein the steps of storing the static state data, transmitting the static state data and receiving the static state data store, transmit, and receive a model identification of the business office device.

15. A method according to claim 9, wherein said steps of storing the static state data, transmitting the static state data and receiving the static state data store, transmit, and receive a serial number of the business office device.

16. A method according to claim 9, wherein said steps of storing the static state data, transmitting the static state data and receiving the static state data store, transmit, and receive model characteristics of the business office device.

17. A method, comprising the steps of:

storing data in a business office device;

transmitting the data from the business office device to a remote computer;

receiving the data transmitted from the business office device by the remote computer;

transmitting an identity of the remote computer to the business office device;

receiving the identity of the remote computer by the business office device;

performing a processing by the business office device of the identity of the remote computer.

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the step of performing a processing by the business office device of the identity of the remote computer acknowledges the remote computer.

19. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores semi-static state data including data which may change infrequently over a life of the business office device; and

a transmitting device which transmits the semi-static state data out of the business office device,

a computer, including;

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the semi-static state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the business office device includes means for initiating communication between the business office device and the computer, before the transmitting device transmits the semi-static state data.

20. A system according to claim 19, wherein:

the memory, the transmitting device, and the receiving device respectively store, transmit and receive semi-static state data which is a version of a ROM in the business office device.

21. A system according to claim 19, wherein:

the memory, the transmitting device, and the receiving device respectively store, transmit and receive semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the business office device.

23. A system according to claims 19 or 22, wherein the computer further includes:

means for initiating communication between the business office device and the computer.

24. A system according to claims 19 or 22, wherein:

the business office device is a copier.

25. A system according to claims 19 or 22, wherein:

the business office device is a facsimile machine.

26. A system according to claims 19 or 22, wherein:

the business office device is a printer.

27. A system according to claims 19 or 22, wherein:

said computer is a remote computer.

28. A system according to claims 19 or 22, wherein:

said computer is a remote diagnostic station.

29. A system according to claims 19 or 22, further comprising:

an operation terminal connected to said business office device; and

a second business office device connected to the operation terminal.

30. A system according to claim 29, wherein said business office device and said second business office device are different models.

31. A system according to claims 19 or 22, further comprising:

a second business office device, including;

a transmitting device connected to the computer.

32. A system according to claims 19 or 22, further comprising:

an operation panel connected to the business office device, the operation panel having capabilities for controlling different models of business office devices.

33. A system according to claims 19 or 22, further comprising:

an operation panel connected to the business office device, the operation panel selected from a plurality of operation panels which are capable of controlling the business office device.

22. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores static state data including data which does not change over a life of the business office device; and

a transmitting device which transmits the static state data out of the business office device,

a computer, including;

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the static state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the business office device includes means for initiating communication between the business office device and the computer, before the transmitting device transmits the static state data.

34. A system according to claim 22, wherein:

the memory, the transmitting device, and the receiving device respectively store, transmit and receive static state data which is a model identification of the business office device.

35. A system according to claim 22, wherein:

the memory, the transmitting device, and the receiving device respectively store, transmit and receive static state data which is a serial number of the business office device.

36. A system according to claim 22, wherein:

the memory, the transmitting device, and the receiving device respectively store, transmit and receive static state data which includes model characteristics of the business office device.

37. A method for communicating between a printer and a computer, comprising the steps of:

storing a model identification of the printer in the printer;

transmitting the model identification of the printer from the printer to the computer; and

receiving the model identification by the computer.

38. A method according to claim 37, wherein:

said computer is a remote computer;

said transmitting step transmits the model identification of the printer to the remote computer; and

said receiving step receives the model identification of the printer by the remote computer.

39. A method according to claim 37, wherein:

said computer is a remote diagnostic station;

said transmitting step transmits the model identification of the printer to the remote diagnostic station; and

said receiving step receives the model identification of the printer by the remote diagnostic station.

40. A system, comprising:

a printer including;

a memory which stores a model identification of the printer; and

a transmitting device which transmits the model identification from the printer,

a computer, including;

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the printer, which receives the model identification from the transmitting device of the printer.

41. A system according to claim 40, wherein:

said computer is a remote computer.

42. A system according to claim 40 wherein:

said computer is a remote diagnostic station.

43. A system for controlling a business office device, comprising:

an input/output device which inputs commands and displays information;

a business office device connected to the input/output device,

wherein the input/output device is selected from a plurality of different model input/output devices, each having capabilities of controlling the business office device, and the business office device is capable of being controlled by different models of input/output devices.

44. A method for communicating between a copier and a remote computer, comprising the steps of:

storing a model identification of the copier in the copier;

transmitting the model identification of the copier from the copier to the remote computer; and

receiving the model identification of the copier from the copier by the remote computer.

45. A method for communicating between a facsimile machine and a remote computer, comprising the steps of:

storing a model identification of the facsimile machine in the facsimile machine;

transmitting the model identification of the facsimile machine from the facsimile machine to the remote computer; and

receiving the model identification of the facsimile machine from the facsimile machine by the remote computer.

46. A system, comprising:

a copier including;

a memory which stores a model identification of the copier; and

a transmitting device which transmits the model identification from the copier,

a remote computer, including;

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the copier, which receives the model identification from the transmitting device of the copier.

47. A system, comprising:

a facsimile machine including;

a memory which stores a model identification of the facsimile machine; and

a transmitting device which transmits the model identification from the facsimile machine,

a remote computer, including;

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the facsimile machine, which receives the model identification from the transmitting device of the facsimile machine.

48. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device, and

a remote diagnostic station, different from the operation terminal, including;

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data transmitted from the business office device.

49. A system according to claim 48, wherein the business office device is a copier.

50. A system according to claim 48, wherein the business office device is a printer.

51. A system according to claim 48, wherein the memory of the business office device stores static state data which does not change over a life of the business office device.

52. A system according to claim 48, wherein the memory of the business office device stores semi-static state data which infrequently changes over a life of the business office device.

53. A system according to claim 52, wherein the memory of the business office device stores semi-static state data which includes a ROM version of the business office device.

54. A system according to claim 52, wherein the memory of the business office device stores semi-static state data which includes an option configuration of the business office device.

55. A system according to claim 48, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device.

56. A system according to claim 55, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which includes a paper status of the business office device.

57. A system according to claim 55, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which includes a status of oil in the business office device.

58. A system according to claim 55, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which includes a status of toner in the business office device.

59. A system according to claim 55, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which includes a number of prints made by the business office device.

60. A system according to claim 55, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which includes a status of a photoreceptor of the business office device.

61. A system according to claim 55, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which includes information regarding a paper path of the business office device.

63. A system according to claims 51 or 62, wherein the memory of the business office device stores static state data which includes a model number of the business office device.

64. A system according to claims 51 or 62, wherein the memory of the business office device stores static state data which includes a serial number of the business office device.

65. A system according to claims 51 or 62, wherein the memory of the business office device stores static state data which includes model characteristics of the business office device.

62. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores static state data which does not change over a life of the business office device.

66. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the business office device includes means for processing an identity of the operation terminal.

67. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the operation terminal includes means for processing an identity of the business office device.

68. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the business office device further comprises;

means for initiating communication between the business office device and the operation terminal.

69. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal;

transmitting an identity of the operation terminal from the operation terminal to the business office device; and

processing the identity by the business office device.

70. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting an identity of the business office device from the business office device to the operation terminal;

processing the identity by the operation terminal;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal.

71. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

initiating communication between the business office device and the operation terminal by the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal.

72. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device static state data which does not change over a life of the business office device.

74. A method according to claims 72 or 73, wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device static state data which includes a model number of the business office device.

75. A method according to claims 72 or 73, wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device static state data which includes a serial number of the business office device.

76. A method according to claims 72 or 73, wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device static state data which includes model characteristics of the business office device.

73. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device static state data which does not change over a life of the business office device.

77. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device semi-static state data which infrequently changes over a life of the business office device, the semi-static state data including a ROM version of the business office device.

78. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device semi-static state data which infrequently changes over a life of the business office device, the semi-static state data including an option configuration of the business office device.

79. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a paper status of the business office device.

80. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of oil in the business office device.

81. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of toner in the business office device.

82. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a number of prints made by the business office device.

83. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of a photoreceptor of the business office device.

84. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal; and

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including information regarding a paper path of the business office device.

85. A method, comprising the steps of:

storing state data in a business office device, the state data including data which may change infrequently over a life of the business office device;

initiating communication between the business office device and a computer, by the business office;

transmitting the state data from the business office device to the computer; and

receiving the state data by the computer.

86. A method according to claim 85, wherein the state data is dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device and the storing step stores the dynamic state data in the memory.

87. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device; and

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device,

a computer, including;

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the business office device includes means for initiating communication between the business office device and the computer, before the transmitting device transmits the state data.

88. A system according to claim 87, wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device.

89. A system, comprising:

a business office device, including;

a memory for storing state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device; and

a receiving device which receives communications from a remote device,

a remote diagnostic device, including;

a transmitting device, connected to the receiving device of the business office device, which transmits an identification of the remote diagnostic device to the business office device; and

a receiving device which receives the state data transmitted from the business office device,

wherein the business office device includes means for processing the identification of the remote diagnostic device.

90. A system according to claim 89, wherein the means for processing includes means for processing the identification includes means for acknowledging the remote diagnostic device.

91. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores semi-static state data which infrequently changes over a life of the business office device, the semi-static state data including a ROM version of the business office device.

92. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores semi-static state data which infrequently changes over a life of the business office device, the semi-static state data including an option configuration of the business office device.

93. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a paper status of the business office device.

94. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of oil in the business office device.

95. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of toner in the business office device.

96. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a number of prints made by the business office device.

97. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of a photoreceptor of the business office device.

98. A system, comprising:

a business office device including;

a memory which stores state data of the business office device;

a transmitting device which transmits the state data out of the business office device;

a receiving device which receives commands; and

an engine for performing mechanical functions within the business office device,

an operation terminal, separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device, including;

a display;

an input device for inputting commands to control the business office device including a command to start an operation of the engine of the business office device;

a transmitting device, connected to the input device and the receiving device of the business office machine, which transmits the commands to the business office machine including the command to start the operation of the engine of the business office device; and

a receiving device, connected to the transmitting device of the business office device, which receives the state data from the transmitting device of the business office device,

wherein the memory of the business office device stores dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including information regarding a paper path of the business office device.

99. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device semi-static state data which infrequently changes over a life of the business office device, the semi-static state data including a ROM version of the business office device.

100. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device semi-static state data which infrequently changes over a life of the business office device, the semi-static state data including an option configuration of the business office device.

101. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a paper status of the business office device.

102. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of oil in the business office device.

103. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of toner in the business office device.

104. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a number of prints made by the business office device.

105. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including a status of a photoreceptor of the business office device.

106. A method for communicating between a business office device and an operation terminal, comprising the steps of:

storing, in a memory of the business office device, state data of the business office device;

transmitting the state data to the operation terminal which is separate from the business office device and connected to the business office device;

transmitting a start command from the operation terminal to the business office device which commands an engine of the business office device to start an operation;

receiving, by the business office device, the start command from the operation terminal;

starting an operation by the engine of the business office device in response to the start command from the operation terminal; and

diagnosing an operation of the business office device by a remote diagnostic station which is separate from the operation terminal and remote from the business office device,

wherein the storing step stores in the memory of the business office device dynamic state data which changes in accordance with a state of the business office device, the dynamic state data including information regarding a paper path of the business office device.