JP2007296652A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus which can more enhance the certainty of substitutional printing processing while complication and cost rise of the apparatus are avoided as much as possible by effectively making use of existing devices. <P>SOLUTION: An MPU 63 of an NIC 5 discerns the presence or absence of a starting abnormality of a main control part 9 which carries out substitutional printing control processing. When the abnormality takes place in the main control part 9, the MPU 63 makes another image forming apparatus carry out printing processing based on a received printing job by transferring the received printing job to a printing server 31 (external device). When a description language processable by an image forming apparatus destined to substitutingly perform printing is the same as a description language of the received printing job, the main control part 9 transfers the printing job to the substitution destination. If the description languages are not the same, the main control part 9 makes an image processing operating part 4 generate bit map image data based on the received printing job, and transmits the bit map image data to the substitution destination. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a communication unit that communicates with an external apparatus.

In general, an image forming apparatus such as a printer, a facsimile machine, a copier, or a multifunction machine having these functions communicates with an external device (computer or other image forming apparatus) via a communication medium such as a network or a telephone line. The communication means (NIC (Network Interface Card), modem (Modulator-Demodulator), etc.) for performing the printing process based on the print job received through the communication means, the photosensitive drum, charging unit, exposure unit, development unit, And a control unit to be executed by a print engine (image forming unit) including a transfer unit and a fixing unit.
On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when an error occurs during execution of a printing process based on a received print job in a printer, the remaining data is printed by communicating with another printer through communication means. A printer that performs a proxy printing process to be performed by another printer is shown. This proxy printing process is executed by a CPU (an example of a control unit) that controls the print engine. This is because the control unit of the print engine generally has a function of detecting an abnormality (out of paper, jam, etc.) of the print engine.
JP 2001-67197 A

However, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, when only the control unit of the print engine executes the proxy printing process, if an abnormality occurs in the control unit, the proxy printing process cannot be executed. There was a problem that the property was not sufficiently secured. In addition, it is not appropriate to newly provide a control unit for backup that executes the proxy printing process because it increases the complexity and cost of the apparatus.
Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the object of the present invention is to make sure that the proxy printing process can be performed while effectively utilizing existing equipment and avoiding the complexity and cost of the apparatus as much as possible. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of improving the performance.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, a communication unit that performs communication processing with an external device, and an image forming process based on a print job (hereinafter referred to as a received print job) received through the communication unit are performed in a predetermined manner. An image forming apparatus including a control unit that is executed by an image forming unit (a typical example of which a print engine is a typical example), and is an image forming apparatus including the components shown in the following (1) to (4).
(1) Print execution propriety determining means that is combined with the control means and determines whether the image forming means can execute an image forming process based on the received print job.
(2) When the control unit is combined and the print execution availability determination unit determines that the image forming process based on the received print job cannot be executed, the data based on the received print job is transmitted to the external device through the communication unit. A first proxy printing control unit which causes another image forming apparatus to execute an image forming process based on the received print job by transmitting.
(3) Proxy printing availability determination means for determining whether or not the processing by the first proxy printing control means can be executed by the communication means.
(4) When it is determined that the processing by the first proxy printing control unit cannot be performed by the proxy printing availability determination unit, the communication unit is combined, and the received printing job is transferred to an external device to Second proxy printing control means for causing the image forming apparatus to execute image forming processing based on the received print job.
In the image forming apparatus having such a configuration, even when an abnormality occurs in the control unit that also serves as the first proxy printing control unit, the second proxy printing control unit that the communication unit also serves as a proxy printing process ( Print job transfer). For this reason, the reliability of the proxy printing process can be further increased. In addition, since the existing communication unit also serves as the proxy printing availability determination unit and the second proxy printing control unit, it is possible to avoid the complexity and cost increase of the apparatus as much as possible.
Here, it can be considered that a transfer destination address storage unit for storing in advance a transfer destination address of the received print job by the second proxy print control unit is conceivable. For example, another image forming apparatus that can similarly process a print job that can be processed by the image forming apparatus (the same description language of the print job, and corresponding functions (functions such as color image formation and aggregate printing) The address of the address including the address may be stored in advance in the transfer destination address storage means.
This eliminates the need for the communication means to execute a process for finding the transfer destination address of the received print job from the external devices that can communicate through the network. As a result, it is possible to minimize the addition of new functions that the communication means should have.

Incidentally, in general, in an image forming apparatus, the control unit that controls the image forming unit (print engine) or a predetermined image processing calculation unit controlled by the control unit executes a received print job described in a predetermined language. The image data is converted into bitmap image data, and based on the bitmap image data, the image forming unit executes image forming processing (printing processing).
Therefore, when the image forming apparatus includes bitmap image data generation means for generating bitmap image data based on the received print job, the first proxy print control means uses the bitmap image data generation means. It is conceivable to include bitmap image data transmission means for transmitting the generated bitmap image data to an external device through the communication means.
As a result, if the control means is in a normal state, it is possible to cause other image forming apparatuses that handle different print job description languages to execute proxy printing. On the other hand, in a state where an abnormality has occurred in the control unit (a state in which the process by the first proxy print control unit cannot be executed), the proxy printing is executed by another image forming apparatus having a different description language of the print job to be handled. However, it is not necessary to add a data conversion function (a function for converting a received print job to bitmap image data) in the communication means, and the addition of functions that the communication means should newly have can be minimized.
In addition, the first proxy printing control unit identifies another image forming apparatus capable of performing image forming processing based on the received print job by executing data communication through the communication unit, and the image forming apparatus It is also conceivable to transmit data based on the received print job.
Further, as the substitute printing availability determination means, it is conceivable to determine whether or not the process by the first substitute printing control means can be executed based on whether or not the activation abnormality of the control means has occurred.
In this case, the control unit includes the energization switching unit that switches whether the energization is performed independently of the energization of the communication unit, and the communication unit, and controls the energization switching unit to control the energization switching unit. An image forming apparatus further including an energization control unit that controls the energization state is also conceivable.
Thus, when a print job is received in a state where the energization to the control unit is stopped (power saving state), even if an abnormality that prevents the control unit from starting occurs, the second proxy printing that the communication unit also has The proxy printing process can be executed by the control means.

  In the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, even if an abnormality occurs in the control unit that controls the image forming unit (print engine), the second proxy printing control unit that the communication unit also has serves as a proxy printing process (print job). Transfer) can be executed, and the reliability of the proxy printing process can be further increased. In addition, since the existing communication unit also serves as the proxy printing availability determination unit and the second proxy printing control unit, it is possible to avoid the complexity and cost increase of the apparatus as much as possible. In addition, the communication means only has a function for determining whether or not the processing by the first proxy printing control means provided in the control means can be executed and a function for transferring the received print job to the external device. Since it is good, the addition of the function which the communication means should have newly can be minimized.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. In addition, the following embodiment is an example which actualized this invention, Comprising: It is not the thing of the character which limits the technical scope of this invention.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus X and an image processing system Z including the image forming apparatus X according to the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration of a NIC included in the image forming apparatus X. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main control unit included in the image forming apparatus X, FIG. 4 is a power supply system diagram illustrating a connection relationship of power supplies in the image forming apparatus X, and FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of proxy printing control, FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a data configuration of proxy destination candidate information referred to by the main control unit of the image forming apparatus X, and FIG. 7 is a weekly schedule of weekly timer control in the image forming apparatus X FIG.

First, an image forming apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention and an image processing system Z including the same will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The image processing system Z includes an image forming apparatus X and a print server 31 that can communicate with the image forming apparatus X.
The image forming apparatus X includes a network interface card 5 (hereinafter referred to as “NIC”) that communicates with an external device through a network such as a LAN or a WAN. The image forming apparatus X communicates with the terminal 32 that transmits a predetermined job such as print processing to the image forming apparatus X and an external apparatus such as the print server 31 through the NIC 5.
Further, when the image forming apparatus X receives a print job from the terminal 32 and the apparatus is in an abnormal state in which the apparatus cannot execute a print process (image forming process) based on the print job, the print process based on the print job is performed. Is provided with a substitute printing control function for causing the other image forming apparatus X to execute the above.
Here, the terminal 32 is a computer such as a personal computer. In addition, when a print job is transferred from the image forming apparatus X, the file server 31 transmits the print job or image data based on the print job to another image forming apparatus, so that the other image forming apparatus This is a computer having a print server function that causes the printer to execute print processing.

[Image forming apparatus X]
The image forming apparatus X is configured to be communicable with an external apparatus (terminal 32, print server 31 or the like) via a network 30 such as a LAN or WAN, and includes an NIC 5 as an example of a communication unit that performs the communication. Yes.
As shown in FIG. 1, in addition to the NIC 5, the image forming apparatus X includes an operation / display unit 2, a hard disk drive 3 (hereinafter referred to as HDD), an image processing calculation unit 4, a scanner unit 6, a printing unit 7, a facsimile. Unit 8, main control unit 9, energization switching circuit 10, main power source 21, sub power source 22 and the like.
In the example shown in FIG. 1, the main control unit 9, the image processing calculation unit 4, the NIC 5, the scanner unit 6, the printing unit 7, the facsimile unit 8, and the energization switching circuit 10 are connected to each other by a bus 11.
Here, the scanner unit 6, the print unit 7, the facsimile unit 8, and the main control unit 9 are functional blocks configured as parts or a set of parts divided according to functions. Each of these functional blocks executes various jobs such as a print job and a facsimile transmission job.
For example, the job includes a facsimile transmission job, a print job, a file transmission job for transmitting a data file stored in the HDD 3 to the terminal 32 in the LAN, and the e-mail data stored in the HDD 3 to an e-mail server (not shown). For example, there is an e-mail transmission job to be transmitted.
Then, a facsimile transmission job is executed by the main control unit 9, the HDD 3, the image processing calculation unit 4 and the facsimile unit 8. A print job is executed by the main control unit 9, the HDD 3, the image processing calculation unit 4, and the printing unit 7. Further, a file transmission job and an e-mail transmission job are executed by the main control unit 9 and the HDD 3.

The operation / display unit 2 includes an operation input unit for inputting information and an information display unit. The operation input means includes, for example, a sheet key or a touch panel provided on the surface of the liquid crystal display device. Moreover, the display means is comprised from a liquid crystal display device, an LED lamp, etc., for example. The operation / display unit 2 constitutes a man-machine interface for the user.
The HDD 3 is a large-capacity non-volatile memory that stores processing data as necessary during processing of read image data read from a document, print processing of image data, and the like. Further, the HDD 3 is also used as a storage destination for email data acquired from an email server (not shown).
The image processing arithmetic unit 4 is configured by a dedicated signal processing circuit or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc., performs various image processing on the image data, and uses a print job described in a predetermined print job description language for image formation. Processing for converting to bitmap image data, processing for generating image data to be transmitted to the terminal 32 (for example, image data subjected to predetermined encoding such as JPEG format), processing for encrypting image data, encryption A process for decoding the converted image data, a process for compressing and encoding the image data, a process for expanding (restoring) the compressed and encoded image data, and the like are performed. The image processing calculation unit 4 is an example of bitmap image data generation means.
A configuration in which the main control unit 9 has the function of the image processing calculation unit 4 is also conceivable.

The scanner unit 6 controls a device that reads an image formed on a document from a document placed on a glass document table (not shown) or a document conveyed by an ADF (not shown), and controls the device. It is a set of parts such as MPU.
In addition to the ADF, the scanner unit 6 is provided with, for example, a light source that irradiates light on an image surface of a document and a mirror that reflects reflected light from the document in a predetermined direction, and is configured to move along the document. A movable optical unit, a motor for driving the movable optical unit, a fixed mirror for guiding light emitted from the movable optical unit along a predetermined path, and a lens for collecting the light, It includes a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) that photoelectrically converts the light that has passed through the lens and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the amount of the light (that is, the light reflected on the image surface of the document). The electrical signal output from the CCD is transmitted to the image processing arithmetic unit 4 as image data.

The print unit 7 is a so-called print engine controlled by the main control unit 9, and sequentially feeds recording sheets stored in a paper feed cassette (not shown) one by one, and passes through a predetermined image forming position to a paper discharge tray. An image is printed on the recording sheet based on the image data of the document read from the document by the scanner unit 6 and the image data for printing generated by the image processing calculation unit 4 at the image forming position along with the conveyed item. It is a set of components such as a device to be formed (output) and an MPU that controls the device.
The image forming apparatus X functions as a copying machine by performing printing processing based on image data of a document, and functions as a printer by performing printing processing based on a print request (print job) received from the terminal 32.
The print unit 7 is, for example, a photosensitive drum that carries an image, a charging device that charges the photosensitive drum, and an exposure that writes an electrostatic latent image based on given image data or a print job on the surface of the photosensitive drum. A developing device for developing the electrostatic latent image as a toner image, a transfer device for transferring the toner image on the photosensitive drum onto the recording paper, a motor for driving the photosensitive drum and a roller for conveying the recording paper, and the like. Yes.
The facsimile unit 8 includes an NCU (Network Control Unit), a modem, and the like, performs dial-up and negotiation processing for determining a communication method with a communication partner (partner station), and communicates with other facsimile apparatuses via a telephone line. This is for transmitting and receiving facsimile data.

The NIC 5 is a communication interface that transmits / receives data to / from an external device such as a print server 31 or an e-mail server (not shown) via a network 30 including, for example, a LAN and the Internet compliant with the standard IEEE 802.3 ( An example of communication means).
The main power supply 21 and the sub power supply 22 are power supply circuits that supply power to each component of the image forming apparatus X.
The energization switching circuit 10 switches function blocks such as the main control unit 9, the scanner unit 6, the printing unit 7, and the facsimile unit 8 by switching whether or not the sub power source 22 is connected to a commercial power source in accordance with a control signal received from the NIC 5. It is a switch circuit that switches whether to individually energize each (an example of energization switching means). The energization switching circuit 10 is configured to be capable of switching whether to energize each of the main control unit 9, the scanner unit 6, the print unit 7, and the facsimile unit 8 independently of energization to the NIC 5. Yes.

The main control unit 9 controls each of the scanner unit 6, the print unit 7, the facsimile unit 8, the operation / display unit 2, the HDD 3, and the image processing calculation unit 4.
For example, the main control unit 9 causes the printing unit 7 to execute a printing process (image forming process) based on a print job received through the NIC 5. Further, the main control unit 9 causes the facsimile unit 8 to execute a facsimile transmission process for calling the designated destination telephone number and transmitting the image data to be transmitted. Further, the main control unit 9 causes the scanner unit 6 to execute a scanning process for reading an image formed on the document from the document.
The main control unit 9 also receives detection signals from various sensors such as a paper jam sensor, a paper out sensor, and a toner remaining amount sensor, and based on the detection signals, a functional block (scanner) to be controlled. Section 6, printing section 7, facsimile section 8, operation / display section 2, etc.).
In addition, the main control unit 9 requests and acquires an e-mail server (not shown) communicable through the network 30 via the NIC 5 to request transmission of e-mail data addressed to its own device stored in the storage unit. An e-mail transmission / reception function is also provided for executing processing and processing for transmitting e-mail data in which a destination e-mail address is set to the e-mail server.

Next, the configuration of the NIC 5 provided in the image forming apparatus X will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The NIC 5 includes a bus connector 61, a bus control unit 62, an MPU 63, a memory control unit 64, a ROM 65, a flash memory 66, a network control unit 67, a network connector 68, and the like.
The bus connector 61 is a connector connected to the bus 11, and the bus control unit 62 performs signal transmission with other devices through the bus 11.
The network connector 68 is a connector physically connected to the network 30, and the network control unit 67 performs communication control in conformity with a predetermined network protocol such as standard IEEE 802.3 and TCP / IP.
The MPU 63 executes a program stored in advance in the ROM 65 to relay signal transmission between the bus 11 and the network 30 or when a predetermined process is requested from the terminal 32 via the network 30. It is a calculation means for performing various processes such as a process in response to this. The program to be executed is developed and executed in a RAM (not shown) built in the MPU 63. The MPU 63 accesses the ROM 65 and the flash memory 66 via the memory control unit 64.
The ROM 65 of the NIC 5 stores a program executed by the MPU 63 and data referred to by the MPU 63.
On the other hand, the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 stores data that is stored and referred to in the course of execution of processing by the MPU 63.

The MPU 63 of the NIC 5 includes a clock oscillator 63a that generates an oscillation signal at a constant period. Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 acquires the current time from the main control unit 9 at a predetermined timing. The time acquired in this way is hereinafter referred to as a time measurement start time. Then, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 counts the elapsed time from the time when the clocking start time is acquired from the main control unit 9 by accumulating the oscillation signals of the clock oscillator 63a, and sets the elapsed time and the clocking start time. Based on this, the current date and time (current time) is measured.
Here, the current time measured by the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 is reset when the NIC 5 is in a non-energized state. Therefore, when the main control unit 9 is in the “energized state”, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 obtains the time (including date, day, and time) from the calendar management unit 78 of the main control unit 9 described later. Acquire and perform time calibration processing based on the time.
In the time calibration process, for example, when the main control unit 9 is in the “energized state”, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 periodically acquires the time at that time from the calendar management unit 78 of the main control unit 9 and uses this. This is a process of restarting the time measurement based on the clock signal of the clock oscillator 63a by setting the time measurement start time. As a result, the time measured by the NIC 5 is calibrated based on the time measured by the calendar management unit 78. Thereafter, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 continuously measures the time after calibration.

Next, the configuration of the main control unit 9 provided in the image forming apparatus X will be described with reference to the block diagram shown in FIG.
The main control unit 9 includes a bus connector 71, a bus control unit 72, an MPU 73, a memory control unit 74, a ROM 75, a flash memory 76, an I / O port 77, a calendar management unit 78, and the like.
Here, the bus connector 71, the bus control unit 72, the memory control unit 74, the ROM 75, and the flash memory 76 are the same as the bus connector 61, the bus control unit 62, the memory control unit 64, the ROM 65, and the flash memory 66 provided in the NIC 5, respectively. It has the function of. Of course, it goes without saying that the contents of programs and data stored in the ROM 75 and the flash memory 76 are different from those stored in the ROM 64 and the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5.
The main control unit 9 controls devices related to various image processing by executing programs stored in the ROM 75 and the flash memory 76 by the MPU 73.
The I / O port 77 of the main control unit 9 is a signal line that transmits a control signal output to a device to be controlled, and a signal line that transmits various detection signals input from various sensors by the main control unit 9. Is an interface that relays between these signal lines and the MPU 73.
For example, the I / O port 77 of the main control unit 9 is connected to devices constituting the operation / display unit 2 and the HDD 3 and signal lines leading to various sensors.

The main control unit 9 further includes a calendar management unit 78. The calendar management unit 78 includes a timekeeping circuit that measures time, and detects the current date, day of the week, and time based on the time measured by the timekeeping circuit. The calendar management unit 78 uses a battery charged by the power supplied from the first sub power source 221 as a power source, and operates even if the power supply from the first sub power source 221 is cut off. continue.
In FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, flash memories 66 and 76 are provided as nonvolatile storage means capable of writing and reading data by the MPUs 63 and 73. Instead of the flash memories 66 and 76, FIG. It is also conceivable to employ other nonvolatile storage means such as an EEPROM.

Next, an example of a power supply connection relationship with respect to each functional block in the image forming apparatus X will be described with reference to the power supply system diagram shown in FIG.
In FIG. 4, the power supply line is represented by a solid line, and the other signal transmission lines are represented by broken lines.
In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus X includes four sub power sources 22. Hereinafter, they are referred to as a first sub power source 221 to a fourth sub power source 224, respectively.
The main power source 21 is a power source that supplies power to the NIC 5 and the energization switching circuit 10.
The main power supply 21 is provided with a manual changeover switch 40 for manually switching between turning on and off the power supply line according to a manual operation with respect to the commercial power supply 50 serving as a base power supply source for the entire image forming apparatus X. Connected through. By switching the manual changeover switch 40 by the user, whether or not the NIC 5 and the energization switching circuit 10 are energized is switched. Accordingly, when the image forming apparatus X is connected to the commercial power supply 50, the NIC 5 and the energization switching circuit 10 are always energized unless the manual changeover switch 40 is switched from the conduction state to the cutoff state by a user operation. It will be in the state. Further, when the manual changeover switch 40 is switched to the shut-off state, the entire image forming apparatus X enters a non-energized state (stopped state).

On the other hand, the first sub power supply 221 is a power supply circuit that supplies power to the control unit 9, the HDD 3, and the image processing calculation unit 4.
The second sub power source 222, the third sub power source 223, the fourth sub power source 224, and the fifth sub power source 225 are respectively provided for the scanner unit 6, the print unit 7, the facsimile unit 8, and the operation / display unit 2. It is a power supply circuit for supplying power.
Further, each of the first sub power supply 221 to the fifth sub power supply 225 automatically switches the commercial power supply 50 between the manual changeover switch 40 and whether the power supply line is turned on or off based on a predetermined control signal. The switches 41 to 45 are connected to each other. As is clear from FIG. 4, the automatic selector switch 41 and the first sub power source 221, the automatic selector switch 42 and the second sub power source 222, the automatic selector switch 43 and the third sub power source 223, the automatic selector switch 44 and the fourth sub power source. The sub power source 224, the automatic changeover switch 45, and the fourth sub power source 225 are in a corresponding relationship.
Thus, after the manual changeover switch 40 is turned on, each of the sub power sources 221 to 225 is turned on only after each of the automatic changeover switches 41 to 45 is turned on.
Hereinafter, turning on and off the power supply line is referred to as ON and OFF, respectively. Similarly, the state in which the power supply line is turned on and the state in which the power supply line is cut off are referred to as an ON state and an OFF state, respectively.
The automatic changeover switches 41 to 45 serve as energization switching means for switching whether or not to individually energize each of the functional blocks 2 and 6 to 9 depending on whether each of the automatic changeover switches 41 to 45 is turned on or off. Function.
Thereafter, in the image forming apparatus X, the NIC 5 is in a state of being energized (manual changeover switch 40 is in a conductive state), and one or more of the functional blocks 2 and 6 to 9 is not energized (automatic changeover switch). One or more of 41 to 45 is in an OFF state) is called a sleep mode. On the other hand, the state in which the NIC 5 and the functional blocks 2 and 6 to 9 are energized is referred to as an operation mode.

As shown in FIG. 4, the NIC 5 individually controls energization of each functional block by controlling ON / OFF of all the automatic switches 41 to 45 through the energization switching circuit 10. That is, the NIC 5 also serves as means for executing energization control for each functional block (an example of a job execution unit).
Further, the image forming apparatus X includes an operation detection switch 1 that switches between ON / OFF states according to an operation by a user. The ON / OFF state of the operation detection switch 1 is detected by the energization switching circuit 10.
The operation detection switch 1 functions as an energization switch that switches the image forming apparatus X between the operation mode and the sleep mode.
That is, when the operation detection switch 1 is switched to the ON state in the sleep mode, the energization switching circuit 10 turns on all the automatic switches 41 to 45 and shifts the image forming apparatus X to the operation mode.
On the other hand, when the operation detection switch 1 is switched to the OFF state in the operation mode, the energization switching circuit 10 turns off all the automatic change-over switches 41 to 45 unless any job is being processed, and the image forming apparatus X To enter sleep mode.

In the image forming apparatus X, when each functional block is energized, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines whether or not the following two conditions (hereinafter referred to as a first sleep condition and a second sleep condition) are satisfied. Determine. When any one of the sleep conditions is satisfied, the NIC 5 controls the energization switching circuit 10 so that the image forming apparatus X enters a sleep mode in which the energization of one or more functional blocks is interrupted. Transition. In the sleep mode, one or more of the five automatic changeover switches 41 to 45 are switched to the “OFF state”, and one or more functional blocks are set to the “non-energized state”. Therefore, when the power supply to all the functional blocks is cut off, in the image forming apparatus X, only a few devices (NIC5 and the power supply switching circuit 10) including the NIC5 are in the “energized state”.
When the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 shifts to the sleep mode, the sleep mode shift reason information indicating which of the first sleep condition and the second sleep condition is satisfied is transferred to the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5. Record.

[First sleep condition]
The first sleep condition is a condition that the current date and time belongs to a time zone set in the sleep mode in a predetermined time schedule for one week (hereinafter referred to as a weekly schedule). Hereinafter, controlling the energization state of each functional block by controlling the automatic selectors 41 to 45 according to a predetermined weekly schedule (an example of a time schedule) is referred to as weekly timer control. The MPU 63 of the NIC 5 that executes the weekly timer control is an example of a schedule control unit.
FIG. 7 schematically shows the contents of the weekly schedule WS of weekly timer control. Each square in FIG. 7 is a time zone defined by the day of the week (Monday to Sunday) and the time (00 hour to 23 hour). In addition, blank cells represent time zones set in the sleep mode, and cells marked with “*” represent time zones set in the operation mode in which each functional block is energized. . This weekly schedule WS is information set in advance for each of the first sub power supply 221 to the fifth sub power supply 225.
The MPU 63 of the NIC 5 acquires information on the weekly schedule WS for each of the first sub power supply 221 to the fifth sub power supply 225 from the main control unit 9 in advance and stores it in the flash memory 66 in advance.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 is a time zone in which the current time measured using the clock oscillator 63 a described above is set to either the sleep mode or the operation mode in the weekly schedule WS stored in the flash memory 66. Is determined. Then, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls each of the functional blocks 2 and 6 to 9 individually from the “energized state” to the “energized” state by controlling the automatic changeover switches 41 to 45 through the energization switching circuit 10 according to the determination result. “None state” (switch to sleep mode) or “Non-energized state” to “Non-energized state” (shift to operation mode).
The main control unit 9 has a weekly schedule setting function that allows the user to set the contents of the weekly schedule WS by controlling the operation / display unit 2. The weekly schedule WS set by this weekly schedule setting function is transmitted from the main control unit 9 to the NIC 5, and the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 stores it in the flash memory 66.
The MPU 63 of the NIC 5 updates the function of transmitting the weekly schedule WS stored in the flash memory 66 to the terminal 32 and the contents of the weekly schedule WS in response to a request from the external terminal 32 via the network 30. The thing comprised with the function can also be considered.

[Second sleep condition]
The second sleep condition is that when the first sleep condition is not satisfied, there is no operation input through the operation / display unit 2 and a data processing request (print job or the like) from an external device through the network 30 ) Is not received for a predetermined time or longer.
For example, when the NIC 5 determines the success or failure of the second sleep condition, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 detects the presence / absence of an operation input to the operation / display unit 2 via the main control unit 9 and the bus 11, and also the network control unit 67, the presence or absence of data reception from the terminal 32 is detected.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 counts the time based on the oscillation signal of the clock oscillator 63a, so that there is no operation input through the operation / display unit 2 and no data reception from the terminal 32 through the network 30. However, it is detected that it has continued for a predetermined time. Then, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 controls each of the functional blocks 2 and 6 to 9 from the “energized state” to the “no energized state” by controlling the automatic changeover switches 41 to 45 through the energization switching circuit 10 according to the detection result. Switch to "(from operation mode to sleep mode).

Next, the proxy candidate information D11 stored in advance in the flash memory 76 or the HDD 3 of the main control unit 9 will be described with reference to an example of the data configuration diagram shown in FIG.
The proxy destination candidate information D11 is information that is referred to by the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9, and is information related to candidates for image forming apparatuses that can perform proxy printing in proxy printing control to be described later.
Specifically, the proxy destination candidate information D11 includes the device name d1, the communication address d2 of the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus for the print processing for each candidate image forming apparatus that can perform proxy printing. Is the information in which print job description languages (hereinafter referred to as job description language d3) that can execute (accept) can be associated with each other.
The main control unit 9 specifies an address (hereinafter referred to as a proxy destination address) of an image forming apparatus as a partner to execute proxy printing from the address d2 of the image forming apparatus stored in advance as proxy destination candidate information D11. .

Next, a proxy printing control procedure executed by the image forming apparatus X will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. Note that S1, S2,... Shown below represent identification symbols of processing procedures (steps).
[Steps S1, S2]
First, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 monitors whether a print job has been received from an external device (here, the terminal 32) (S1).
When the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 confirms that the print job has been received from the terminal 32, the MPU 63 controls the energization switching circuit 10, so that the main control unit 9 and the print unit 7 that are de-energized are in the “energized state” (energized state). (ON state) (S2). As a result, the first sub power source 221 and the third sub power source 223 are energized ON, so that the HDD 3 and the image processing calculation unit 4 are also in the “energized state”. Of course, when the main control unit 9 and the printing unit 7 are already in the “energized state”, the process of step S2 is skipped.

[Step S3]
Next, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 executes a determination process as to whether or not a start abnormality of the main control unit 9 has occurred (S3).
Specifically, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 indicates that the first sub power source 221 is in the “energized state” through the bus 11 from the energization switching circuit 10 within a predetermined time after the execution of the process of step S2. The main control unit receives a normal activation signal indicating that the sub power source is energized and the main control unit 9 is normally activated from the main control unit 9 via the bus 11. 9 is determined not to have occurred, and if not, it is determined that an activation abnormality of the main control unit 9 has occurred. Here, each of the sub power supplies 221 to 225 includes a voltage detection element that switches ON / OFF of a contact signal that is output depending on whether or not a predetermined voltage is generated in the power supply line. The contact signal output from the voltage detection element is input. Further, the energization switching circuit 10 transmits an energization signal (ON or OFF) of the first sub power supply 221 to the NIC 5 through the bus 11 in accordance with the state (ON / OFF) of the contact signal, An energization signal (ON or OFF) of the fifth sub power supply 222 to 225 is transmitted to the main control unit 9 through the bus 11.
In addition, the main control unit 9 transmits the normal activation signal through the bus 11 when it is in the “energized state” through the first sub power source 221 and is normally activated.
The MPU 63 of NIC 5 (an example of proxy printing permission / non-permission determining means) receives the energization signal of the first sub power supply transmitted from the energization switching circuit 10 in this way, and the normal activation signal that should be transmitted from the main control unit 9. Based on the above, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormal start-up of the main control unit 9. This determination process (S3) is an example of a process for determining whether or not a proxy printing control process (S9 to S13) by the main control unit 9 described later is executable.

[Step S4]
If it is determined in step S3 that the start abnormality of the main control unit 9 has not occurred, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 notifies the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 that the print job has been received, and the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 Is whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the print unit 7 (an example of an image forming unit), that is, whether or not the print unit 7 is capable of executing print processing (image formation processing) based on the received print job. (S4, an example of a printing execution determination unit).
Specifically, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 transmits the third sub power supply energization signal indicating that the third sub power supply 223 is in the “energized state” from the energization switching circuit 10 through the bus 11 within a predetermined time. Or the detection signals of various sensors such as a paper jam sensor, paper out sensor, and remaining toner sensor are abnormal (paper jam, paper out, toner out, etc.). If it is shown, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the print unit 7, and if not, it is determined that no abnormality has occurred in the print unit 7.
.

[Steps S5 and S6]
If it is determined in step S4 that no abnormality has occurred in the print unit 7 (print processing based on the received print job can be executed), the received print job is transmitted from the NIC 5 to the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9, The MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 causes the print unit 7 to execute a print process based on the print job while receiving the print job through the NIC 5 (S5).
Then, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 repeats the processes of steps S4 and S5 while determining the end of the printing process based on the received print job (S6).

[Step S9]
On the other hand, when the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the printing unit 7 in step S4, it executes the following proxy printing control (S9 to S13).
First, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 performs the proxy destination address (the image forming apparatus of the partner that executes proxy printing based on the proxy candidate information D11 (see FIG. 6) stored in advance in the flash memory 76 or the HDD 3. Address) is specified (S9).
For example, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 first sets the address d2 in which the same job description language d3 as the description language of the received print job is set from the proxy candidate information D11 (hereinafter referred to as the address d2 of the same description language). Is selected, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not the print processing can be executed with each address d2 of the same description language as the destination. Then, the address d2 of the image forming apparatus that has made a response that the printing process is ready is specified as the proxy destination address.
If there is no image forming apparatus that has made a response indicating that the print process can be executed for any address d2 of the same description language, the same destination language information D11 is used as the destination address information D11. An address d2 other than the address d2 in the description language is selected, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not the printing process can be executed with each selected address d2 as a destination. Then, the address d2 of the image forming apparatus that has made a response that the printing process is ready is specified as the proxy destination address.
As described above, the MPU 73 (an example of the first proxy printing control unit) of the main control unit 9 identifies another image forming apparatus capable of executing the printing process based on the received print job by executing the data communication through the NIC 5. To do. Then, data based on the received print job is transmitted to the other specified image forming apparatus by processing in step S12 described later.
In addition to the above, the proxy destination address specifying method inquires about the job description language and print function that can be processed by each device on the network 30 by broadcast transmission, and details of the response from each device to the inquiry (response It is also conceivable to specify a proxy destination address based on (including the original address). In this case, the proxy candidate information D11 is not necessary.

[Steps S10 and S11]
Next, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 determines whether the job description language d3 (hereinafter referred to as “destination description language”) that can be accepted by the image forming apparatus having the destination address specified in step S9 and the description language of the received print job. It is determined whether or not they are the same (S10).
Here, when the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 determines that the substitution destination description language and the description language of the received print job are the same, the process proceeds to step S12 described later, but not (not the same). ), The image processing operation unit 4 (an example of the bitmap image data generation unit) generates bitmap image data based on the received print job (S11), and then shifts the processing to step S12. . The generated bitmap image data is temporarily stored in the HDD 3.

[Steps S12 and S13]
In step S12, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 transmits data based on the received print job to another image forming apparatus through the NIC 5, thereby causing the other image forming apparatus to perform print processing based on the received print job (image forming process). ) Is executed (S12, an example of a first proxy printing control unit). Here, the address of the data transmission destination is the proxy destination address. The data transmitted to the proxy destination address is the received print job itself if it is determined in step S10 that the proxy description language is the same as the description language of the received print job. Is the bitmap image data generated in step S11 based on the received print job. The MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 that transmits the bitmap image data is an example of bitmap image data transmission means.
Further, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 notifies the terminal 32 that is the transmission source of the received print job of the substitute device name d1 (information indicating another image forming apparatus that has executed substitute printing) through the NIC 5. (S13). Accordingly, the user of the terminal 32 that is the transmission source of the print job can know which image forming apparatus has performed the proxy printing. Thereafter, the processing of the image forming apparatus is returned to step S1 described above.
In this way, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 receives the image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus whose job description language d3 is the same as the description language of the received print job is ready for print processing. Send (transfer) a print job. Thereby, the communication load of the network 30 when executing proxy printing can be suppressed.
On the other hand, the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 determines that another image forming apparatus that can perform print processing when the image forming apparatus in which the job description language d3 is the same as the description language of the received print job is not ready for print processing. In contrast, bitmap image data based on the received print job is transmitted. As a result, the proxy printing can be executed more reliably.

[Steps S7 and S8]
On the other hand, if the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 determines in step S3 that the start abnormality of the main control unit 9 has occurred, the MPU 63 executes the following job part transfer processing (S7, S8).
First, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 transfers the received print job to the print server 31 (S7). The NIC 5 flash memory 66 (an example of a transfer destination address storage unit) stores the address of the print server 31 (transfer destination address of the received print job) in advance, and the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 stores the received print job at the address. Forward.
As a result, the print server 31 executes the same processing as the processing of steps S9 to S13 by the MPU 73 of the main control unit 9 for the print job transferred from the image forming apparatus X. However, the destination to which the print server 31 notifies the substitute device name d1 (corresponding to S13) is not the terminal 32 but the NIC 5 that has transferred the print job.
Further, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 acquires the substitute device name d1 from the print server 31, and notifies this to the terminal 32 that is the transmission source of the received print job (S8). As a result, the user of the terminal 32 that is the transmission source of the print job can know which image forming apparatus has performed the proxy printing. Thereafter, the processing of the image forming apparatus is returned to step S1 described above.

As described above, in step S7, the MPU 63 of the NIC 5 has an abnormality in the main control unit 9 that performs the proxy printing control process in steps S9 to S13 (Y side in step S3), that is, the main control unit. 9 determines that the proxy print control process (S9 to S13) cannot be executed, the print process based on the received print job is transferred to another image forming apparatus by transferring the received print job to the print server 31 (external apparatus). Is executed (an example of second proxy printing control means). For this reason, the reliability of the proxy printing process can be further increased. In addition, since the existing NIC 5 determines whether or not proxy printing control by the main control unit 9 is possible (S3) and performs second proxy printing control (S7 and S8) other than the main control unit 9, the apparatus is complicated. In addition, high cost can be avoided.
Further, the NIC 5 only transfers the received print job to a predetermined proxy destination address (address of the print server 31), and the addition of functions that the NIC 5 should newly have can be minimized.

In the embodiment described above, the NIC 5 of the image forming apparatus X shows an example in which the address of the print server 31 is set as the transfer destination of the received print job when the proxy print control is performed (the proxy destination address). .
However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the address of another image forming apparatus may be stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 as the transfer destination address of the received print job. In this case, the address of another image forming apparatus that can process a print job in the same description language as the print language that can be processed by the image forming apparatus X is stored in the flash memory 66 of the NIC 5 in advance. Conceivable.

  The present invention can be used for an image forming apparatus.

1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus X according to an embodiment of the present invention and an image processing system Z having the same as a component. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a NIC included in the image forming apparatus X. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a main control unit included in the image forming apparatus X. FIG. FIG. 3 is a power supply system diagram illustrating a connection relationship of power supplies in the image forming apparatus X. 5 is a flowchart showing a procedure of proxy printing control by the image forming apparatus X. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of proxy destination candidate information referred to by a main control unit of the image forming apparatus X. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically illustrating a weekly schedule of weekly timer control in the image forming apparatus X. FIG.

Explanation of symbols

X ... image forming apparatus 1 ... operation detection switch 2 ... operation / display unit 3 ... hard disk drive 4 ... image processing operation unit 5 ... network interface card 6 ... scanner unit 7 ... print unit 8 ... facsimile unit 9 ... main control unit 10 ... Energization switching circuit 11 ... Bus 21 ... Main power supply 22 (221-225) ... Sub power supply 30 ... Network 31 ... Print server 40 ... Manual changeover switches 41-45 ... Automatic changeover switches 61, 71 ... Bus connectors 62, 72 ... Bus control Units 63, 73 ... MPU (microprocessor unit)
63a ... clock oscillators 64, 74 ... memory control units 65, 75 ... ROM
66, 76 ... Flash memory 67 ... Network control unit 68 ... Network connector 77 ... I / O port 78 ... Calendar management units S1, S2, ... ... Processing procedure identification symbols

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus comprising: a communication unit that performs communication processing with an external device; and a control unit that causes a predetermined image forming unit to execute an image forming process based on a received print job received through the communication unit. ,
The control means, and a print execution enable / disable determining means for determining whether the image forming means can execute an image forming process based on the received print job;
The control means also has a function of transmitting data based on the received print job to an external device through the communication means when the print execution enable / disable determining means determines that the image forming process based on the received print job cannot be executed. A first proxy printing control unit that causes another image forming apparatus to execute an image forming process based on the received print job;
A proxy printing availability determination unit configured to determine whether the communication unit is capable of executing the process by the first proxy printing control unit;
When the communication unit is combined and the proxy printing availability determination unit determines that the processing by the first proxy printing control unit cannot be performed, the received print job is transferred to an external device, thereby forming another image formation. A second proxy printing control unit for causing the apparatus to execute an image forming process based on the received print job;
An image forming apparatus comprising:   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer destination address storage unit that stores in advance a transfer destination address of the received print job by the second proxy print control unit. Comprising bitmap image data generation means for generating bitmap image data based on the received print job;
2. The bitmap image data transmitting means for transmitting the bitmap image data generated by the bitmap image data generating means to an external device through the communication means. The image forming apparatus according to any one of 2.   The first proxy printing control unit identifies another image forming apparatus capable of executing an image forming process based on the received print job by executing data communication through the communication unit, and the other image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein data based on the received print job is transmitted.   5. The substitute printing availability determination unit determines whether or not the process by the first substitute printing control unit can be executed based on whether or not a start abnormality of the control unit has occurred. The image forming apparatus described in 1. Energization switching means for switching whether to energize the control means independently of energization to the communication means;
Energization control means for controlling the energization state of the control unit by controlling the energization switching means, the communication means combined;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, comprising:

Images