JP3012252B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Field] The present invention relates to various printer systems such as laser printers, LED printers, liquid crystal shutter printers, ink jet printers, and high-performance digital copiers and high-performance fax machines. The present invention relates to an image forming system.

[Conventional technology]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as laser printers have tended to be systematized so as to meet various demands, and receive character information or image information from a host system such as a word processor, an office computer, or a personal computer to obtain an image. An image processing apparatus for generating information, an image forming apparatus for receiving image information from the image processing apparatus and forming an image on a recording medium, and each of which is detachably attachable to the image forming apparatus and feeds and discharges the recording medium. Image forming systems are being constructed by connecting various types of additional devices to be sent or conveyed via respective interfaces.

In some cases, the host system has a function corresponding to the image processing apparatus. In such a case, the image forming apparatus directly receives image information from the host system and forms an image on a recording medium.

In such a conventional image forming system, generally, the image forming apparatus main body and various additional devices mounted thereon are connected in a one-to-one manner as shown in FIG. The number of devices was limited.

Various additional devices connected to the main body of the image forming apparatus are independently developed in each system, and an interface between the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus and an interface between the image forming apparatus and the additional apparatus are also different. It was different depending on the printer system.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

Therefore, in such a conventional image forming system, all the specifications of each device constituting the system, that is, the image processing device, the image forming device, and various additional devices are determined in advance at the time of designing the initial concept of the system. In addition, there was no system compatibility between the systems, and there were various disadvantages in terms of system expandability and functional compatibility.

Further, once an image forming apparatus is manufactured, the number of additional devices that can be connected to the system is fixed at that point, and there is a problem that flexibility and expandability are lacking.

In some systems, the image processing apparatus has a function of inquiring the image forming apparatus which additional apparatus is currently connected to the system and is operable. Each additional device is registered with a fixed name in one bit, and the system cannot handle other than the registered additional device. Therefore, the system also lacks flexibility and expandability. .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such problems of scalability and functional compatibility in a conventional image forming system, and a recording medium feeding device, a recording medium conveying device, and a recording medium are provided in an image forming apparatus. Various types of additional devices, such as a discharge device, can be arbitrarily mounted, and a predetermined number of the additional devices can be controlled at the same time. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming system which is versatile and scalable, by controlling a mounted image forming apparatus with a common interface and a common protocol.

Further, in an emergency or the like, the information can be simultaneously transmitted from the image forming apparatus main body to each of the additional apparatuses attached thereto so that a prompt treatment can be performed, so that the versatility, expandability, and reliability can be improved. An object is to provide a high image forming system.

[Means for solving the problem]

According to the present invention, in order to achieve the above object, in the above-described image forming system, the image forming apparatus main body and each of the additional devices attached thereto are connected by a common signal line, and the image forming apparatus main body is connected to the image forming apparatus main body. Means for transmitting a number of control identification codes corresponding to a predetermined number of additional devices which can be simultaneously controlled to the signal line, and means for transmitting a unique identification code to each of the additional devices to the signal line. The image forming apparatus main body has means for designating an additional device for each of the control identification codes and storing the unique identification code, and each additional device stores its own unique identification code. Means, and means for storing the control identification code when specified for the control identification code, wherein the main body of the image forming apparatus identifies each additional device with the control identification code. Thus, it can be specified and controlled.

In a similar image forming system, a number of control identification codes and a number of control identification codes corresponding to a predetermined number of additional devices that can be simultaneously controlled by the image forming apparatus main body can be attached to the image forming apparatus main body and each additional apparatus. Means for transmitting an identification code unique to each additional device to the signal line is provided, and each additional device corresponding to the unique identification code can communicate with the image forming device main body. It is preferable that the apparatus further comprises an identification code allocating means for confirming whether the state is in the state a plurality of times and selecting the control identification code from among the additional devices that have been able to confirm that the state is in the communicable state.

Further, in each of the above-described image forming systems, a command including an identification code for individually specifying each of the attached additional devices and a command including a common identification code for specifying all of the additional devices attached to the image forming apparatus main body. It is preferable to include command issuing means for issuing the command as necessary and sending it to the signal line.

Alternatively, an image processing apparatus that receives character information or image information from a host system to generate image image information, an image forming apparatus that receives image image information from the image processing apparatus and forms an image on a recording medium, In an image forming system including various additional devices detachable to the image forming apparatus and configured to feed, convey, or discharge a recording medium, the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus are connected to a signal line for serial communication. The image forming apparatus and various additional devices connected thereto are connected by a common signal line, and the image processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus, and each of the additional apparatuses are connected to the image forming apparatus. The number of control identification codes corresponding to the predetermined number of additional devices that can be controlled simultaneously, and the identification code unique to each additional device that can be attached to the image forming apparatus. To a signal line for serial communication or a common signal line, command means for associating the control identification code with a unique identification code, and at least one of response means. I do.

Further, there are provided an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium by receiving image information from a host system, and various additional apparatuses which are detachable from the image forming apparatus and which feed, transport, or discharge the recording medium. In the image forming system, the host system and the image forming apparatus are connected by a signal line for serial communication, and the image forming apparatus and various additional devices connected thereto are connected by a common signal line. Connected to the host system, the image forming apparatus, and each of the additional devices, the number of control identification codes corresponding to the predetermined number of additional devices that can be simultaneously controlled by the image forming device, and the number of control identification codes that can be attached to the image forming device. Means for transmitting an identification code unique to the additional device to the signal line for serial communication or a common signal line; At least it may be provided with one of the instruction means and the answer means associates the chromatography mode.

(Operation)

In the image forming system according to the present invention configured as described above, since the image forming apparatus main body and each additional device are connected in series by a common signal line, the additional device can be added without increasing the interface of the image forming apparatus main body. Any number can be connected.

Then, if an additional device desired to be used at the same time is selected and specified, and its unique identification code is specified and stored for each control identification code, the image forming apparatus main body sets each additional device as a control identification code. Therefore, control can be always performed by a common protocol even if the additional device constituting the system is changed.

Further, the combination of additional devices that can be used simultaneously can be arbitrarily changed only by changing the storage content of the unique identification code of the additional device for each control identification code.

The result is an imaging system that is extremely versatile and scalable.

Further, when assigning each control identification code to an additional device that the image forming apparatus main body wants to use at the same time, it is checked a plurality of times that each additional device having a unique identification code can communicate with the image forming apparatus main body. Then, by selecting and allocating from among the additional devices that can reliably communicate, the system configuration and subsequent operations can be ensured.

Furthermore, at the time of system initialization or emergency, etc., the command issuing means of the image forming apparatus main body issues a command including a common identification code so that information such as a command can be transmitted to all communicable additional devices. , Quick processing becomes possible.

These operations are performed by serial communication between the image processing apparatus or the host system and the image forming apparatus and each additional device attached thereto in a serial communication with a predetermined number of control identification codes and an identification code unique to each additional device. It can also be realized by associating with a command and a response via a signal line for communication or a common signal line.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

Basic Configuration of Embodiment FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus receives character code information or image information from a host system 2 and forms an image on a recording medium. The system is composed of an apparatus main body 1 and seven types of additional devices 3 to 9 which can be attached to and detached from the image forming apparatus main body 1, respectively.

That is, a recording medium feeding device 2 is used as an additional device.
Multi-stage paper feeding devices 3 and 4 and a large-volume paper feeding device 5, a reversing paper ejection device 6, a multi-stage paper ejection device 7 and a large-volume paper ejection device 8 as a recording medium discharging device, and a double-sided recording medium conveying device Transport devices 9 are mounted, all of which are connected to the image forming apparatus main body 1 by a common serial signal line 10.

Therefore, it is possible to add more additional devices as indicated by broken lines.

The image forming apparatus main body 1 according to this embodiment includes:
A maximum of two additional paper feeders, a maximum of two additional paper discharge devices, and a maximum of one additional double-sided conveyance device can be simultaneously controlled.

Here, being able to control at the same time means a state satisfying all of the following.

Execution commands, inquiry commands, selection commands, etc. can be processed by direct communication.

Feeding, conveying, and discharging of the recording medium can be executed by commands.

It can be selected as the transport path of the recording medium.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body 1 has five types of logical IDs as control identification codes (hereinafter referred to as “logical IDs”).

That is, all the additional devices (option units) are classified into three types of unit types, namely, a paper feeding device, a paper discharging device, and a double-sided conveying device, and the following logical IDs are prepared for each type.

Additional paper feeder IN # 1: “000” Same IN # 2: “001” Additional paper discharger OUT # 1: “100” Same OUT # 2: “101” Additional double-sided conveyance device DPX # 1 (INP): "010" (OUT): "011" This logical ID is a three-bit code, of which the upper two bits are unit type codes for identifying the type of additional device (IN, OUT, DPX), and the lower two bits. Is a code for identifying the unit number (# 1 or # 2).

The image forming apparatus main body 1 has a serial communication function of transmitting the logical ID to the signal line 10, and the internal image processing unit, the image creating unit, and the external host system 2 usually use the logical ID. Each of the additional devices 3 to 9 is specified.

On the other hand, each of the additional devices 3 to 9 has a unique identification code (hereinafter referred to as “device ID”), and
It also has a serial communication function for sending data to In addition, each unit has its own unit type, that is, a paper feeder (I
N), a paper discharge device (OUT), or a double-sided transport device (DPX) is also stored as a 2-bit code like the unit type code of the logical ID.

If the device ID is given by a 4-bit code for each unit type, 16 units can be identified for each unit type, for a total of 48 units.

In this embodiment, the following device IDs are assigned.

Multi-stage paper feeder 3: IN “0000” Multi-stage paper feeder 4: IN “0001” Large-volume paper feeder 5: IN “0010” Reversed paper output 6: OUT “0000” Multi-stage paper output 7: OUT “0001” Mass output device 8: OUT "0010" Double-sided conveying device 9: DPX "0001" Note that IN, OUT, and DPX are actually stored separately in each additional device (option unit) as a 2-bit unit type code. Only the 4-bit code after that is the device ID.

Therefore, in the image forming apparatus main body 1, an additional device in the same unit type is designated (assigned) to each logical ID, and the device ID is stored in a table in the memory as shown in FIG. 2A, for example. Each of the additional devices 3 to 9 has a memory for storing its own device ID, for example, as shown in FIG. 2B, and a memory for storing its logical ID when specified for the logical ID. Are provided respectively.

2A and 2B, for convenience of explanation, the unit type code (code for identifying IN, OUT, DPX) is also shown to be stored as a part of the device ID, but the unit type is the logical ID of the device ID. It is actually unnecessary because the device ID is specified and the device ID is stored correspondingly.

In this way, by storing the five logical IDs and the device IDs of the additional devices specified by the number in association with each other, the image forming apparatus main body 1 can store the specified additional device only with the logical ID. Can be specified and controlled.

In FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A, a logical
The multi-stage paper feeder 3 is placed at IN # 1 of the ID (shown with a log in FIG. 1), the large-volume feeder 5 is placed at IN # 2, and the inverted discharge is made at OUT # 1 of the logical ID as an additional discharger. An example is shown in which the mass discharge device 8 is designated as the device 6, OUT # 2, and the duplex transport device 9 is designated as DPX # 1 as an additional duplex transport device.

In FIG. 1, the specified additional device is indicated by a double-lined frame. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus main body 1 can simultaneously control the five additional devices 3, 5, 6, 8, and 9.

However, the designated state can be changed as necessary, so that other additional devices, that is, the multi-stage paper feed device 4 and the multi-stage paper discharge device 7 can be used.

The image forming apparatus main body 1 has a function of assigning each logical ID, which is the control identification code, to the device ID of the additional device. A plurality of confirmations are made as to whether or not communication with the forming apparatus main body 1 is possible, and a logical ID is selected from among the communicable additional devices, and each logical ID is assigned to the device ID of the additional device.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus main body 1 and each of the additional devices 3 to 9 are provided with communication means for performing serial communication via the signal line 10.

A communication protocol of serial communication between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and each of the additional devices 3 to 9 provides two levels of commands.

One of them is a basic command. When the image forming system includes two or less additional paper feeding devices, two or less additional paper discharging devices, and one or less double-sided conveyance device, a logical command is issued. The basic command, which is a command for handling only the additional device registered in the ID, can include all system functions.

Thus, an image forming system in which all system functions can be controlled by a basic command is referred to as a basic system. In this system, the code number of the device ID may be the same as the code number of the logical ID.

The other is an enhancement command (extended command). If the image forming system has three or more additional paper feeding devices, three or more additional paper discharging devices, or two or more screen conveying devices, three commands are used. The second and subsequent additional sheet feeding devices or additional sheet discharging devices and the second and subsequent double-sided conveying devices assign their device IDs to the same unit-type logical ID using an enhance command, and thereby, the image forming apparatus main body 1 is assigned to the same unit type logical ID. This makes it possible to control paper feeding, paper discharging, double-sided conveyance, and the like.

In this case, since the code number of the device ID of each additional device must be set to an appropriate value of 4 bits, a code number setting means such as a DIP switch may be provided for each additional device.

By the way, the image forming apparatus main body 1 includes a command issuing unit. The command issuing unit includes a command including a device ID, which is an identification code for individually specifying each of the additional devices 3 to 9, and all of the additional devices. A command including a global ID, which is a common identification code for specifying the ID, can be issued as necessary, and can be transmitted to each of the additional devices 3 to 9 via the signal line 10 by serial communication means.

Accordingly, the image forming apparatus main body 1 can normally specify and control each of the additional devices 3 to 9 (only the additional device to which the logical ID is assigned during the printing operation), and can control the additional devices 3 to 9 individually. In response, for example, when a serious error occurs in the system and it is urgent to stop all mechanical operations in the system, issue and send a command that includes a global ID that specifies all additional devices. By doing so, it is possible to simultaneously transmit information such as an emergency stop command to all the additional devices and execute the information.

The communication protocol between the image forming apparatus main body and each of the additional devices will be described in more detail in the description of a specific embodiment described later, but here, the two types of commands transmitted from the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be briefly described. Will be described.

Communication from the image forming apparatus main body 1 to each of the additional devices 3 to 9 is performed by transmitting a command (command).
9 to the image forming apparatus main body 1 is performed by transmitting a response.

As shown in FIG. 3, one command is composed of an 8-bit argument and an operator, and transmits the operator first and the operator later.
B ₇ ~b ₅ of Agiyumento is always "111".

Then, the normal command as shown in FIG. 3 (a), placed in an identification code adding device for specifying the upper three bits b ₇ ~b ₅ of the operator as the communication partner (Logical ID),
In b _{4 to} b ₀ , a code indicating the type of instruction is entered.

FIG. 3B shows a configuration of a command including a global ID which is a common identification code for specifying all the additional devices (hereinafter, referred to as a “global ID command”).

The global ID command, and the upper three bits b ₇ ~b ₅ of the operator is a code of a global ID "110",
In b _{4 to} b ₀ , a code indicating the type of instruction, for example, in the case of an emergency stop instruction, “01111” is inserted in b _{4 to} b ₀ .

When each of the additional devices 3 to 9 receives this global ID command through its respective serial communication unit, it recognizes that it has been specified and immediately executes the command without returning a response.

An example of using the global ID command is as follows.

(A) When performing system initialization (initialization operation and self-diagnosis).

(B) When the paper size is set in each additional device when an image forming operation is performed by selecting a paper feeding device that cannot detect the paper size by itself.

(C) When it is necessary to urgently transmit information to all the additional devices (for example, when transmitting an emergency stop command when a paper jam occurs).

Next, a printer system using a laser printer as an image forming apparatus main body, which is a specific embodiment of the present invention, will be described.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mechanism section of a printer system to which the present invention is applied, and portions corresponding to FIG. 1 are given the same portions. The paper transport path is indicated by a solid line with an arrow.

This printer system includes a printer main body 1 as an image forming apparatus main body and a system table 20, and seven option units each as a unitized additional apparatus.
That is, first and second multi-stage paper feeding units 3 and 4 as two multi-stage paper feeding devices, large-volume paper feeding unit 5 as a large-volume paper feeding device, reversing unit 6 as a reversing paper discharging device, and multi-stage paper discharging device. (A mail box or sorter), a multi-stage discharge unit 7, a mass discharge unit (job stacker) 8 and a double-sided unit 9 as a double-sided conveyance device.

In the system table 20, host systems 2 such as a pad processor and a computer shown in FIG.
, A print engine control board 22 for controlling the print engine mechanism of the printer body 1 and each option unit, an AC distribution unit 23, and the like. These substantially constitute a control unit of the printer main body 1.

The AC distribution unit 23 distributes and supplies AC power to the printer body 1 and each of the option units 3 to 9 (AC supply lines are not shown).

The printer body 1 is a laser printer, and usually has two cassette insertion openings for detachably mounting an upper paper cassette and a lower paper cassette capable of storing paper sheets of different sizes. However, in this printer system, two multi-stage paper feeding units 3 and 4, which are option units, are mounted thereon.

In this example, the first multi-stage paper feeding unit 3 can removably insert three-stage paper feeding cassettes 31 to 33, and the paper stored in each cassette corresponding to the leading end of each paper feeding cassette. And a paper feed roller 34 for feeding the paper, and the paper fed by the pickup roller and the paper feed roller 17 in the printer body 1 is provided.
It includes a guide member (not shown) for guiding and transporting the paper to a plurality of paper transport rollers 35, and a drive motor and a drive mechanism thereof.

In this example, the second multi-stage paper feeding unit 4 can also removably insert four-stage paper feeding cassettes 41 to 44, and the paper stored in each cassette corresponding to the leading end of each paper feeding cassette. And a paper feed roller 45 for feeding the paper, and the paper fed by the pickup roller and the paper feed roller 17 in the printer main body 1 is provided.
It includes a guide member (not shown) for guiding and transporting the paper to a plurality of paper transport rollers 46, and a drive motor and a drive mechanism thereof.

Then, the second multi-stage paper feeding unit 4 is placed on the floor, and the first multi-stage paper feeding unit 3 is placed and fixed thereon.

The printer body 1 includes an optical writing unit 19, a photosensitive drum 11, a charging charger 12, a developing unit 13, a transfer charger 14, a cleaning unit 15, and a fixing unit 16 which constitute a mechanism of a print engine which is an image forming unit. 2. Two sets of pick-up rollers and paper feed rollers 17 provided corresponding to the two cassette insertion ports, a large number of paper transport rollers including a registration roller 18, and their drive motors and drive mechanisms are provided. Have been.

As a paper supply source, in addition to the above-described first and second multi-stage paper supply units 3 and 4 inserted into the printer main body 1,
Large-volume feeding unit 5 and double-sided feeding unit 9 (only when refeeding)
When one of them is selected and the paper is supplied by the paper feed roller 17 or the like, the printer stands by at the position where it is held by the registration roller 18.

The large-volume sheet feeding unit 5 can store up to 2000 sheets of a maximum of B4 size paper, and includes a tray 59 on which the sheets are placed and moved up and down, a driving motor and a driving mechanism.

When the large-volume paper feed unit 5 is selected and a paper-supply command is received from a print engine control board, which will be described later, the paper in the large-volume paper supply unit 5 is fed by the pick-up roller and the paper feed roller 27 in the system table 20. Then, the sheet is fed into the double-sided unit 9 by the conveying roller 28, and the sheet is conveyed by a plurality of conveying rollers 93 through a position where the sheet is joined to the re-feeding path 91 in the double-sided unit 9.
The sheet is conveyed until it is held by the registration rollers 18 inside.

Even when the first or second multi-stage paper feed unit 3 or 4 is selected and a paper feed command is received from the print engine control board, the printer cassette 1 is supplied from the paper feed cassettes 31-33 or 41-44. Pickup roller and paper feed roller
The sheet is fed to a position reaching 17 and further conveyed until the sheet is nipped by the registration roller 18 by the pick-up roller and the feed roller 17.

A registration sensor RS is disposed at a position upstream of the registration roller 18 by a predetermined distance (registration distance) from the registration roller 18, and detects when the leading edge of the sheet reaches the registration sensor RS.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 11 in the printer body 1 rotates in the direction of the arrow, and the laser beam modulated on the surface charged by the charging charger 12 in accordance with the video signal by the optical writing unit 19 is applied to the drum shaft. Irradiation is performed while main scanning is performed in the main scanning direction to form an electrostatic latent image.

The latent image is developed with toner from the developing unit 13 and is transferred by a registration roller 18 to a sheet fed to the image transfer section at a predetermined timing by the action of the transfer charger 14. After the paper is conveyed to the fixing device 16 and heat-fixed, the paper is discharged from the printer main body 1 by the paper discharge roller 16a and sent to the reflection unit 6.

A discharge sensor E is provided at a predetermined position on the downstream side of the discharge roller 16a.
S is provided to detect the passage of the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet.

After the transfer process, the photosensitive drum 11 is cleaned of residual toner by a cleaning unit 15 and is irradiated with a static elimination lamp (not shown) to erase residual charges, thereby preparing for the next charging process.

The paper discharged from the printer body 1 and fed to the reversing unit 6 is selectively switched in the transport direction by transport switching means 61 constituted by three step rollers and the like. , And three lower outlets A, B, C
Sent from any of

The reversing unit 6 has a reversing stack function for storing a single-sided printed sheet of up to A3 size, and has a paper discharge tray 62, a multi-stage discharge unit 7, a double-sided unit 9, and a large-volume discharge unit 8. A switching function.

The printed paper conveyed to the upper discharge port A is discharged onto its own discharge tray 62.

The multi-stage sheet discharging unit 7 has a large number of bins 71, and printed sheets sent out from the outlet B on the side of the reversing unit 6 are discharged to a bin specified by a control unit described later and stacked.

In this example, the large-volume discharge unit 8 receives printed sheets sent from the feed port C below the reversing unit 6 via a transport path in the double-sided unit 9 and sorts and stacks the jobs for each job. With function, up to A3
Holds up to 2000 sheets of paper up to the size.

The double-sided unit 9 has a function of receiving a sheet printed on one side from the lower outlet port C in the reversing unit 6 and supplying it to the printer body 1 again through the re-feeding path 91, thereby enabling double-sided printing. I do. Thus, the double-sided unit 9 has both functions of a sheet discharging unit and a sheet feeding unit.

Next, a control system of the printer system will be described.

FIG. 5 is a system block diagram of a control system in the case of an internal video interface, and FIG. 6 is a system block diagram of a control system in the case of an external video interface.

Printer main body 1 in printer system of FIG.
Is a controller control board 21 that is an image processing unit (image processing device) that creates image image data from character code data, and a print engine that is an image creation unit (image forming device) that creates a print image based on the image data. 100 and the print engine 100
It comprises a print engine control board 22, an operation panel 24, and a print engine mechanism 25.

The controller control board 21 is connected to the host system 2 by a parallel signal line 101 of the host interface, and the print engine control board 22 of the print engine 100 and the parallel and serial signal lines 102 of the controller engine interface by the operation panel. 24 is the serial signal line 10 of the controller / operation panel interface
Connected with 3 respectively.

The print engine control board 22 of the print engine 100 includes control boards 300, 400, and 50 of each option unit.
0 and a common engine / option interface serial signal line 104 (common signal line 10 in FIG. 1).
).

In FIG. 5, the first and second multi-stage paper feed units 3, 4 and the large-volume paper feed unit 5, which are the additional paper feed devices shown in FIG. 4, are collectively shown as an input option unit INP. Each of them comprises an input option unit control board 300 and an input option unit mechanism 310.

Similarly, assuming that there are a plurality of double-sided units 9 which are additional double-sided conveyance devices, these are illustrated as duplex option units DPX, and the duplex option unit control board 400 and the duplex option unit are respectively shown. It is composed of a mechanism section 410.

In addition, the reversing unit 6, the multi-stage discharging unit 7, and the large-volume discharging unit 8, which are additional paper discharging devices, are collectively referred to as an output option unit OUT. And part 510.

Printer body 1 'in the printer system of FIG.
Does not include a controller control board which is an image processing unit, and includes only a print engine 100 which is an image creation unit (image forming apparatus).
2 is directly connected to the host system 2 by a parallel signal line 105 of the host engine interface, and the operation panel 24 is connected to the host system 2 by a serial signal line 106 of the host / operation panel interface.

Further, the print engine control board 22 of the print engine 100 and the control boards 300, 400,
5 are connected by a serial signal line 104 of a common engine / option interface.
This is the same as the printer system shown in FIG.

In the case of this printer system, the host system has an image processing function, sends image image data (video data) as print data to the printer main body 1 ', and also has a control function as a printer controller. .

Next, the configuration of each part of the printer system shown in FIG. 5 will be specifically described, centering on each control board.

<Controller> FIG. 7 shows a configuration example of the controller control board.

This controller control board 21
1, a ROM 202, a RAM 203, a host interface control unit 204, an emulation control unit 205, an external font control unit 206, a video data buffer 207, a serial communication unit 208, 209, a font memory 210, and a timer 211. Connected by line 212.

A plurality of host interface control units 204, emulation control units 205, and external font control units 206 can be provided, respectively.
The 205 and the external font control unit 206 may be omitted if unnecessary.

The CPU 201 is a central processing unit that performs overall control of the entire controller, and uses a general-purpose 16-bit or 32-bit CPU.

The ROM 202 is a program memory, and stores various programs used by the CPU 201 and fixed data. Then, at least the following software (a) to (c) are stored as software for directly controlling the hardware.

(A) Host interface handler (b) Print engine handler (c) Operation panel handler Further, the following software (d) to (f) are stored as software that can be used in common regardless of each printer software.

(D) Diagnosis program (e) Test program (f) Service program The printer software is stored in the emulation card 215 and is loaded into the RAM 203 when necessary. Printer software can be stored.

The RAM 203 is a large-capacity random access memory used as a data buffer and a data register. The RAM 203 is an input buffer mainly for temporarily storing data received from the host system 2, and stores page data created by the CPU 201 based on the data. A page buffer, a video buffer for expanding image data (video data) created in page units based on the page data and the font data, a font file for storing a font downloaded from the host system 2, and a CPU 201.
Used as a working memory.

The host interface control unit 204 is an interface unit that is connected to the host system 2 via the host interface and controls transmission and reception of data. The host interface can select the following interface according to the type of the host system.

(A) Parallel interface / Centronics (b) Parallel interface / SCSI (c) Serial interface / RS-232C (d) Serial interface / RS-422 (e) LAN interface The emulation control unit 205 is inserted An interface unit for reading out printer software from the emulation card 215 obtained. The emulation card 215 is a sequential memory of parallel data constituted by a ROM storing printer software and an address counter for designating an address of the ROM.

The external font control unit 206 is an interface unit for reading font data from the inserted font card 216. The font card 216 includes a ROM storing font data representing a font image of characters, an address latch, and a data buffer.

The video data buffer 207 and the serial communication unit 208 are connected to the print engine control board 22 via a parallel signal line and a serial signal line 102 of a controller / engine interface.

When the video data created on the video buffer of the RAM 203 is read out by 16 bits or 32 bits, which is the processing unit of the CPU 201, the video data buffer 207 receives various control signals from the print engine control board 22 and writes data. The parallel data is converted into 8-bit parallel data or serial data by a synchronous clock (WCLK) and transmitted to the print engine control board 22.

In these parallel data or serial data video data (/ WDATA, / WDATA1 to / WDATA7), the signal "L"
The level represents a black dot image.

/ WDATA is a signal of the least significant bit of serial video data or 8-bit parallel video data.
1 to / WDATA7 are other 7-bit signals of the parallel video data.

These signals change in synchronization with the falling edge of / WCLK. In parallel video data, the most significant bit corresponds to the leftmost pixel. Here, “/” added before each signal indicates that it is a signal of negative logic (low active).

On the other hand, the serial communication unit 208 controls transmission and reception of various commands and responses to and from the serial communication unit 118 in FIG. 8 described later in the print engine control board 22.

The serial communication unit 209 exchanges various commands and responses, key input data, display data, and the like with the serial communication unit 144 of the operation panel 24 in FIG. 8 via the serial signal line 103 of the controller / operation panel interface. Controls sending and receiving.

The font memory 210 stores a resident font that is always used in the printer system.

The timer 211 is a system timer, and is also used for designating the operation timing of the CPU 201 and controlling the timeout of each control unit.

<Print Engine> FIG. 8 shows a configuration example of each part of the print engine 100.

The print engine control board 22 includes an optical control unit 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, and an A / D conversion circuit 1 that are collectively controlled by the CPU 110.
14, I / O port 115, address decoder 116, interrupt control unit 117,
Two serial communication units 118, 119 and three timers 120, 121,
122 are mutually connected by an address bus 123 and a data bus 124.

Further, an operational amplifier 125, a driver 126, and an amplifier 127
Is provided.

The optical control unit 111 includes an oscillator, a frequency divider, various counters, a flip-flop circuit, and the like, and writes the video data buffer 207 of the controller control board 21 with the write synchronization clock WCLK, the line synchronization signal LSYNC, and the gate signal LGATE.
And FGATE are output and the video signal (write data) WDATA
To control the optical writing unit 19 of the print engine mechanism 25.

That is, by controlling an LD driver 192 for emitting a laser diode 191 and a polygon motor 193 for rotating a polygon mirror for scanning the laser beam, the fourth
An image is written on the photosensitive drum 11 shown in FIG.

The ROM 112 stores programs to be executed by the CPU 110 and fixed data. The RAM 113 stores the results of calculations or determinations by the CPU 110, and is used as a data register and data buffer for temporarily storing data.

The table for storing the logical ID and the device ID assigned corresponding to the logical ID as shown in FIG.
It is provided in M113.

The A / D conversion circuit 114 amplifies, using an operational amplifier 125, a detection signal from a sensor that outputs an analog signal, such as a thermistor 131 in the print engine mechanism 25, and inputs the amplified signal.
It is converted into a digital signal and read by the CPU 110.

The I / O port 115 receives signals from various sensors 135 or switches 136 that generate binary signals in the print engine mechanism section 25 through an amplifier 127, various motors 132 such as a main motor and a transport motor, and a plunger. A drive signal is output to a clutch 133 and a clutch 134 via a driver 126.

When the CPU 110 reads or writes data, the address decoder 116 outputs a chip select signal CS for designating the chip.

When the interrupt signal INT is input, the interrupt control unit 117
An interrupt request signal IRQ is output to 10.

The serial communication unit 118 controls transmission and reception of commands and responses to and from the serial communication unit 208 of the controller control board 21 described above.

The serial communication unit 119 manages transmission and reception of commands and responses via the control board of each option unit and the serial signal line 104 of the engine / option interface.

Note that optical fibers can be used for these serial signal lines, and in that case, these serial communication units can transmit and receive by optical communication.

The timer 120 is a timer for optical control, the timer 121 is a timer for communication control, and the timer 122 is another timer for control.

The operation panel 24 includes various key switches 141 and a display module 142, which are controlled by a micro computer (abbreviated as a microcomputer) 143, and connected to the controller control board 21 by a serial communication unit 144. To send key input data and input display data.

<Option Unit> Next, the input option unit shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 shows a configuration common to INP, duplex option unit DPX, and output option unit OUT.

Here, a portion common to each of the option unit control boards is shown as an option unit control board 600, and a common mechanism is shown as an option unit mechanism 610.

The option unit control board 600 includes a CPU 601 and a ROM 602, a RAM 603, an I / O port 604,
And a serial communication unit 605 are connected to each other by a bus line 606.

In addition, I / O port 604 has driver 607 and amplifier 608
And the depth switches 609a and 609b are connected.

ROM 602 is a program memory and data memory.
01 stores the program to be executed and fixed data, and its own unit type (INP, DPX, OUT) and attributes, such as the number of paper cassettes and paper size in the case of an input option unit. The presence or absence of the self-detection means, the presence or absence of the manual feed function, etc., and if the output option unit, the presence or absence of the job separation,
The face down discharge or face up discharge is also stored here.

If these attributes change in the option units of the same series, for example, the multi-stage paper feeding unit type 1 has five paper feeding trays and the multi-stage paper feeding unit type 2
May have 10 paper trays.

When this is controlled by one type of option control board, there is a method of storing these attribute data in NVRAM (non-volatile memory capable of electrically erasing and writing).

The RAM 603 is a data register and a data buffer memory, and is also used as a temporary storage of data and a working memory of the CPU 601. When the option unit is assigned, a flag indicating that the option unit is assigned is set, and is also used as a register for storing a 3-bit logical ID code included in a command from the print engine 100 at that time.

On the other hand, the device ID code of this option unit is set and stored as a 4-bit code ("0000" to "1111") by the depth switch 609a.

Note that a 2-bit unit type code (INT: “00”, DPX: “01”, OUT: “1”
0 ") may be set and stored by the depth switch 609a.

Further, a code of an insertion port of the printer main body 1 into which the option unit is inserted is set and stored by the depth switch 609b.

The serial communication unit 605 manages transmission and reception of commands and responses to and from the serial communication unit 119 of the print engine control board 22 described above.

The I / O port 604 reads out and inputs the device ID code, the unit type code, and the insertion port code set and stored by the above-described depth switches 609a and 609b according to a command from the CPU 601.

A signal is output to a driver 607 to drive and control the motor 611, the clutch 612, the plunger 613, and the like of the mechanism unit 610 of the option unit, and a detection signal from the sensor 614, the switch 615, and the like is input via the amplifier 608. I do.

Next, communication between the print engine and each of the option units will be described.

First, the communication conditions between the print engine and the option unit are as follows.

1. Interface: asynchronous serial I / F 2. Communication speed: 9600 baud 3. Parity bit: none 4. Stop bit: 1 Next, the communication protocol will be described.

Communication from the print engine to the option unit is performed by transmitting a command, and communication from the option unit to the print engine is performed by transmitting a response.

An example of the format of this command and response is shown in FIG.

One command is by connexion configured operator and Agiyumento, b ₇ ~b ₅ argument is always "111", also shows logical ID code option Chillon Units - To communicate the operator b ₇ ~b ₅ print engine .

The operator also serves as the end of one instruction.

The types of commands used in this embodiment are as follows.

<Basic command> 1. Ink unit status (Inquire unit status) “*** 10001” 2. Ink paper size “*** 10010” 3. Ink unit condition (Inquire unit condition) "*** 10011" 4.Ink iron unit availability (Inquire unit availability) "*** 10100" 5.Ink eye unit specification specification # 1 (Inquire unit specification # 1) "*** 10101" 6.Ink Iron Unit Specification # 2 (Inquire unit specification # 2) "*** 10110" 7. Ink Unit Unit specification # 3 (Inquire unit specification # 3) "*** 10111" 8. Ink Eye Excited Paper ID (Inquire exited paper ID) “*** 11000” 9. Inquiry unit firmware version (Inquire u nit firmware version) “*** 11111” 10.Tray selection “*** 00001” 11.Mode setting “*** 00010” 12.Paper size setting “* ** 00011 "13.Paper feed start" *** 00100 "14.Paper feed stop" *** 00101 "15.Paper feed restart" ** * 00110 "16.Paper eject start" *** 01000 "17.Paper eject end" *** 01001 "18.Initializing (*** 01110) 19.Abort (Abort) “*** 01111” 20. Length of print engine path (*** 01010) 21. Registration distance (Registrationt distance) “*** 01011” 22. Transport velocity “*** 01100” < Enhance command> 23. Assign Device ID (*** 11001) 24. Inquire Assigned Device ID (*** 11010) 25. Inquire Device ID (Inquire Device ID) "*** 11011" These commands are always executed in real time by the option unit.

Each option unit has a specific tray selection, mode set, paper size set, print engine
Path length, resist distance, transfer speed, and specified device ID
Mode, status, or designation is retained until re-selected by these commands.

Commands must be sent to the operator first with arguments, but the arguments of the command consisting of arguments and operators can be omitted, and the option unit must correctly recognize commands without arguments.

For example, if the print engine sends a command without arguments, such as a command such as the “Inquire Unit Status” command, the argument before the same command to the same Logical ID unit is valid as the effective argument. It is.

However, the “paper eject start” command,
The "assign device ID" command shown in FIG. 10 (b) and the "inquire device I" shown in FIG. 10 (d).
Except for the D "command. In these commands, the previous argument is never valid.

Also, arguments for other commands and other logical
Arguments to the ID unit are invalid in any case.

If there is no valid argument on the option unit side when the command is received, the option unit must take the default value as the effective argument.

The response is a message sent from the option unit to the print engine, and indicates that the command has been received. All of the response is the length of one byte, b ₇ is summer to "0".

If the option unit does not support the function of the received command, the option unit must return <7Fhex>, that is, "01111111" as a response.

FIG. 10B shows an “assign device ID” command transmitted when the print engine assigns a device ID to a logical ID, and a format of a response transmitted from the option unit receiving the command.

This b ₃ ~b ₀ arguments command enters the device ID code is assigned, the operator of b ₇ ~b
₅ (indicated by ***) contains the logical ID code to be assigned.

For example, if this command is “111 × 0010,00011001”, the command is “assign device ID“ 0010 ”(INP # 3: large-volume paper feed unit 5) as logical ID“ 000 ”(IN # 1)”. Will do.

In response to this, the CPU 601 of the option unit having the device ID “0010” (the large-volume sheet feeding unit 5 in the above example) recognizes this and returns a response of “00000010”.

This means that “device ID“ 0010 ”is changed to logical ID“ 000 ”(IN
# 1). "

Here, no Units - type code to the device ID code, two bits of b _6, b ₅ logical ID code is Units - type code, discrimination since in this example, "00" represents the Imp bracts Units - it can.

FIG. 10 (c) shows a command for inquiring the device ID of the option unit assigned to a specific logical ID.
Shows the "D" command and its response. This command is an operator-only command without an argument. For example, "00011010" queries each option unit as to what is assigned to the logical ID "000". Will do.

If the option unit having the assigned device ID is a large-volume feeder, a response of “00000010” (input option unit “0010” is assigned to the logical ID IN # 1) is then sent. Will return.

FIG. 10 (d) shows a "INQUIRE DEVICE ID" command for inquiring whether or not a specific option unit can communicate, and a response thereto.

The device ID code to query the b ₃ ~b ₀ argument to this command, put Units - type code to b ₇ ~b ₆ operators. For example, “111 × 0010,00 × 11011”
Is a command for inquiring whether the input option unit "0010" (mass feeder unit 5) is communicable.

Then, if the large-volume paper feeding unit 5 is assigned, a response of “000 × 0010” is returned.

By the way, as mentioned above, the command operator b ₇
If ~b ₅ is decreased to "110", indicating that the command is a global ID command. “110” is a global ID address.

If a global ID command is issued from the print engine, all option units in a communication-enabled state must execute this command as much as possible. However, no option unit should issue a response to this command.

The print engine issues the next command without waiting for a response to the global ID command.

Here, the general rules of the communication protocol between the print engine and the option unit are listed.

(A) Except for the global ID command, the print engine must not issue the next command unless it has received a response to the command issued immediately before.

The print engine can issue a global ID command before receiving a response to the previous command.

(B) When a global ID command is issued from the print engine, all option units in a communicable state must execute this command as much as possible.

However, no option unit must send a response to this command.

The print engine must issue the next command for the global ID command without waiting for a response.

(C) The option unit must not send anything before receiving a command from the print engine.

(D) An option unit other than an actual physical option unit having a device ID code corresponding to the logical ID code specified by the command must not issue any response to the print engine.

(E) Even if the option unit specified by the logical ID code of the operator section detects a communication error in a command from the print engine, the command is ignored and no response is sent. No.

(F) The command must send the arguments first, followed by the operator. Arguments may be omitted in commands consisting of argument operators. The option unit must correctly recognize commands without arguments.

(G) If a communication error is detected while the print engine is waiting for a response, the command issued immediately before must be transmitted again.

If an error is detected again, the print engine must determine that the option unit is in a communication disabled state and notify the controller of this state.

(H) If the print engine detects a communication error when not expecting to receive any response from any of the option units, the print engine may ignore it.

If the error is detected again, the print engine must determine that all of the option units are in a communication-disabled state and notify the controller of the occurrence of this state.

(I) Communication errors between the print engine and the option unit are classified into the following types.

(1) Framing error or overrun error: hardware error (2) Data format error (A) Excessive argument: The length of the argument is 2 bytes or more (B) Multi-command: Before transmitting the response to the previous command (C) Excessive response: Length of response is 2 bytes or more. (D) Unexpected response: Received response before issuing command. (3) Out-of-range error: Received data. (Argument, operator or response) is out of the assigned range. (J) Timeout error (1) No operator (No operator received within specified time after receiving argument. (2) No response: After issuing command other than global ID command. ,
If no response is received within the specified time (k) If the Option Unit detects a communication error when receiving a command, it must ignore both the argument and the operator.

(L) When two or more responses are received for one command, the print engine invalidates all the received responses.

(M) Except for the global ID command, the option unit must send a response within 20 ms, usually up to 80 ms after receiving the command. And 80
After milliseconds, the option unit must not send any response.

If no response is received within 100 ms after the command is issued, the print engine determines that a communication error (timeout error) has occurred.

(N) For commands consisting of two or more bytes, the interval between each byte must be within 80 milliseconds.

If the option unit receives an argument 10
If no operator is received within 0 ms, it is determined that a communication error (timeout error) has occurred.

(O) All commands issued by the print engine must be immediately executed by the option unit. That is, the option unit must execute all commands in real time.

<< Enhancement Command >> Next, the above-mentioned enhancement command will be described in more detail.

By using this command, the print engine can specify the physical device ID code as a logical (logical) ID code again and change the system configuration.

The format: "argument" + "operator" _{argument; b 7 ~b 5: "111} " b 4: "X" ( spare) b ₃ ~b _0: Thebaid ID code operator; b ₇ ~b _5: Logical ID Code Units - type code (b _7, b ₆₎ + Yunitsuto number (b ₅₎ Yunitsutotaipu "00": IN "01" : DPX "10": OUT Yunitsuto number "0": Yunitsuto # 1 "1": Yunitsuto # 2 b ₄ ~b _0: "11001" to represent the operator of eight bits of the b ₇ ~b ₀ a two-digit hex code, the assignment for the operator of the following five logical device.

<19hex> Imp bract Units - # 1 <39hex> Imp bract Units - # 2 <59hex> Deyu pre try Units - <99hex> Autopu bract Units - # 1 <B9hex> Autopu bract Units - # 2 Response: "ID Saimento" b _7: "0 "b ₆ ~b _4: assigned logical ID Units - type code (b _6, b ₅₎ + Yunitsuto number _{(b 4) b 3 ~b 0} : assigned device ID code (NOTE) 1. this command Upon receipt, the newly assigned device sends a response and the previously assigned device must not send a response even if the newly assigned device does not respond correctly.

2. If the physical ID corresponding to the specified device ID actually exists and can communicate with the print engine at that time, the specified device sends a response to the print engine.

3. Devices other than the device having the specified device ID code and the specified unit type code do not send a response to the print engine.

4. The print engine uses a logical unit ID (logical ID) if the specified device ID of the specified unit type works well.
Can be determined by the following command sequence, with or without assignment.

a. Send the "assign device ID" command once.

b.If an accurate response is received within 100mS,
This means that the specified device is in a communicable state and that the “assigned device ID” command has been received.

c. 100ms after sending “Assign Device ID” command
If no response is received within this time, the print engine sends an “assign device ID” command again.

d. If no response is received for the second time, the print engine determines that the device with the specified device ID is currently in a communication disabled state.

5. If this command is issued omitting the argument, any option units will ignore it and no option unit will send a response.

6. The codes "011", "110", and "111" must not be used as (unit type code) + (unit number). If the print engine issues a command containing one of these to the operator, all option units ignore it and no option unit sends a response to the print engine.

By using this command, the print engine can refer to and confirm the device ID code number currently assigned to each logical ID code number.

Format: “operator” only Operator; b _{7 to} b ₅ : Logical ID code b ₄ −b ₀ : “11010” The operator consisting of the above 8 bits b _{7 to} b ₀ is represented by a two-digit hexadecimal code. The operator becomes an inquiry operator for six types of logical devices.

<1Ahex> Input unit # 1 <3Ahex> Input unit # 2 <5Ahex> Duplex (INP) <7Ahex> Duplex (OUT) <9Ahex> Output unit # 1 <BAhex> Output unit # 2 Response; "ID _{"assignment" b 7: "0" b} 6 ~b 4: the specified logical ID code b ₃ ~b _0:. device currently assigned ID default; a base Shitsuku engine system each device ID code numbers are all Same as the logical ID code number.

b. Enhanced Engine System Logical ID by “Assign Device ID” command
No option unit responds to this command before it is assigned to a code.

(Note) 1. If the physical device corresponding to the specified logical ID is not currently valid, no option unit responds.

2. Codes “110” and “111” must not be used for logical ID codes. If the print engine issues a command containing one of these to the operator, all option units ignore it and no option unit sends a response to the print engine.

The print engine can use this command to check all device ID code numbers of all unit types that are currently in a communicable state.

The format; "argument" + "operator" _{Agiyumento; b 7 ~b 5: "111} " b 4: "X" ( spare) b ₃ ~b _0: Device ID code operator; b _7, b _6: Units - type code b _5: "X" _{(spare) b 4 ~b 0: "11011} "response;"ID_{assignment" b 7: "0" b} 6, b 5: specify Units - type code b _4: "X" (pre Bei) b ₃ ~b _0: physical device corresponding to the designated device ID code (NOTE): 1. the specified device ID of the specified Yunitsutotaipu is actually present, if able to communicate with the print engine at that time , The designated device sends a response to the print engine.

2. Physical devices other than the device having the specified device ID code and the specified unit type code do not send a response to the print engine.

3. The print engine can check whether the specified device ID of the specified unit type is in a communicable state by the following command sequence.

a. Send the "Inquiry device ID" command once.

b. If an accurate response is received within 100 mS, it is determined that the specified device is in a communicable state and that the “Inquire Device ID” command has been received.

c. If no response is received within 100 ms after sending the “Inquire Device ID” command, the print engine sends the “Inquire Device ID” command again.

d. If the second attempt also fails, it is determined that the option unit having the specified device ID is not currently in a communicable state.

4. If the argument is omitted and this command is issued, all option units ignore it and
No option unit sends a response.

5. Codes “011”, “110” and “111” must not be used for logical ID codes.

If the print engine issues a command containing one of these to the operator, all option units ignore it and no option unit sends a response to the print engine.

Specific Basic Command Next, main basic commands that can use the global ID address will be described.

This command is a command for initializing the option unit.

The format; "operator" only operator; b ₇ ~b _5: Logical ID code or global ID address _{"110" b 4 ~b 0:} "01110" the b ₇ ~b by connexion configured operator 8 bits of the ₀ When represented by a two-digit hexa code, there are the following six types.

<0Ehex> Input unit # 1 <2Ehex> Input unit # 2 <4Ehex> Duplex unit <8Ehex> Output unit # 1 <AEhex> Output unit # 2 <CEhex> Global ID address "11001110"response; _{b 7: "0" b 6} ~b 0: Units - status code (code indicating the state of Yunitsuto) (NOTE) 1. this command is used to initialize the options Chillon Units -.

2. Upon receiving this command, the option unit responds with "current unit status", and initializes and diagnoses the option unit itself. Thus, if the engine issues this command during paper movement, a paper jam may occur.

3. When the print engine issues this command with the global ID address, all option units execute this "initialize" command as much as possible, but no response is sent by any option unit.

This command informs the currently selected input tray and output tray or the duplex unit of the paper size information.

This command is not used if the input unit can detect the paper size of all input trays. Arguments can be omitted if the print engine sets the same paper size.
In that case, the preceding paper size code is effective.

The format; "Magiyumento" + "operator" _{Agiyumento; b 7 ~b 5: "111} " b 4 ~b 0: paper size code (see FIG. 18) the operator; b ₇ ~b _5: Logical ID code or a global ID address _{"110" b 4 ~b 0:} "00011" to represent the above b ₇ O connexion configured operator 8 bits of ~b ₀ a 2-digit hex code become the next six.

<03hex> Input unit # 1 <23hex> Input unit # 2 <43hex> Duplex unit <83hex> Output unit # 1 <A3hex> Output unit # 2 <C3hex> Global ID address "11000011"response; b ₇ : “0” b _{6 to} b ₀ : paper size code (see FIG. 18) Default: The default paper size code of the argument is “00000” (free size 1, paper size is undefined).

(NOTE): 1. code b ₄ ~b ₀ of the list shown in FIG. 18 is used as a paper size code in Agiyumento of this command.

2. The five-bit paper size code detected by the print engine, set by the controller, or announced by the size-detectable input option unit is listed in FIG. If none of the codes match, the print engine selects the closest length of code listed and informs the Option Unit.

3. This command is valid for output tray and duplex unit. Furthermore, this command is also effective for input units that cannot detect the paper size of each input tray.

However, if this command is issued to an input unit that allows the engine to detect the paper size of its own input tray, the input unit responds with its own detected size code regardless of the information from the print engine. I do.

4.If the print engine issues this command with a global ID address, all option units will set the specified paper size code as much as possible as the paper size of the currently selected tray, but any option unit will respond. Do not send

This command is for causing the option unit to stop the paper conveyance urgently and to set all the actuators to the initial positions.

The format; "operator" only operator; b ₇ ~b _5: Logical ID code or global ID address _{"110" b 4 ~b 0:} "01111" the b ₇ ~b by connexion configured operator 8 bits of the ₀ When represented by a two-digit hexa code, there are the following six types.

<0Fhex> Input unit # 1 <2Fhex> Input unit # 2 <4Fhex> Duplex unit <8Fhex> Output unit # 1 <AFhex> Output unit # 2 <CFhex> Global ID address "11001111"response; b ₇ : “0” b _{6 to} b ₀ : Unit status code (Note) 1. This command is normally used to make the Option Unit stop the paper movement urgently. Upon receiving this command, the specified option unit immediately stops all operations even if the sheet is being conveyed.

Thus, if the print engine issues this command while moving a sheet, a paper jam may occur.

2. Set an option unit having an actuator, for example, an actuator of a large-capacity input unit having an actuator for lifting a paper table, to an initial position.

3. When the print engine issues this command with the global ID address, each option unit executes an "abort" command as much as possible, but none of the option units send a response.

Example of use of global ID command Here, an example of use of the global ID command and advantages of using the command will be described.

(1) Initialization command When executing initialization (initialization operation and self-diagnosis) of the printer system, first, the controller issues an initialization command to the print engine, and then the print engine issues the initialization command to all option units. Issue.

Since the initialization operation and self-diagnosis take a considerable amount of time for each option unit, if the print engine issues an initialization command to each option unit in order, all of the option units must complete the initialization operation. You spend a lot of time.

Therefore, the use of the global ID command allows all the option units to execute the initialization operation at the same time, so that the execution time can be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, since the global ID command is valid for all device IDs including option units (additional devices) not assigned to a logical ID, the execution of initialization is simultaneously commanded for all of the connected option units. can do.

(2) Paper size setting command When a print operation is executed by selecting an input tray that cannot detect the paper size by itself, the input unit and output can be set by using the paper size setting command as a global ID command. Paper-size settings can be made simultaneously for the unit and the duplex unit.

Thus, the number of commands issued by the print engine can be reduced, and the processing can be simplified.

(3) Abort command The global ID command is particularly effective when it is necessary to urgently transmit information to all option units.

For example, when a paper jam occurs in a certain unit, unless the movement of all the papers is stopped urgently, a failure may occur such that the papers are damaged or a plurality of papers are jammed in the same place.

In such a situation, if a stop instruction is issued to each option unit, a problem may occur that a secondary failure has already occurred after the instruction was issued. There is.

In such a case, it is possible to issue a stop command to all the option units at the same time by using the global ID command, and to respond immediately when the primary failure occurs, to respond to the secondary failure. A great effect is obtained that the occurrence of the phenomenon can be prevented beforehand.

(4) Others When the same mode is set for all option units, the number of issued commands can be reduced by using a mode set command as a global ID command.

The command "Length of prine" that transmits the print engine characteristic value to the option
engine path) "," Registration distan
ce) "," Transport velocity "can also be transmitted to all the option units at once by using them as global ID commands, thereby simplifying the processing.

Next, communication between the controller and the print engine will be described.

The communication conditions between the controller and the print engine are the same as the communication conditions between the print engine and the option unit, and are as follows.

1. Interface: Asynchronous serial I / F 2. Communication speed: 9600 baud 3. Parity bit: None 4. Stop bit: 1 Communication between the controller and the print engine is performed via a standardized laser printer video interface (LPVI). The following four signals / PETXD, / PERXD, / PECTS, and /
Made by PEDTR.

Here, these interface signals will be briefly described.

(1) / PERXD This signal is a serial communication reception data signal line for sending a command from the controller to the print engine.

(2) / PETXD This signal is a serial communication transmission data signal line that sends a response and an event report from the print engine to the controller.

(3) / PEDTR This signal is a ready signal line for serial communication for command transmission. When this signal is "L", it indicates that the controller may send a command to the print engine.

The print engine is powered on or initialized (including when system configuration is established)
Except for this signal, this signal must be held low.

(4) / PECTS This signal is a serial communication ready signal line for transmitting a response or an event report. When this signal is "L", it indicates that the print engine may send a response or an event report to the controller.

The controller must hold this signal "L" except when the power is turned on or when the communication with the print engine cannot be performed.

If the print engine receives too many event reports while this signal is "H", it may discard old event reports.

Next, a communication protocol between the controller and the print engine will be briefly described.

Communication between the controller and the print engine is performed by transmitting a command from the controller to the print engine, receiving the command, and returning a response to the controller.

Each command is composed of a 1-byte argument and an operator. As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), the most significant bit of the argument is always "1".
The most significant bit of the operator is always "0".

The command sends the argument first and the operator later.

Arguments can also be omitted, in which case the print engine must correctly recognize the command without the argument.

If a command consisting of an Argument and an Operator (eg, a "Status Request" command) is issued by the controller without an Argument, the previous Argument of the same command is effectively in effect.

When the print engine receives the command, if there is no valid argument, the print engine defaults to a virtual argument.

The response is to send the information requested by the received command from the print engine to the controller.

The length of each response is 1 byte, and the most significant bit is "0" as shown in FIG. 11 (c). However, in the case of a response to the "illegal command" shown in FIG. 9D, all bits are "1".

Event reports show events (options such as occurrence of jams and supply shortage) in the option unit and print engine.
When an error occurs, the print engine sends information not requested to the controller as a response.

Each event report includes one as shown in FIG.
It has a length of one byte and its most significant bit is "1".

Whether this event report can be generated or not is made by the controller using the 'ETB' command.

In this embodiment, the types of commands transmitted by the controller are as follows, and there are 13 basic commands and 3 enhance commands.

<Basic command> 1. Status request 'ENQ' 2. Inquiry input tray condition 'SI' 3. Inquiry output tray condition 'S
O '4. Ink Eye Paper Size of Input Tray' EM '5. * Feed Start' FF '6. * Print Start' VT '7. * Input Tray Select' DC1 '8. * Output Tray Select' DC2 '9. Event report enable' ETB '10. * Print engine mode set' DC4 '11. * Paper size set' DC3 '12. Inquiry exited paper ID (ACK) 13. Reset' CAN ''<EnhancementCommand> 14. Assigned Device ID' FS '15. Inquiry Assigned Device ID' GS '16. Inquiry Communication Active
Device ID 'RS' Of the above commands, those marked with * are stored in the command buffer and executed sequentially.

However, as for the commands of "Input tray select", "Output tray select", "Print engine mode set" and "Paper size set", if the command with the argument is accompanied by another command with an argument. If neither the "feed start" command nor the "print start" command follows before, the previous command is erased from the command buffer and becomes ineffective.

This means that if no 'FF' or 'VT' command follows, the tray, paper size or mode specified by the command will be the selected tray, selected paper size or selected mode. It does not mean

These commands are not valid for the previous “feed start” command or “print start” command.

The print engine sets the mode or status specified by the "input tray select", "output tray select", "print engine mode select" or "paper size set" command, and then uses these commands to set the mode or status. Hold until status or mode is reselected.

The print engine never clears the contents of the command queue by itself, but clears it with a command received from the controller. Also, the 'FF' and 'VT' commands in the command buffer are erased at the start of their execution.

If the mode set and tray select are done properly and a sufficient number of 'FF' and 'VT' commands are stored in the command buffer, or 'FF' and 'VT' commands are appropriated by the controller. When issued at time intervals, the print engine executes these commands at maximum throughput (print speed).

A general command transmission sequence for the controller to request the print engine to execute printing is shown below.

1) Input tray selection An input tray including a double-sided input unit is selected. If the argument is omitted, the previous tray is valid.

The previous tray is also effective when the "input tray select" command is not issued.

2) Output tray selection An output tray including a duplex output unit is selected. If the argument is omitted, the previous tray is valid.

The previous tray is also effective when the "output tray select" command is not issued.

3) Feed request Send a "feed start" command. If this command has not been issued, the next "print start" command is valid for feed and print.

4) Print request Send a "print start" command.

If the “/ PRINT signal ignore flag” of “system current mode” is “0”, the controller also
It is also possible to request the print engine to execute printing with the "print request sequence hand-shake by NT and PREADY". Note that "/" preceding each signal means negative logic (low active).

This request is executed prior to the 'FF' and 'VT' commands. However, it is not stacked in the command queue. The print request sequence is valid only in real-time execution.

If the controller does not request printing with the / PRINT signal, the print engine mode is changed to “ignore / PRINT signal” by issuing the 'DT4' command.
Mode should be set.

If the print engine receives the / PRINT signal and 'FF' and 'V
If a print request is received by both the T 'command and the command timing and sequence, a serious error may occur in the execution of the command.

The controller queries the print engine's current status (eg, the currently active input tray) just prior to requesting the print engine to perform printing via the / PRINT signal line.

A response to a command (command marked with *) stored in the command buffer is transmitted from the print engine immediately after receiving the command, not when the command is executed.

As such, the content of the response may sometimes differ from the actual status of the execution of the command. For example, after responding to the “Input Tray Select” command, if a cassette of a different size is mounted on the selected input tray, the actual paper size will be “Input Select”.
This is different from the size sent by the print engine in response to the command.

In such a case, the status of the print engine becomes an error state (input size mismatch).

For the "Status Request" command, which queries the currently active input tray, the currently active output tray, and the current mode status of the system, the print engine issues the "FF" command immediately after the start of execution or the second command. Answer the currently active tray specified for the mode 'VT' command, or answer the currently active mode at that time.

The print engine will not respond to the tray code or mode specified by a command that has not been executed in the command queue.

The capacity of the command buffer should be as large as possible, depending on the maximum print speed of the print engine, but if the print speed of the print engine is less than 20 pages / minute, it will be equivalent to 32 papers Having enough capacity is enough.

If the controller wants to change the currently active input or output tray because the paper is empty or full while the print engine is executing a 'FF' or 'VT' command. The controller first issues a "command buffer clear" command and then reselects a new input or output tray.

In some cases, the print engine must predict the status of each unit and predict a response in response to the predicted status.

For example, a double-sided unit overflow or paper empty status is expected because it depends on the previous command, even if the previous command has not yet been executed in the command buffer.

The "reset" command is a command for instructing the print engine to:

-Command error flag (Example: paper size error)
Resetting.

・ Reset the misfeed flag.

・ Clear the command buffer.

• Initialize the system.

・ Perform system initialization or reset the maintenance request flag.

If the controller requests the same function again, the controller can send only the operator as a command. In that case, the previous function is effective.

The format; "Agiyumento" + 'CAN'<18hex>_{Agiyumento; b 7: "1" b} 6 ~b 3: "××××" ( enhancement spare) b ₂ ~b _0: Juan click Chillon code (table below For example, “1 × 100” is an initialization command argument.

Response: “Printer General Status” Default: If the controller requests without an argument after power-up or initialization, the print engine will execute a request function corresponding to the lowest argument number and respond with a general status.

<Enhancement Command> Here, among the commands from the controller to the engine, the enhancement command will be described.

This protocol specification basically consists of:-a print engine input tray-a print engine output tray-an input unit of up to two options (communicating directly with the print engine)-an output unit of up to two options (Direct communication with print engine) ・ It is possible to support an engine system consisting of at most one screen unit (direct communication with print engine).

However, the print engine can perform processing for assigning a logical ID code to the third, fourth, or higher option units.

The controller can change the system configuration by specifying the device ID code as the logical ID code and using this command.

In other words, any communicable option unit can constitute the engine system.

The area of the device ID code is # 0 to # 15 for each of "input unit", "output unit", and "double-sided unit".

The format: "Agiyumento" + 'FS'<1Chex>_{Agiyumento; b 7: "1" b} 6 -b 4: Logical ID code b ₃ -b _0: Device ID Code Response: "ID assignment" b _7: "0 "b ₆ -b ₄ : Specific logical ID code b ₃ -b ₀ : Assigned device ID code After power up or initialization, the default values of the arguments are as follows.

b ₆ b ₅ b ₄ b ₃ b ₂ b ₁ b ₀ 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 (Note) 1. If the engine system cannot process this command, the engine system always responds to this command with 7Fhex. I do.

Then, the controller recognizes that the engine system is not an enhancement system.

(The device ID code has the same number as the logical ID code.) 2. This command is issued while the ready state of the engine system is in a complete state.

('FF' command and 'VT' in the command buffer)
Commands are not stacked and there is no paper in the system's pay-per-pass. Otherwise, the engine system responds to the previous assignment without receiving this command.

3. If the option unit corresponding to the specific device ID is currently unavailable (currently "communicable"), the engine system responds to the previous assignment.

Furthermore, if there is no if the previous designated Yunitsuto, engine system responds by excisional the code "111" that a particular Yunitsuto indicating the unavailable to b ₆ ~b ₄ of default values Agiyumento.

The controller confirms the device ID code number specified for each logical ID code number by using this command.

Format: “Argument” + 'GS'<1Dhex>Argument; b ₇ : “1” b ₆ − b ₄ : Logical ID code b ₃ − b ₀ : (reserved) Response: “ID assignment” b ₇ : “ 0 "b ₆ -b ₄ : Specific logical ID code b ₃ -b ₀ : Assigned device ID code After power up or initialization, the default values of the arguments are as follows.

b ₆ b ₅ b ₄ b ₃ b ₂ b ₁ b ₀ 0 0 0 XXXX (Note) 1. If the engine system cannot process this command, the engine system responds to this command with 7Fhex. respond.

Then, the controller knows that the engine system is not enhancement (the device ID code is assigned the same number as the logical ID code).

2. If the physical device unit corresponding to the specific special logical ID code is currently unavailable (currently in a communication-disabled state), the engine system stores a code "111" indicating that the specific unit is unavailable. and respond to excisional to the bit b ₄ ~b ₄ of default values.

This command is used by the controller to confirm the device ID code of the currently communicable device (option unit) regardless of whether the designated device is specified as a logical ID code.

Format: “Argument” + 'RS'<1Ehex>Argument; b ₇ : “1” b ₆ −b ₅ : Unit type code b ₄ : (reserved) b ₃ −b ₀ : Device ID code Response: “ID assignment placement _{"b 7:" 0 "b} 6 -b 5: specific Units - type code b ₄ :( spare) b ₃ -b _0: communicable device ID code default: after Pawaatsupu or initialization, default of Agiyumento The values are as follows:

b ₆ b ₅ b ₄ b ₃ b ₂ b ₁ b ₀ 0 0 X 0 0 0 0 (Note) 1. If the engine system cannot process this command, the engine system
Respond x.

Then, the controller knows that the engine system is not an enhanced system (a device ID code is given the same number as a logical ID code).

2. If the physical device unit corresponding to the specific logical ID code is not available at present (currently communicable)
If it is, the engine system specific Yunitsuto responds by excisional to b ₆ ~b ₄ of default values of Agiyumento code "111" indicating the unavailability.

Initial setup Next, FIG. 12 and FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 shows the relationship between the transmission and reception of signals between the operation panel, the host system, the controller, the print engine, and each of the option units at the time of initialization, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the operation of the print engine.

Therefore, the flowchart of FIG. 13 will be described. When the power-on (power-on) and the initialization command are received from the controller, the print engine sends the initialization command to all the additional devices (option units). send.

This initialization command may use “11001110” including the global ID address “110” as the operator.

Then, the print engine itself performs initialization and self-diagnosis to perform initialization, and all communicable additional devices that have received the initialization command also perform initialization and self-diagnosis to initialize.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the printer system is an enhanced system. If YES, the communication system is recognized as an enhanced system. When the state becomes the same as the previous cycle, the state of each device ID is determined.

The reason why the results of the two confirmations are coincident is to prevent the state of the additional device in an unstable state such as a transient state from being erroneously determined.

Next, one device ID is assigned to one logical ID in priority order, and the establishment of the system configuration is completed.

 Here, the priorities include the following 1 and 2.

Priority 1: Devices that can communicate Priority 2: Younger device ID codes On the other hand, if not an enhanced system, since it is a basic system, all logical ID units (5 IDs)
Is confirmed twice or more times, and when the status of each logical ID unit becomes the same as the previous cycle, the status of each additional device is determined and the establishment of the system configuration is completed. .

The print engine must not issue any command to any option unit during initialization of itself.

Also, any option unit must not send any response to the print engine while initializing itself.

After establishing the system configuration,
Although the print engine can communicate with the controller, the / PEDTR signal, which is a communication ready signal with the controller, must be turned off until the print engine is finished.

The / PEDTR signal (/ represents a negative logic signal) is a serial communication ready signal for command transmission. When this signal is "L", it indicates that the controller may send a command to the print engine.

The print engine is powered on or initialized (including when system configuration is established)
Must be held at this signal "L" except for

Next, the establishment of the system configuration will be described.

The states of all option units (all device IDs) viewed from the print engine side are classified into the following four states.

(1) Allocate active: The option unit is assigned to a logical ID code and can communicate with the print engine at present.

(2) Allocated inactive: The option unit is assigned to a logical ID code, but cannot currently communicate normally with the print engine.

(3) Day Allocate Active: The option unit is any logical ID
Although it is not assigned to a code, it can currently communicate with the print engine.

(4) Day Allocated Inactive: The option unit is any logical ID
It has not been assigned to a code, and cannot currently communicate properly with the print engine.

The transition from each of the above states to another state is due to the following causes.

(1) → (2): A communication error was detected twice or more.

(1) → (3): Deallocated by assign device ID command (*** 11001).

(1) → (4): No direct transition.

(2) → (1): A correct response was returned to the command.

(2) → (3): No direct transition.

(2) → (4): Deallocated by the assigned device ID command (*** 11001).

(3) → (1): A correct response was returned to the assigned device ID command (*** 11001).

(3) → (2): An incorrect response was returned to the assigned device ID command (*** 11001), or no response was returned.

(3) → (4): An incorrect response was returned to the Inquiry device ID command (*** 11011), or no response was returned.

(4) → (1): A correct response was returned to the assigned device ID command (*** 11001).

(4) → (2): An incorrect response was returned to the assigning device ID command (*** 11001), or no response was returned.

(4) → (3): A correct response was returned to the Inquiry device ID command (*** 11011).

The establishment of the system configuration means that all the device IDs are classified into one of the above four states.

The total of device IDs is 16 × 3 = 48 (there are 16 devices # 1 to # 16 for paper feed, paper discharge, and double-sided conveyance). In the case of the enhanced system, the state of all these device IDs must be determined.

However, in the case of the basic system, since all of the option units are in an allocated state, the state of at most five units (paper supply units # 1, # 2, paper discharge units # 1, # 2, and a conveyance unit for both sides) is used. Can be determined.

The process for establishing this system configuration by the print engine will be described with reference to FIG.

When this routine starts, the counter r indicating the number of confirmations is first reset to "0", the unit type code (j) is set to "00" (INPUT), and the device ID code (j) is set to "0000"(# 1). ), And transmits the “INQUIRE DEVICE ID” command shown in FIG. 10 (d).

Then, if there is a correct response without occurrence of a timeout error, the state of the device of INPUT # 1 when r = 0 is stored as communication possible.

If a time-out error occurs, or if a response is received without generating the time-out error and the response is not correct, the state of the device of INPUT # 1 when r = 0 is stored as communication disabled.

If the device ID code has not reached “1111”, the device ID code is incremented (+1), and the “INQUIRE Device ID” command is transmitted again. Processing to enable communication of all input units /
Remember the disabled state.

When the device ID code reaches “1111”, if the unit type code has not reached “10”, the unit type code is incremented to “01” and the device ID is set to “01”.
The code is sequentially incremented from "0000", and the "INQUIRE device ID" command is transmitted, and the communication enable / disable state of the duplex unit is sequentially confirmed and stored.

Similarly, the communication enable / disable state of the output unit having the unit type code “10” is sequentially confirmed and stored.

After confirming the communication enable / disable state of all device ID codes of all unit types and storing the same, r is added to +.
The value is set to "1", and the same processing as above is executed again.

When this is completed, the result of the previous check and the result of the present check are compared for each device ID of each unit type to check whether or not they match.

That is, the unit type code (i) = 00 (INPU
T), the device code (j) and the unit type code (i) sequentially from 0000 (# 1).
Are incremented, and the confirmation results when r = 0 and r = 1 are compared.

If all the comparison results match, the communication enabled / disabled state of all device IDs is specified and this routine is terminated.
After r is incremented by 1 and the process of confirming and storing the communication enable / disable state of each device ID is performed again, a check for matching with the previous result is performed again.

 This is repeated until the two confirmation results all match.

Next, the process of assigning a device (option unit) of a logical ID by the print engine at the time of default will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, the unit type is set to INPUT (input unit), the unit number is set to # 1 (logical ID code "000"), and the device ID code (j) is set to "0000".

Then, it is confirmed whether or not the input unit having the device ID code “0000” is communicable.
Assign the device ID code to IN # 1.

If the unit number is not # 2, the unit number is set to # 2 (logical ID code "001") and the device ID is
If the code (j) is not "1111", the device ID code (j) is incremented by "+1"("0001" in the second time), and it is confirmed whether or not the input unit is communicable. 2 is assigned the device ID code.

If the input unit cannot communicate,
The device ID code is sequentially incremented until the device ID becomes "1111", and if there is an communicable input unit, the device ID code is assigned.

In this way, when the device allocation process for the default logical ID of the input unit is completed, the device allocation process for the default logical ID of the duplex unit is similarly performed, and then the default logical ID of the output unit is performed. Is executed, and the processing of this routine ends.

Next, an interrupt process executed by the CPU 601 when the option unit control board 600 shown in FIG. 9 receives a command from the print engine 100 shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. I will explain.

The serial communication unit 605 in FIG.
, The data is temporarily stored in a serial communication buffer in the RAM 603.

If this input data exists, an interrupt is generated and the CP
U601 starts the interrupt processing.

Then, it is first determined whether or not the input data is an operator. If not, the input data is stored in a command register, and the process returns to the main routine.

If the operator, the command is "the contents of the command register + Operator", the logical ID code indicated by b ₇ ~b ₅ operator commands they are assigned (stored in the RAM 603) code or not Judge.

Then, further the logical ID code whether the global ID address if set to NO (the b ₇ ~b ₅ operators "11
If it is "0", it is a global ID address), and if it is NO, the process returns.

If the logical ID code is the code to which you are assigned, or even if it is a global ID address, process and execute the command and check whether the logical ID is the code to which you are assigned again Is determined, and if YES, a response is set and the routine returns.

If NO, it is a global ID address, so no response is set and the process returns to the main routine.

Assignment Change Processing The assignment change processing when an option unit that meets a request from the host system has not been assigned to a logical ID will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

When the print engine 100 receives a command from the host system 2 via the controller control board 21, the INPUT (paper feed), OUTPUT (paper discharge), and DPX (both sides) attributes, such as the paper size to be used and the job The amount of paper, face-up / down of paper discharge, presence / absence of both sides, presence / absence of sort mode, and the like.

Then, first determine whether the INPUT is currently assigned and meet the requirements, and if not, assign the next priority input unit and decide again if the requirements are met . This cycle is repeated until an input unit meeting the demand is assigned.

The assignment is changed by transmitting the "assign device ID" command shown in FIG. 10B from the print engine to each option unit.

If the INPUT meets the requirements, then determine if the currently assigned OUTPUT meets the requirements,
If the request is not satisfied, the output unit of the next priority is sequentially assigned in the same manner, and the process is repeated until the request is satisfied.

Next, similar processing is performed for DPX. But,
In the above embodiment, since only one double-sided unit is mounted, if it does not meet the demand, there is no way to change it, so it is necessary to notify the host system via the controller. A general example is shown assuming a case where a plurality of devices are mounted.

Paper Size Setting Next, the selection of the input tray and the paper size setting process when the selected input tray cannot detect the paper size will be described with reference to FIG.

When the controller receives an input tray selection command from the host machine or the operation panel, the controller transmits an "input tray selection" command including a unit number and an input tray number to the print engine.

When the print engine receives it, it sends to each option unit a "tray selection" command consisting of an argument containing the tray number and an operator containing the logical ID code to which the input unit with that tray is assigned. .

Then, the option unit assigned to the logical ID code of the command executes the selection of the specified tray and returns a response to the print engine. The response also includes unit status information such as tray not inserted or no paper.

When the print engine receives the response, it sends a similar response to the controller.

As a result, the controller notifies the host machine of the end of the input tray selection and displays "input tray selection end" on the operation panel.

Thereafter, when the controller receives a paper size set command from the host machine or the operation panel, the controller sends a "paper size set" command including the paper size code shown in FIG. 18 to the print engine.

When the print engine receives the command, it returns a response including the specified paper size code, and for each option unit, an argument including the paper size code of the size to be set as shown (see FIG. 18). Global "paper size set" consisting of operators including global ID address "110"
Issue an ID command.

Upon receiving this command, each option unit sets the page size of the currently selected tray to the size specified by the page size code of this command.

On the other hand, upon receiving the response from the print engine, the controller notifies the host machine of the end of the paper size set and displays "end of the paper size set" on the operation panel.

Abort process Next, the abort process will be described with reference to FIG.

In this printer system, each logical ID sequentially from the print engine during printing execution of the operator b ₇ ~b ₅
The "INQUIRE UNIT STATUS" command is sent to each option unit to check the status of the option unit.

Then, among the option units that have received the command, the unit assigned to the logical ID of the operator sends a response including a "unit status code" indicating the status of the unit to the print engine.

If the unit status code of this response "
Is "101100" as shown in the figure, this is an error code indicating a paper jam at the paper discharge position.

When the print engine receives the response,
Judging the necessity of an emergency stop, if necessary, the above-mentioned “abort” command is sent to the global ID command “11011000”.
Send as.

As a result, an emergency stop command can be simultaneously issued to all the option units including those not assigned to the logical ID, and the movement of all the papers in the printer system is stopped, thereby causing a secondary failure. Prevent occurrence.

The print engine also sends an event report to the controller to notify it.

Supplementary Description In FIGS. 18 to 24, in the above-described embodiment, "Inquire Communication Unique Active Device ID" for inquiring of a communicable device ID, "Assigned Device ID" for designating a device ID, assigned device An example of the use of each command of the "ink-assigned device ID" for inquiring the ID, and the data contents of the results stored in the internal memories of the controller, print engine, and option unit will be described.

By the way, in the conventional communication between devices, generally, when issuing a command, an operator which is an element indicating the type of an instruction is issued first, and then an argument which is an element indicating the specific instruction content of the instruction is issued. The communication protocol of issuing was used. However, usually, the length of the operator is fixed, and the length of the argument is variable.

Therefore, the following method has been used to distinguish each command.

(1) A method of independently having a terminator indicating the end of each command.

However, setting the terminator independently has the drawback that not only the communication protocol becomes complicated, but also the length of one command becomes longer, resulting in a decrease in communication speed and a complicated communication program.

(2) A method in which the lengths of all commands are internally registered in advance on the transmitting side and the receiving side.

However, in order to adopt this method, the length of all commands must be predetermined at the time of initial concept design of the system, such as how many bytes for each command and how many bytes for another command. Therefore, there is a drawback that the extensibility and versatility of the system are lost.

On the other hand, as in the above-described embodiment, among the operators and the augument that compose the command, the variable-length argument is issued first, and the fixed-length operator is issued later. An operator can also be used as a terminator that indicates the end of each command.

Even in the case of a command in which the argument is omitted, a fixed-length operator is issued, so that the command can be distinguished as one command.

This makes it possible to eliminate the disadvantages of the above-described conventional methods.

When the printer system is used by a plurality of host machines, it is possible to set different assignment states of device IDs for each default logical ID for each host machine.

Further, if a global ID command is used as in this embodiment, the initialization (initialization and self-diagnosis operation) of all the option units constituting the printer system can be simultaneously instructed. Execution time can be significantly reduced.

Further, when the print engine needs to urgently transmit information to all the option units even during the printing operation, for example, when issuing an emergency stop command to a paper jam occurring in a certain unit, the global ID command is used. If this is the case, it is possible to issue a stop command to all the option units at the same time, and it is possible to respond immediately when a primary failure occurs, so there is a great effect that the occurrence of a secondary failure can be prevented before it occurs. .

In the above embodiment, the case where five logical IDs are used has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of logical IDs can be set arbitrarily at the time of system design. However, it is significant that the number of logical IDs is smaller than the number of option units, that is, the number of device IDs.

In the above, the embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a laser printer system has been described. However, the present invention can be similarly applied to other various printer systems, image forming systems such as high-function copiers and faxes.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, in the image forming system according to the present invention, since the image forming apparatus main body and each additional device are connected by the common signal line capable of serial communication, the interface of the image forming apparatus main body can be increased. And any number of additional devices can be connected.

At the same time, an additional device to be used is selected and designated, and a control identification code (logical ID) is assigned to an identification code (device ID) unique to each additional device and stored. Since the device can be specified and controlled by the control identification code, the device can always be controlled by the common protocol even if the additional device constituting the system changes.

Also, by simply changing the correspondence between each control identification code and the identification code unique to the additional device, the combination of additional devices that can be used simultaneously can be arbitrarily changed, so that the image is extremely flexible and expandable. Become a forming system.

Further, when assigning each control identification code to an additional device that the image forming apparatus main body wants to use at the same time, confirm that each additional device having a unique identification code can communicate with the image forming apparatus main body. If an external device such as a host system is voluntarily selected and assigned from among the communicable additional devices, an external device such as a host system can perform complicated communication operations with the image forming device during an initialization operation such as when the power is turned on. This eliminates the need to perform such processing, and enables efficient image processing.

That is, when the host system grasps the states of all the additional devices and issues a command for allocating a desired additional device to the “control identification code” to the image forming apparatus main body, there is no need to perform any work.

Further, the image forming apparatus main body confirms the communication enable / disable state with each of the additional devices at least twice, so that the influence of the noise superimposed on the signal line and the power supply of the additional device when turning on or off the power can be used. Erroneous detection due to a transient state or the like can be avoided as much as possible, and a highly reliable image forming system can be obtained.

Furthermore, at the time of system initialization or emergency, a command including a common identification code (global ID) is issued from the image forming apparatus main body, and information such as an emergency command can be transmitted to all communicable additional devices. By doing so,
It is possible to perform initialization and emergency processing quickly.

Note that the present invention is also applicable to an internal video interface type system including an image processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus in the main body of the image forming apparatus. Can also be applied to an external video interface type system having only an image forming device (image creating unit),
In the former case, the image processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus are also connected by a serial signal, so that the control processing identification code (logical) is transmitted between the image processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus and each additional apparatus by a command and a response. ID) and an identification code (device ID) unique to each additional device can be arbitrarily associated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2A is an example of a memory table for storing a logical ID in the image forming apparatus main body and a device ID designated for each of them. Fig. 2B is the same device stored in each additional device.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a storage example of an ID and a designated logical ID. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a command issued from the image forming apparatus main body to each additional device. FIG. 4 is a specific example of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a mechanism section of a printer system as an embodiment, FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an internal video interface system showing a configuration of a control system thereof, and FIG. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller control board, FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a print engine, and FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a common portion of an option unit. Block diagram, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a format example of commands and responses used in this embodiment, and FIG. 11 is a controller and a print engine. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing the format of commands and responses used for communication of FIG. 12, FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system at the time of power-on and initialization in this embodiment, and FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation, FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the details of the operation of the print engine for establishing system configuration, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a default logical ID device setting process, and FIG. Is a flowchart showing the operation of the option side when a command is received from the print engine, FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the processing of the print engine side when a command is received from the host system, and FIG. 18 is a paper size code and Explanatory diagram showing the relationship with the paper size. Fig. 19 shows when the input tray is selected and the paper size is set. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the entire system when an error occurs during print execution. FIGS. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the data contents of internal memories of a print engine, a print engine, and an option unit. FIG. 28 is a block diagram showing a connection example between an image forming apparatus main body and various additional devices in a conventional image forming system. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming apparatus main body (printer main body) 2 ... Host system 3 ... Multi-stage paper feeder (first multi-stage paper discharge unit) 4 ... Multi-stage paper feeder (second multi-stage paper discharge unit) 5 ... … High-volume paper feeder (Large-volume paper feed unit) 6 …… Reversed paper discharge device (Reversal unit) 7 …… Multi-layer paper discharge device (Multi-stage paper discharge unit) 8… … Double-sided conveying device (double-sided unit) 10… Common signal line 18… Registration roller 20… System table 21… Controller control board 22 …… Print engine control board 25 …… Print engine mechanism 24 …… Operation Panel, 100 Print engine 104 Engine / option interface 300 Input option unit control board 400 Duplex option unit control board 500 Outputs Op Chillon Units - control board 600 ...... option Chillon Units - control board INP ...... Imp bract option Chillon Units - DPX ...... Deyu pre try option Chillon Units - OUT ...... Autopu bract option Chillon Units - RS ...... registration sensor, ES ...... discharge sensor

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (31) Priority claim number Japanese Patent Application No. 63-287147 (32) Priority date November 14, 1988 (November 14, 1988) (33) Priority claim country Japan (JP)

Claims (5)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a recording medium by receiving character code information or image image information from a host system, a recording medium feeding device detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and a recording medium. Media transport device,
In an image forming system including various additional devices such as a recording medium discharging device, the image forming device main body and each of the additional devices attached thereto are connected by a common signal line, and the image forming device main body is connected to the image forming device main body. Means for transmitting a number of control identification codes corresponding to a predetermined number of additional devices that can be simultaneously controlled to the signal line; and means for transmitting a unique identification code to each of the additional devices to the signal line. In addition, the image forming apparatus main body includes means for designating an additional device for each of the control identification codes and storing the unique identification code. Each of the additional devices has its own unique identification code. And a means for storing the control identification code when the control identification code is designated for the control identification code. An image forming system characterized in that it can be specified and controlled by a control identification code. 2. An image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on a recording medium by receiving character code information or image image information from a host system, a recording medium feeding device detachable from the image forming apparatus main body, and a recording medium. Media transport device,
In an image forming system including various additional devices such as a recording medium discharging device, the image forming device main body and each of the additional devices attached thereto are connected by a common signal line, and the image forming device main body and In each of the additional devices, a number of control identification codes corresponding to a predetermined number of additional devices that can be simultaneously controlled by the image forming apparatus main body, and an identification code unique to each of the additional devices that can be attached to the image forming apparatus. Means for sending to the signal line, and the image forming apparatus main body is provided with a plurality of times whether or not each additional device corresponding to the unique identification code is in a state capable of communicating with the image forming apparatus main body. An image forming system comprising: an identification code allocating means for allocating the control identification code by selecting from the additional devices that have been confirmed to be in a communicable state. Temu. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein a command including an identification code for individually specifying each of the additional devices mounted on the image forming apparatus main body and all of the respective additional devices are specified. An image forming system comprising: a command issuing unit that issues a command including a common identification code as necessary and sends the command to the signal line. 4. An image processing apparatus which receives character information or image information from a host system to generate image image information, and an image forming apparatus which receives image image information from the image processing apparatus and forms an image on a recording medium. An image forming system including various additional devices such as a recording medium feeding device, a recording medium conveying device, and a recording medium discharging device which are detachable from the image forming device, wherein the image processing device and the image forming device are serially connected. The image processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus, and each of the additional devices are connected by a common signal line while being connected by a signal line for communication, and connected by a common signal line to the image forming apparatus and each of the additional devices attached thereto. The apparatus has a number of control identification codes corresponding to a predetermined number of additional devices that can be simultaneously controlled by the image forming apparatus, and individual additional apparatuses that can be attached to the image forming apparatus. Means for sending a unique identification code to the signal line for serial communication or the common signal line; and at least one of command means and response means for associating the control identification code with the unique identification code. An image forming system, comprising: 5. An image forming apparatus which receives image information from a host system and forms an image on a recording medium, and a recording medium feeding device, a recording medium transporting device, and a recording medium discharging device which are detachably attached to the image forming device. An image forming system including various additional devices such as a feeding device, wherein the host system and the image forming device are connected by a signal line for serial communication, and the image forming device and each additional device attached thereto are connected. The image forming apparatus is connected to the apparatus by a common signal line, and the host system, the image forming apparatus, and each of the additional apparatuses are provided with a number of control identification codes corresponding to a predetermined number of additional apparatuses that can be simultaneously controlled by the image forming apparatus. Means for sending an identification code unique to each additional device that can be attached to the image forming apparatus to the signal line for serial communication or the common signal line; An image forming system comprising: an instruction unit that associates the control identification code with a unique identification code; and at least one of response units.