Maintenance system for copiers, facsimiles and printers involves client network for monitoring the apparatuses and central network for finding the right maintenance department, communicating via phone

摘要

Client network (1) linking all image generation apparatus (10) and controller (15) uses first network LAN. Central system (2) is communicating with client network via phone (3). Apparatuses are monitored by client network, which send message to central system if failure occurs. Central network researches its database for address of required maintenance service, then send message to this service. Independent claims are also included for a maintenance apparatus to be used in the system and a maintenance process.