Method and apparatus for controlling and communicating with business office devices

• US 5,649,120 A
• Filed: 08/15/1996
• Issued: 07/15/1997
• 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): AUVE, GLENN ALLEN
• Application Number:
  US08/698,068
• Time in Patent Office: 334 Days
• Field of Search: 395/280, 395/184.01, 395/183.22, 395/912, 355/205, 358/404, 358/406, 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 arrangements for the control of the connected apparatus by the still picture apparatus H04N2201/0013; control of image communication with the connected apparatus H04N2201/0015
• 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 business office device, comprising:

an engine for performing mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate device;

a memory for storing static state data of the engine;

means for transmitting the static state data to the separate device;

means for receiving data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the means for transmitting transmits the static state data; and

means for processing the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the business office device in response to the processing.

2. A business office device according to claim 1, wherein:

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

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the data which does not change over the life of the business office device.

3. A business office device according to claim 1, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a model number of the business office device; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the model number of the business office device.

4. A business office device according to claim 1, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a serial number of the business office device; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the serial number of the business office device.

5. A business office device according to claim 1, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes model characteristics of the business office device; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the model characteristics of the business office device.

10. A business office device according to claims 1 or 6, further comprising:

means for receiving an identity of the separate device from the separate device.

11. A business office device according to claims 1 or 6, wherein the separate device is an operation terminal, the business office device further comprising:

means for transmitting state data to a remote diagnostic station which is different from the separate device.

12. A business office device according to claim 11, further comprising:

means for receiving data from the remote diagnostic station.

13. A business office device according to claims 1 or 6, wherein the separate device is a remote diagnostic station, the business office device further comprising:

means for transmitting state data to an operation terminal which is different from the separate device.

15. A business office device according to claims 1 or 6, further comprising:

a scanner means for scanning documents.

25. A business office device according to claims 1, 16, 6 or 21, wherein:

the memory is located within the business office device.

171. A business office device according to claims 1, 6 or 33, wherein:

the means for processing comprises a microprocessor.

6. A business office device, comprising:

an engine for performing mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate device;

a memory for storing semi-static state data of the engine;

means for transmitting the semi-static state data to the separate device;

a model identification memory which stores a model identification of the business office device;

a model identification transmitting means which transmits the model identification from the business office device to the separate device;

means for receiving data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data; and

means for processing the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the business office device in response to the processing.

7. A business office device according to claim 6, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes data which changes infrequently over the life of the business office device; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the data which changes infrequently over the life of the business office device.

8. A business office device according to claim 6, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes an option configuration of the business office device; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the option configuration of the business office device.

9. A business office device according to claim 6, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes a ROM version of the business office device; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the ROM version of the business office device.

14. A business office device according to claim 6, further comprising:

means for receiving data from the operation terminal.

16. A business office device, comprising:

a memory which stores static state data;

a transmitter configured to transmit the static state data to a separate device;

a receiver configured to receive data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the transmitter transmits the static state data; and

a processor configured to process the data received by the receiver and for controlling the business office device in response to the processing.

17. A business office device according to claim 16, wherein:

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

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the data which does not change over the life of the business office device.

18. A business office device according to claim 16, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a model number of the business office device; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the model number of the business office device.

19. A business office device according to claim 16, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a serial number of the business office device; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the serial number of the business office device.

20. A business office device according to claim 16, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes model characteristics of the business office device; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the model characteristics of the business office device.

26. A business office device according to claims 16 or 21, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive an identity of the separate device from the separate device.

27. A business office device according to claims 16 or 21, wherein the separate device is an operation terminal, the business office device further comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit state data to a remote diagnostic station which is different from the separate device.

28. A business office device according to claim 27, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive data from the remote diagnostic station.

29. A business office device according to claims 19 or 21, wherein the separate device is a remote diagnostic station, the business office device further comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit state data to an operation terminal which is different from the separate device.

30. A business office device according to claim 29, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive data from the operation terminal.

31. A business office device according to claims 16 or 21, wherein:

the processor is a microprocessor.

32. A business office device according to claims 16 or 21, further comprising:

a scanner mechanism.

21. A business office device, comprising:

a memory which stores semi-static state data;

a transmitter configured to transmit the semi-static state data to a separate device;

a model identification memory which stores a model identification of the business office device;

a model identification transmitter configured to transmit the model identification from the business office device to the separate device;

a receiver configured to receive data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data; and

a processor configured to process the data received by the receiver and for controlling the business office device in response to the processing.

22. A business office device according to claim 21, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes data which infrequently changes over the life of the business office device; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the data which changes infrequently over the life of the business office device.

23. A business office device according to claim 21, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes an option configuration of the business office device; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the option configuration of the business office device.

24. A business office device according to claim 21, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes a ROM version of the business office device; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the ROM version of the business office device.

33. A business office device for communication with an operation terminal, comprising:

a business office device engine for performing mechanical functions;

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

a transmitting means for transmitting the state data to the operation terminal;

a receiving means for receiving a start command from the operation terminal;

means for starting operation of the business office device engine in response to receiving the start command;

means for receiving an identity of the operation terminal from the operation terminal; and

means for processing the identity.

34. A business office device according to claim 33, wherein the business office device is a copier and the business office device engine is a copier engine.

35. A business office device according to claim 33, wherein the business office device is a printer and the business office device engine is a printer engine.

36. A business office device according to claim 35, wherein the business office device is a character printer and the business office device engine is a character printer engine.

42. A business office device according to claims 37 or 33, wherein the business office device engine means comprises:

a scanner means for scanning documents.

37. A business office device, comprising:

a business office device engine means for performing mechanical functions;

a memory for storing state data;

means for transmitting the state data to a remote diagnostic station;

means for transmitting the state data to an operation terminal means which is different from the remote diagnostic station;

means for receiving commands from the operation terminal means;

means for processing commands which have been received including a command to start an operation of the business office device engine means;

means for receiving data from the operation terminal which has been transmitted from the operation terminal after the means for transmitting transmits the state data; and

means for processing the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the business office device in response to the processing.

38. A business office device according to claim 37, further comprising:

an interface means for connection to the operation terminal means; and

an interface means for connection to the remote diagnostic station,

wherein the interface means for connection to the operation terminal means is for connection to the operation terminal means at a same time as the interface means for connection to the remote diagnostic station is connected to the remote diagnostic station.

39. A business office device according to claim 37, wherein:

the business office device is a copier, and

the business office device engine means is a copier engine means.

40. A business office device according to claim 37, wherein:

the business office device is a printer, and

the business office device engine means is a printer engine means.

41. A system according to claim 37, wherein:

each of the means for processing comprises a microprocessor.

43. A copier, comprising:

a copier engine which performs mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate device and includes a means for copying;

a memory for storing static state data of the copier engine;

means for transmitting the static state data to the separate device;

means for receiving data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the means for transmitting transmits the static state data; and

means for processing the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the copier in response to the processing.

44. A copier according to claim 43, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes data which does not change over the life of the copier; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the data which does not change over the life of the copier.

45. A copier according to claim 43, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a model number of the copier; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the model number of the copier.

46. A copier according to claim 43, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a serial number of the copier; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the serial number of the copier.

47. A copier according to claim 43, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes model characteristics of the copier; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the model characteristics of the copier.

52. A copier according to claims 43 or 48, further comprising:

means for receiving an identity of the separate device from the separate device.

53. A copier according to claims 43 or 48, wherein the separate device is an operation terminal, the copier further comprising:

means for transmitting state data to a remote diagnostic station which is different from the separate device.

54. A copier according to claim 53, further comprising:

means for receiving data from the remote diagnostic station.

55. A copier according to claims 43 or 48, wherein the separate device is a remote diagnostic station, the copier further comprising:

means for transmitting state data to an operation terminal which is different from the separate device.

56. A copier according to claim 53, further comprising:

means for receiving data from the operation terminal.

57. A copier according to claims 43 or 48, wherein:

the means for processing comprises a microprocessor.

67. A copier according to claims 43, 58, 48 or 63, wherein:

the memory is located within the copier.

48. A copier, comprising:

a copier engine which performs mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate device and includes a means for copying;

a memory for storing semi-static state data of the copier engine;

means for transmitting the semi-static state data to the separate device;

means for receiving data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data; and

means for processing the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the copier in response to the processing.

49. A copier according to claim 48, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes data which infrequently changes over the life of the copier; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the data which infrequently changes over the life of the copier.

50. A copier according to claim 48, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes an option configuration of the copier; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the option configuration of the copier.

51. A copier according to claim 48, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes a ROM version of the copier; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the ROM version of the copier.

58. A copier, comprising:

a copying device;

a memory which stores static state data;

a transmitter configured to transmit the static state data to a separate device;

a receiver configured to receive data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the transmitter transmits the static state data; and

a processor configured to process the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the copier in response to the processing.

59. A copier according to claim 58, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes data which does not change over the life of the copier; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the data which does not change over the life of the copier.

60. A copier according to claim 58, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a model number of the copier; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the model number of the copier.

61. A copier according to claim 58, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a serial number of the copier; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the serial number of the copier.

62. A copier according to claim 58, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes model characteristics of the copier; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the model characteristics of the copier.

68. A copier according to claims 58 or 63, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive an identity of the separate device from the separate device.

69. A copier according to claims 58 or 63, wherein the separate device is an operation terminal, the copier further comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit state data to a remote diagnostic station which is different from the separate device.

70. A copier according to claim 69, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive data from the remote diagnostic station.

71. A copier according to claims 58 or 63, wherein the separate device is a remote diagnostic station, the copier further comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit state data to an operation terminal which is different from the separate device.

72. A copier according to claim 71, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive data from the operation terminal.

73. A copier according to claims 58 or 63, wherein:

the processor is a microprocessor.

63. A copier, comprising:

a copying device;

a memory which stores semi-static state data;

a transmitter configured to transmit the semi-static state data to a separate device;

a receiver configured to receive data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data; and

a processor configured to process the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the copier in response to the processing.

64. A copier according to claim 63, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes data which changes infrequently over the life of the copier; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the data which changes infrequently over the life of the copier.

65. A copier according to claim 63, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes an option configuration of the copier; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the option configuration of the copier.

66. A copier according to claim 63, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes a ROM version of the copier; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the ROM version of the copier.

74. A printer, comprising:

a printer engine which performs mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate device and includes a printing means;

a memory for storing static state data of the printer engine;

means for transmitting the static state data to the separate device;

means for receiving data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the means for transmitting transmits the static state data; and

means for processing the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the printer in response to the processing.

75. A printer according to claim 74, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes data which does not change over the life of the printer; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the data which does not change over the life of the printer.

76. A printer according to claim 74, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a model number of the printer; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the model number of the printer.

77. A printer according to claim 74, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a serial number of the printer; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the serial number of the printer.

78. A printer according to claim 74, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes model characteristics of the printer; and

the means for transmitting transmits the static state data which includes the model characteristics of the printer.

83. A printer according to claims 74 or 79, further comprising:

means for receiving character code data which is used to print corresponding characters by the means for printing,

wherein the printer is a character printer.

84. A printer according to claims 74 or 79, further comprising:

means for receiving an identity of the separate device from the separate device.

85. A printer according to claims 74 or 79, wherein the separate device is an operation terminal, the printer further comprising:

means for transmitting state data to a remote diagnostic station which is different from the separate device.

86. A printer according to claim 85, further comprising:

means for receiving data from the remote diagnostic station.

87. A printer according to claims 74 or 79, wherein the separate device is a remote diagnostic station, the printer further comprising:

means for transmitting state data to an operation terminal which is different from the separate device.

88. A printer according to claim 87, further comprising:

means for receiving data from the operation terminal.

89. A printer according to claims 74 or 76 wherein:

the means for processing comprises a microprocessor.

90. A printer according to claims 74 or 79, further comprising:

a scanner means for scanning documents.

100. A printer according to claims 74, 91, 79, or 96, wherein:

the memory is located within the printer.

79. A printer, comprising:

a printer engine which performs mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate device and which includes a printing means;

a memory for storing semi-static state data of the printer engine;

means for transmitting the semi-static state data to the separate device;

means for receiving data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data; and

means for processing the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the printer in response to the processing.

80. A printer according to claim 79, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes data which changes infrequently over the life of the printer; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the data which changes infrequently over the life of the printer.

81. A printer according to claim 79, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes an option configuration of the printer; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the option configuration of the printer.

82. A printer according to claim 79, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes a ROM version of the printer; and

the means for transmitting transmits the semi-static state data which includes the ROM version of the printer.

91. A printer, comprising:

a printing device;

a memory which stores static state data;

a transmitter configured to transmit the static state data to a separate device;

a receiver configured to receive data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the transmitter transmits the static state data; and

a processor configured to process the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the printer in response to the processing.

92. A printer according to claim 91, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes data which does not change over the life of the printer; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the data which does not change over the life of the printer.

93. A printer according to claim 91, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a model number of the printer; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the model number of the printer.

94. A printer according to claim 91, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes a serial number of the printer; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the serial number of the printer.

95. A printer according to claim 91, wherein:

the memory stores the static state data which includes model characteristics of the printer; and

the transmitter transmits the static state data which includes the model characteristics of the printer.

101. A printer according to claims 91 or 96, further comprising:

a device configured to receive character code data which is used to print corresponding characters by the printing device,

wherein the printer is a character printer.

102. A printer according to claims 91 or 96, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive an identity of the separate device from the separate device.

103. A printer according to claims 91 or 96, wherein the separate device is an operation terminal, the printer further comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit state data to a remote diagnostic station which is different from the separate device.

104. A printer according to claim 103, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive data from the remote diagnostic station.

105. A printer according to claims 91 or 96, wherein the separate device is a remote diagnostic station, the printer further comprising:

a transmitter configured to transmit state data to an operation terminal which is different from the separate device.

106. A printer according to claim 105, further comprising:

a receiver configured to receive data from the operation terminal.

107. A printer according to claims 91 or 96 wherein:

the processor is a microprocessor.

108. A printer according to claims 91 or 96, further comprising:

a scanner.

96. A printer, comprising:

a printing device;

a memory which stores semi-static state data;

a transmitter configured to transmit the semi-static state data to a separate device;

a receiver configured to receive data from the separate device which has been transmitted from the separate device after the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data; and

a processor configured to process the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the printer in response to the processing.

97. A printer according to claim 96, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes data which infrequently changes over the life of the printer; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the data which infrequently changes over the life of the printer.

98. A printer according to claim 96, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes an option configuration of the printer; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the option configuration of the printer.

99. A printer according to claim 96, wherein:

the memory stores the semi-static state data which includes a ROM version of the printer; and

the transmitter transmits the semi-static state data which includes the ROM version of the printer.

109. A computer which is separate from and for connection to a business office device, comprising:

means for receiving static state data transmitted from the business office device;

means for processing the static state data which has been received;

a disk unit connected to the means for processing; and

means for transmitting data to the business office device, after the means for processing the static state data processes the static state data.

110. A computer according to claim 109, further comprising:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the static state data.

111. A computer according to claim 110, wherein the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the business office device.

112. A computer according to claim 110, wherein the business office device is a copier and the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the copier.

113. A computer according to claim 110, wherein the business office device is a printer and the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the printer.

114. A computer according to claim 113, wherein the business office device is a character printer and the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the character printer.

115. A computer according to claim 109, wherein the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the static state data which is model information of the business office device.

123. A computer according to claims 110 or 117, further comprising:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit an identity of the business office device.

124. A computer according to claims 109, 110, 116, or 117, further comprising:

means for transmitting an identification of the computer to the business office device.

125. A computer according to claims 109 or 116 wherein:

the means for processing comprises a microprocessor.

116. A computer which is separate from and for connection to a business office device, comprising:

means for receiving semi-static state data transmitted from the business office device;

means for processing the semi-static state data which has been received;

a model identification receiving means for receiving a model identification of the business office device which was transmitted from the business office device;

a disk unit connected to the means for processing; and

means for transmitting data to the business office device, after the means for processing the semi-static state data processes the semi-static state data.

117. A computer according to claim 116, further comprising:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data.

118. A computer according to claim 117, wherein the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the business office device.

119. A computer according to claim 117, wherein the business office device is a copier and the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the copier.

120. A computer according to claim 117, wherein the business office device is a printer and the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the printer.

121. A computer according to claim 120, wherein the business office device is a character printer and the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the character printer.

122. A computer according to claim 117, wherein the means for requesting comprises:

means for requesting the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is a ROM version of the business office device.

126. A computer which is separate from and for connection to a business office device, comprising:

a receiver configured to receive static state data transmitted from the business office device;

a processor configured to process the static state data which has been received; and

a transmitter configured to transmit data to the business office device, after the processor processes the static state data.

127. A computer according to claim 126, further comprising:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the static state data.

128. A computer according to claim 127, wherein the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the business office device.

129. A computer according to claim 127, wherein the business office device is a copier and the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the copier.

130. A computer according to claim 127, wherein the business office device is a printer and the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the printer.

131. A computer according to claim 130, wherein the business office device is a character printer and the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the static state data which is an identity of the character printer.

132. A computer according to claim 127, wherein the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the static state data which is model information of the business office device.

140. A computer according to claims 127 or 134, further comprising:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit an identity of the business office device.

141. A computer according to claims 126, 127, 133, or 134, further comprising:

a transmitter configured to request an identification of the computer to the business office device.

142. A computer according to claims 126 or 133 wherein:

the processor is a microprocessor.

133. A computer which is separate from and for connection to a business office device, comprising:

a receiver configured to receive semi-static state data transmitted from the business office device;

a processor configured to process the semi-static state data which has been received;

a model identification receiving device configured to receive a model identification of the business office device which was transmitted from the business office device; and

a transmitter configured to transmit data to the business office device, after the processor processes the semi-static state data.

134. A computer according to claim 133, further comprising:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data.

135. A computer according to claim 134, wherein the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the business office device.

136. A computer according to claim 134, wherein the business office device is a copier and the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the copier.

137. A computer according to claim 134, wherein the business office device is a printer and the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the printer.

138. A computer according to claim 137, wherein the business office device is a character printer and the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is an option configuration of the character printer.

139. A computer according to claim 134, wherein the device configured to request comprises:

a device configured to request the business office device to transmit the semi-static state data which is a ROM version of the business office device.

143. A system for controlling a printer, comprising:

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

a printer, including a printer engine for performing mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate 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 printer, and the printer is capable of being controlled by different models of input/output devices.

144. A system according to claim 143, wherein:

the printer comprises a scanner.

146. A system according to claims 143 or 145, wherein:

the input/output device comprises a microprocessor.

155. A system according to claim 143, wherein:

each of the processors is a microprocessor.

145. A system for controlling a copier, comprising:

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

a copier which includes a copier engine which performs mechanical functions in response to a command from a separate device and which is 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 copier, and the copier is capable of being controlled by different models of input/output devices.

147. A system for controlling a printer, comprising:

an input/output means for inputting commands and displaying information; and

a printer connected to the input/output means,

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

148. A system according to claim 147, wherein:

the printer comprises a scanner means for scanning documents.

150. A system according to claim 147 or 149, wherein:

the input/output means comprises a microprocessor.

149. A system for controlling a copier, comprising:

an input/output means for inputting commands and displaying information; and

a copier connected to the input/output means,

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

151. A business office device, comprising:

a memory which stores state data;

a transmitter configured to transmit the state data to a remote diagnostic station;

a transmitter configured to transmit the state data to an operation terminal which is different from the remote diagnostic station;

a receiver configured to receive commands from the operation terminal;

a processor configured to process commands which have been received including a command to start an operation of the business office device engine;

a receiver configured to receive data from the operation terminal which has been transmitted from the operation terminal after the transmitter configured to transmit the static state transmits the state data; and

a processor configured to process the data received by the means for receiving and for controlling the business office device in response to the processing.

152. A business office device according to claim 151, further comprising:

an interface which connects the operation terminal to the business office device; and

an interface connects to the remote diagnostic station to the business office device,

wherein the interface which connects the operation terminal is connectable to the operation terminal at a same time as the interface which connects to the remote diagnostic station connects to the remote diagnostic station.

153. A business office device according to claim 151, wherein:

the business office device is a copier, and

the business office device engine is a copier engine.

154. A business office device according to claim 151, wherein:

the business office device is a printer, and

the business office device engine is a printer engine.

161. A business office device according to claims 151 or 156, wherein the business office device engine comprises:

a scanner.

156. A business office device for communication with an operation terminal, comprising:

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

a transmitter configured to transmit the state data to the operation terminal;

a receiver configured to receive a start command from the operation terminal;

a processor configured to start an operation of the business office device engine in response to receiving the start command;

a receiver configured to receive an identity of the operation terminal from the operation terminal; and

a processor configured to process the identity.

157. A business office device according to claim 156, wherein the business office device is a copier and the business office device engine is a copier engine.

158. A business office device according to claim 156, wherein the business office device is a printer and the business office device engine is a printer engine.

159. A business office device according to claim 158, wherein the business office device is a character printer and the business office device engine is a character printer engine.

160. A business office device according to claim 156, wherein:

each of the processors comprise a microprocessor.

162. An operation terminal for communication with a business office device, comprising:

means for receiving state data from the business office device;

means for transmitting a start command to the business office device which causes the business office device to perform a mechanical function;

a disk unit disposed within the operation terminal; and

means for transmitting an identity of the operation terminal to the business office device, the identity for processing by the business office device.

163. An operation terminal according to claim 162, wherein:

the means for receiving receives state data from the business office device which is a copier; and

both of said means for transmitting transmit to the business office device which is a copier.

164. An operation terminal according to claim 162, wherein:

the means for receiving receives state data from the business office device which is printer; and

both of said means for transmitting transmit to the business office device which is a printer.

165. An operation terminal according to claim 162, wherein:

the means for receiving receives state data from the business office device which is a character printer; and

both of said means for transmitting transmit to the business office device which is a character printer.

170. An operation terminal according to claims 162 or 166, further comprising:

a microprocessor which processes the state data which has been received.

166. An operation terminal for communication with a business office device, comprising:

a receiver configured to receive state data from the business office device;

a transmitter configured to transmit a start command to the business office device which causes the business office device to perform a mechanical function; and

a transmitter configured to transmit an identity of the operation terminal to the business office device, the identity for processing by the business office device.

167. An operation terminal according to claim 166, wherein:

the receiver is configured to receive state data from the business office device which is a copier; and

both of said transmitters are configured to transmit to the business office device which is a copier.

168. An operation terminal according to claim 166, wherein:

the receiver is configured to receive state data from the business office device which is printer; and

both of said transmitters are configured to transmit to the business office device which is a printer.

169. An operation terminal according to claim 166, wherein:

the receiver is configured to receive state data from the business office device which is a character printer; and

both of said transmitter are configured to transmit to the business office device which is a character printer.