JPH1188570A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain the image forming system where a joint copy and a usual copy are made compatible. SOLUTION: The system comprises a plurality of image forming devices connected to each other and has a joint operation section that transfers image information read by an optional image forming device to a different image forming device, where the information is printed out so as to print out the transferred image information. In this case, the system is provided with a operating section that permits an operation for setting image forming different from that of the image forming device under printing and read section 50 reads an original by the operated setting, print sections 15, 16, 27 that print out the read original after the joint operation is terminated, and image forming sections 57, 58, 59 that interrupt tentatively image forming printed in the joint operation and form a different image. Thus, depending on the priority of copy by the user, a reserved copy or an interrupted copy is selected and the joint copy operation and the usual copy operation are made compatible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of printing operations for one image are shared.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus is configured as, for example, an image forming apparatus in which a plurality of printing operations for one image are shared. In general, the image forming apparatus having this configuration includes:
An image forming apparatus having a reservation copy function is configured as a local device that receives image information and performs a printing operation.

The "network digital copying system" of JP-A-5-308450 of the prior art 1 is a network digital copying system in which document data copied by a copying machine is shared and used mutually. Has been disclosed.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-38683 of the second prior art discloses an "image forming apparatus" which can be operated as a normal copying machine even before the apparatus is released from the double state. .

A "digital copying machine network system" disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 8-79420 of prior art 3 transfers image data from a first digital copying machine to a second data copying machine, stores the image data, and copies the image data. A digital copying machine network system that can reliably perform arbitration for a remote output request and improve the reliability of the system when a remote output request is issued is disclosed.

In the above conventional example, the linked copying operation when the image forming apparatus as a local apparatus which receives and outputs an image signal is printing (or operating, executing, or interrupting) is described in the first conventional example. As shown in "Network Digital Copying System" and "Digital Copying Machine Network System" in Conventional Example 3, remote output suspension, resetting, local reservation, and remote reservation are possible.

[0007]

However, in each of the above-mentioned prior arts, it is necessary to suspend the connected copy regardless of the priority and perform the copy as a normal copy. Since the output from the (remote) side performing the linked copy operation is interrupted every time an interruption occurs, there is a problem that the purpose of finishing the job quickly even if the job is shared cannot be achieved.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus in which a linked copy operation and a normal copy are compatible.

[0009]

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a reading unit for reading an original; and a printing unit for printing image information read by the reading unit. Connecting operation means for connecting a plurality of image forming apparatuses having, and transferring and printing image information read by an arbitrary one to a different image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus capable of printing the transferred image information, a means for permitting an operation for setting an image formation different from the image forming apparatus being printed, a means for performing a document reading operation by the operated setting, It is characterized by having means for performing a printing operation of a document read after the connection operation is completed, and means for temporarily interrupting image formation during printing in the connection operation and performing a different image forming operation.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention
A plurality of image forming apparatuses having reading means for reading an original and printing means for printing image information read by the reading means are connected, and image information read by an arbitrary one is transferred to a different image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus which has a linking operation unit for performing printing and prints the transferred image information, and a unit for permitting an operation of an image forming setting different from the image forming setting during printing; Means for performing a document reading operation according to the set settings, means for calculating the time required for image formation from the read document and the settings operated, means for calculating the time required for the printing operation during connection, It is characterized by having a means for displaying time and a means for printing an original read after the connection operation is completed.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising:
A plurality of image forming apparatuses having reading means for reading an original and printing means for printing image information read by the reading means are connected, and image information read by an arbitrary one is transferred to a different image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus which has a linking operation unit for performing printing and prints the transferred image information, and a unit for permitting an operation of an image forming setting different from the image forming setting during printing; Means for performing a document reading operation according to the set settings, means for calculating the time required for image formation from the read document and the settings operated, means for calculating the time required for the printing operation during connection, Means for comparing the time, means for temporarily interrupting image formation during printing in the linking operation to print the read document, and means for printing the read document after the linking operation is completed. It is characterized by having, when.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG.
FIG. 22 to FIG. 22 show an embodiment of the image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an automatic document feeder (ADF) 1, a document table 2, a feed roller 3, a feed belt 4, a discharge roller 5, a contact glass 6, a document set detector 7, and a first tray 8. , The second tray 9, the third tray 10,
A first paper supply unit 11, a second paper supply unit 12, a third paper supply unit 13, a vertical transport unit 14, a photoconductor 15, a transport belt 16, a fixing unit 17, a paper discharge unit 18,
Reading unit 50, exposure lamp 51, first mirror 5
2, lens 53, CCD image sensor 54, second mirror 55, third mirror 56, writing unit 57, laser output unit 58, imaging lens 59, mirror 6
0, finisher 100, branch deflecting plate 101, stacker transport roller 102, stacker discharge roller 103, stacker tray 104, stapler transport roller 105, stapler 106, stapler discharge roller 107, staple tray 108, drop stopper 109, drop Tray 11
0, a double-sided paper feed unit 111, and a branch claw 112.

In the image forming apparatus constituted by the above components, a document bundle placed on a document table 2 in an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, ADF) 1 with the image side of the document facing up is placed on an operation unit 30. When the start key 34 is pressed, the original is fed from the lowermost document to a predetermined position on the contact glass 6 by the feed roller 3 and the feed belt 4. After the reading unit 50 reads the data of the document on the contact glass 6, the document that has been read is discharged by the feed belt 4 and the discharge roller 5. Further, when the document set detection 7 detects that the next document is present on the document table 2, the document is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous document. Feed roller 3, feed belt 4, discharge roller 5
Is driven by a motor.

The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 8, the second tray 9, and the third tray 10 are fed by the first sheet feeding device 11, the second sheet feeding device 12, and the third sheet feeding device 13, respectively. ,
The sheet is transported by the vertical transport unit 14 to a position where it contacts the photoconductor 15. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser from the writing unit 57, and passes through the developing unit 27 to form a toner image. And
The transfer paper transfers the toner image on the photoconductor 15 while being conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 15. After that, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 17,
The finisher 10 of the post-processing device is controlled by the paper discharge unit 18.
Discharged to zero.

The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller 19 of the main body toward the normal paper discharge roller 102 and the stapling section. By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the normal discharge tray 104
Can be discharged to the side. By switching the switching plate 101 downward, the transport rollers 105 and 107
The transfer paper stacked on the staple table 108, which can be conveyed to the staple table 108, is aligned by a paper aligning jogger 109 every time one sheet is discharged, and a part of the transfer paper is aligned. Stapler 10 with copy completion
6 bound. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 106 is stapled due to its own weight.
10 stored.

On the other hand, a normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray unit 104 that can be moved back and forth moves back and forth and sorts the discharged copy paper easily for each document or for each copy unit sorted by the image memory.

When an image is formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 8 to 10 and formed without transferring the formed transfer paper to the discharge tray 104 side is used. By setting the branch claw 112 on the upper side, the stock is temporarily stored in the double-sided paper feeding unit 111.

Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked in the double-sided paper supply unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper supply unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 15 again, and the path is switched. Is set on the lower side and guided to the paper discharge tray 104. When an image is created on both sides of a transfer sheet as described above, the duplex sheet feeding unit 111
Is used.

The photoconductor 15, the conveyor belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharging unit 18, and the developing unit 27 are driven by a main motor 25, and each of the paper feeding devices 11 to 13 controls the driving of the main motor 25 by a paper feeding clutch 22. ~ 24
The transmission is driven. The vertical transport unit 14 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 25 by the intermediate clutch 21.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the operation unit 30. The operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32,
There are a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, and a mode clear key 35, and the liquid crystal touch panel 31 displays a function key 37, the number of copies, a message indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the like.

FIG. 3 shows a liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation unit 30.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of display of the above. When the operator touches the key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted to black. When the details of the function need to be specified (for example, in the case of scaling, a scaling value or the like), a key is touched to display a setting screen of the detailed function. As described above, since the liquid crystal touch panel uses the dot display, the optimal display at that time can be graphically performed.

In FIG. 3, the upper left corner is a message area for displaying a message such as "Ready to copy" or "Please wait", and the right side is a copy number display section for displaying the number of sheets set, and the image density below the area is automatically displayed. Key for automatic adjustment, automatic paper selection key for automatic selection of transfer paper, sort key for specifying the process of aligning copies one by one in the page order, stack key for specifying the process of sorting copies by page, sort Staple key to specify the processing to bind the processed parts one by one, same-size key to set the magnification to the same size, variable-size key to set the enlargement / reduction magnification, double-sided key to set the duplex mode, binding margin mode, etc. And a print key for setting printing of stamps, dates, pages, and the like. The selected mode key is shown.

Referring to FIG. 1, the operation of the image reading means and the operation up to the formation of a latent image on a recording surface in the present embodiment will be described. A latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image into optical information and irradiating the image on the photoreceptor surface.

The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which a document is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. It is configured. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown). When reading the document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The original image is
The image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electric signal, and processed. By moving the lens 53 and the CCD image 54 in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1, the image magnification changes. That is, the positions of the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 in the left-right direction are set corresponding to the designated magnification.

The writing unit 57 comprises a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a rotating polygon mirror which rotates at a constant high speed by a motor and a laser diode as a laser light source. (Polygon mirror). The laser light emitted from the laser output unit 58 is polarized by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through an imaging lens 59, and
The light is turned back by the mirror 60 and forms a focused image on the surface of the photoconductor.
The polarized laser light is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) perpendicular to the direction in which the photoconductor rotates, and performs recording in units of lines of the image signal output from the selector 64 of the image processing unit to be described later. An image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the photoconductor surface by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and the recording density of the photoconductor.

As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the photoconductor 15 of the image forming system. Although not shown, a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position near one end of the photoconductor 15 where the laser beam is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting and outputting an image signal to be performed later are performed.

The configuration of the image processing section (image reading section and image writing section) in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The light emitted from the exposure lamp 51 irradiates the document surface, and the reflected light from the document surface is imaged and received by an image forming lens (not shown) by the CCD image sensor 54 and photoelectrically converted. The signal is converted into a digital signal by the D converter 61. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to MTF correction, γ correction and the like in the image processing unit 63 after being subjected to shading correction 62. The selector 64 switches the destination of the image signal to the scaling unit 71 or the image memory controller 65. Magnifying unit 71
Are scaled in accordance with the scaling factor and sent to the writing unit 57. The image memory controller 65 and the selector 64 are configured to be able to bidirectionally input and output image signals. Although not specifically shown in FIG. 4, the reading unit 50 is provided in the image processing unit (IPU).
Has a function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data so as to be able to process image data supplied from outside (for example, data output from a data processing device such as a personal computer) in addition to image data input from the PC. ing.

CPU for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57
ROM 6 for storing the program and data
9, a RAM 70 is provided. Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65.

Here, an image signal for one page in the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIG. The symbol / FGATE in FIG. 5 indicates the effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. Also, / LSYNC is 1
This is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after the rise of this signal. The signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is / L
GATE. These signals are output from the pixel clock VCL.
Synchronous with K, data of one pixel is sent for one cycle of VCLK. The image processing unit (IPU) 49 separates / FGATE, /
It has a mechanism for generating LSYNC, / LGATE, and VCLK, so that various combinations of image input / output can be realized.

The details of the memory controller and the image memory in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The memory controller 65 includes an input data selector 101, an image synthesis 1
02, primary compression / expansion 103, output data selector 10
4 and 105 blocks of secondary compression / decompression. The setting of control data in each block is performed by the CPU 68. Addresses and data in FIG. 4 indicate image data, and data and addresses connected to the CPU 68 are not shown.

The image memory 66 includes a primary storage device 106
And the secondary storage device 107. Primary storage device 10
Reference numeral 6 uses a memory that can be accessed at high speed, such as a DRAM, so that writing to the memory or data reading from the memory at the time of image output can be performed at high speed substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of the input image data. Further, the primary storage device 106 has a configuration (an interface unit with a memory controller) that can be divided into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed and can simultaneously execute input and output of image data. In order to enable the input and output of image data to be executed in parallel in each divided area, two sets of address / data lines for reading and writing are connected to the interface with the memory controller. Thus, an operation of outputting (reading) an image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1 becomes possible.

The secondary storage device 107 is a large-capacity memory for storing data for synthesizing and sorting input images. If an element that can be accessed at high speed is used for both the primary and secondary storage devices, data processing can be performed without distinction between primary and secondary storage, and control becomes relatively simple.
Since the elements such as the RAM are expensive, the access speed to the secondary storage device is not so high. However, a configuration is used in which an inexpensive, large-capacity recording medium is used and input / output data processing is performed via the primary storage device. Has become.

By employing the configuration of the image memory as described above, an image forming apparatus capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be realized with an inexpensive and relatively simple configuration. Becomes possible.

Next, an outline of the operation of the memory controller 65 will be described. (1) Image input (storage in image memory) The input data selector 101 selects image data to be written into the image memory (primary storage device 106) from a plurality of data. The image data selected by the input data selector 101 is supplied to the image synthesizing 102, and synthesizes with the data already stored in the image memory. The image data processed by the image synthesis 102 is compressed by a primary compression / decompression 103, and the compressed data is written to a primary storage device 106. The data written in the primary storage device 106 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression 105 as needed, and then stored in the secondary storage device 107.

(2) Image Output (Read from Image Memory) At the time of image output, image data stored in the primary storage device 106 is read. If the image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 106, the primary compression /
The image data in the primary storage device 106 is expanded by the expansion 103, and the data after expansion or the data after the image synthesis of the expanded data and the input data is selected by the output data selector 104 and output. . Image composition 102
Combining the data in the primary storage device 106 with the input data (having a function of adjusting the phase of the image data), selecting the output destination of the combined data (image output, writing back to the primary storage device 106) (Simultaneous output to the output destination is also possible).

An image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 10.
6, the output target image data stored in the secondary storage device 107 is subjected to the secondary compression / decompression 1
05, and the expanded data is stored in the primary storage device 10.
After writing the data in No. 6, the above-described image output operation is performed.

The operation reservation described in this embodiment means that the copying operation cannot be started when the fixing machine is being heated in the copying machine, but the mode setting and the setting of the original document are completed and reserved. This function automatically starts the copying operation when the copying operation becomes possible after the fixing heating. In this embodiment, the operation reservation can be made during the fixing heating. However, other objects that become operable with the lapse of time are eligible for the reservation. It is considered that the LCT tray rise time, the polygon motor rotation stabilization time, the toner supply operation, etc.

7 and 8, the system comprises an image reading unit, an image writing unit, a system controller, a memory unit, a user restriction device, a human body detection sensor, a remote diagnosis device (CSS), and a clock. However, a memory unit is necessary only for realizing a memory function, and is not necessary only for realizing a normal copy function. Furthermore, a clock is only needed to implement a weekly timer function, such as booting or shutting down the machine at a certain time. Further, the human body detection is necessary only when a function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when a user approaches the machine in the preheating mode is realized.
Is a function for remote diagnosis, that is, a function to automatically notify the service center when a machine error occurs and to monitor the running / usage status of the machine from a remote location.
It only needs to be mounted when such a function is required.

D in the memory unit in FIGS. 7 and 8
The RAM block stores an image signal read from the image reading unit, and can transfer image data stored in the image writing unit in response to a request from the system controller. The compression block has a compression function such as MH, MR, MMR, etc., and compresses an image once read, and stores it in a memory (DRAM).
Can be used more efficiently. In addition, the rotation of the image is realized by changing the address read from the image writing unit and its direction.

In the hardware configuration example 1 of FIG. 7, the control of the image reading unit, the image writing unit, the memory unit, and the CSS is controlled by only one CPU of the system controller. On the other hand, in the hardware configuration example 2 of FIG. 8, the image reading unit, the image writing unit, and the memory unit are each provided with a CPU.
And the system hardware configuration can be freely configured so that commands from the system controller to each controller are transmitted by control signal lines.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a network copy system when the image forming apparatuses of this embodiment are connected. In FIG. 9, eight digital copies are networked, but the number of connected copies need not be limited.

Next, an example of a hardware configuration for realizing the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in the figure, the hardware configuration of one digital PPC is almost the same as that shown in the hardware configuration example 1 of FIG.
In order to transfer the read image to the external network in the memory unit or to store the image data from the network in the DRAM block section in the memory unit, a SCSI (Small Compu
ter System Interface) and a SCSI controller.

Naturally, various means are conceivable as the network communication means, for example, using Ethernet as the physical means, and using TCP / IP communication of the OSI (Open System Interface) reference model for data communication. In addition, by using the configuration as shown in FIG. 11, not only the transfer of image data as described above, but also control commands such as an in-machine status notification of each machine existing on the network and a remote output command to be described later, It also transfers setting commands.

Next, an operation of transferring an image read by "digital PPC-I" to an image writing unit of "digital PPC-II" (hereinafter, remote output) will be described.
(See FIGS. 10 and 11).

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of the software. A “copy application” shown in FIG. 11 is an application for executing a copy sequence for executing a copy operation, and an “input / output control” is a layer (logical / physical conversion of data). Device driver), and the operation unit controller is an MMI (M
An interface that performs an Machine Interface) (a layer that performs LCD display, LED on / off, key input scanning, etc. at a logical level). "The peripheral controller is mounted on a PPC such as an automatic duplex unit, sorter, or ADF. This is a layer that executes control of a peripheral device at a logical level, and an “image forming apparatus controller”, an “image reading apparatus controller”, and a “memory unit” are as described separately. Further, when a print request is requested from another machine on the network, the "daemon process" reads out image data stored in the memory unit and transfers the image data to the "image forming apparatus". Exists as an application. Of course, before a "daemon process" can read an image from a memory unit and perform a print operation, the image transfer from another machine on the network must be completed.

Here, an operation unit, a peripheral device, an image forming apparatus,
The image reading unit and the memory unit are handled as resources (resources) held by each PPC. In the case where the “digital PPC-I” in the figure performs a copy operation using its own resources (when the print start key is pressed), the “image forming apparatus” and the “image” Reading device "or, if necessary,
Request each resource of "peripheral device" and "memory unit" to the "system control" section. The “system control” unit arbitrates the right to use the resource in response to the request from the “copy application”, and notifies the “copy application” of the arbitration result (unusable). When the “digital PPC-I” is used in a stand-alone mode (in a state where no network connection is made), the “copy application” can occupy all the resources held by the system, so that the copying operation is immediately executed.

On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, the resource of the remote digital PPC “system controller” that executes the printing operation using the resources of another machine (hereinafter, remote digital PPC) existing on the network is allocated. Request usage rights.

The remote digital PPC system controller arbitrates resources according to the request, and notifies the result to the application of the requesting machine. When the usage right is granted, the application reads the image, and when the image storage in its own memory unit is completed, the external interface (SCS in this embodiment).
The image is transferred to the memory unit of the remote output destination machine via I). When the image transfer is completed, the print start command is sent after sending the conditions (paper feed port, paper discharge port, number of prints, etc.) to execute printing to the "daemon process" of the remote output destination machine. Send. Upon receiving the "print start" command, the "daemon process" at the remote output destination requests the "system controller" of itself (the machine that executes the remote output) to start printing, and the remote output is executed by the system controller. .

When a “digital PPC-II” uses a “digital PPC-II” memory unit, the “digital PPC-II” memory unit
"Digital PPC-II" (or a digital PP other than "Digital PPC-I" when a plurality of digital PPCs as shown in FIG. 9 are connected on a network)
The use of the application C) is disabled.

<Operation Example 1> The operation example 1 is shown in FIGS.
3 will be described. FIG. 16 shows an operation screen of the local image forming apparatus during the connection operation. In this state, the operation permission of the operation unit is limited so that an extra operation is not performed. By specifying the tray that is feeding paper in the local image forming apparatus, the tray is prevented from being pulled out. When the reservation key is pressed, the screen transits to the reservation copy screen (FIG. 17). At this time, the linked image forming operation of the local image forming apparatus is continued. The operations of the operation unit and the image reading unit are permitted, and the setting operation of the reserved copy and the reading of the original can be performed.

The mode shifts to the interrupt mode by the interrupt key shown in FIG. The connected image forming state of the local image forming apparatus is saved, and the image forming operation is interrupted. All operations such as the operation unit, the image forming reading unit, and the image forming unit are permitted.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show an example of an image forming operation in the local image forming apparatus. The local image forming apparatus determines whether an interrupt key has been pressed (S1). If the interrupt key is pressed, a connection operation interruption request is issued to notify the remote image forming apparatus of the interruption and interrupt the image forming operation of the local image forming apparatus (S
2). It is determined whether or not the local image forming apparatus is performing the connection operation. If the linking operation is being performed, a waiting state is set (S
3). If the connected image forming operation is not being performed, the operation unit switches to the interrupt copy operation screen (S4). The operation of the interruption copy in the operation unit is permitted (S5).

It is determined whether the start key has been pressed (S6). If the start key is pressed, the document reading operation and the image forming operation of the interrupt copy are performed (S
7). The operation unit switches to the linked copy operation screen (S8). A connection operation restart request is issued, a restart notification to the remote image forming apparatus and an image forming operation of the local image forming apparatus are restarted, and the process exits from this function (S9).

If the start key has not been pressed, it is determined whether or not the interrupt has been released, such as pressing the interrupt key again or pressing the mode clear key. If the interrupt release operation has been performed, the processing after switching to the linked copy operation screen is performed. If the interruption has not been released, the operation processing of the interruption copy is continued (S10). If the interrupt key has not been pressed, it is determined whether the reservation key has been pressed. If the reservation key has not been pressed, this function is exited (S1
1). If the reservation key is pressed, the operation unit switches to the reservation copy operation screen (S12).

The operation of the reserved copy is permitted in the operation section (S13). It is determined whether the reservation registration key has been pressed (S14). If the reservation registration key has been pressed, a document reading operation is performed (S15). The operation unit switches to the linked copy operation screen and exits this function (S1).
6). If the reservation registration key has not been pressed, it is determined whether the release key has been pressed. If the release key is pressed,
Processing after switching to the linked copy operation screen is performed. If the release key has not been pressed, the operation of the reserved copy operation is continued (S17).

<Operation Example 2> Operation Example 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 16 shows an operation screen of the local image forming apparatus during the connection operation. In this state, the operation permission of the operation unit is limited so that an extra operation is not performed. By specifying the tray that is feeding paper in the local image forming apparatus, the tray is prevented from being pulled out. The end time of the linked image forming operation in the local image forming apparatus is displayed on the operation unit (not shown). The end time in the image forming apparatus is displayed each time the time is updated.

When the reservation key is pressed, the screen transits to the reservation copy screen (FIG. 17). At this time, the linked image forming operation of the local image forming apparatus is continued. The operations of the operation unit and the image reading unit are permitted, and the setting operation of the reserved copy and the reading of the original can be performed. When reading of the original is completed and the reserved copy is registered, the time required for image formation of the reserved copy is displayed (FIG. 18).

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of an image forming operation in the local image forming apparatus. The local image forming apparatus determines whether the reservation key has been pressed (S21). If the reservation key is pressed, the operation unit switches to the reservation copy operation screen (S22). The operation of the reserved copy in the operation unit is permitted (S23). It is determined whether the reservation registration key has been pressed (S24). If the reservation registration key is pressed, an original reading operation is performed (S2).
5). The finishing time of the reserved copy is calculated from the number of originals, the number of sets, and the conditions of the copy setting (S26). Switching to the linked copy operation screen is performed by the operation unit (S2
7). It is determined whether the state is the reservation registration state. If the state is not the reservation registration state, this function is exited (S28). If it is in the reservation registration state, the finish time of the reservation copy is displayed (S29).

If the reservation registration key has not been pressed, it is determined whether the release key has been pressed. If the release key is pressed, the processing after switching to the linked copy operation screen is performed. If the release key has not been pressed, the operation of the reserved copy operation is continued (S30). If the reservation key has not been pressed, it is determined whether the finishing time in the connection operation has been updated. If there is no update of the finishing time, this function is exited (S31). If the finishing time has been updated, the connected copy finishing time is displayed on the operation unit, and the process exits from this function (S32).

<Operation Example 3> An operation screen of the local image forming apparatus during the connection operation is shown in FIG. In this state, the operation permission of the operation unit is limited so that an extra operation is not performed. By specifying the tray that is feeding paper in the local image forming apparatus, the tray is prevented from being pulled out. The end time of the linked image forming operation in the local image forming apparatus is displayed on the operation unit (not shown). The end time in the image forming apparatus is displayed each time the time is updated.

When the reservation key is pressed, the screen transits to the reservation copy screen (FIG. 17). At this time, the linked image forming operation of the local image forming apparatus is continued. The operations of the operation unit and the image reading unit are permitted, and the setting operation of the reserved copy and the reading of the original can be performed. When the reading of the original is completed and the reserved copy is registered, the time required for image formation of the reserved copy is calculated. If the finishing time of the reserved copy does not hinder the connection operation, the state of the connection image formation of the local image forming apparatus is saved, and the image formation operation is interrupted. The operation of the image forming unit is permitted, and the image forming operation of the reserved copy is performed. When the reserved copy image forming operation is completed, the evacuated connected image forming state is restored, and the connected image forming operation is restarted.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation example 3 of image formation in the local image forming apparatus. The local image forming apparatus determines whether the reservation key has been pressed (S41). If the reservation key is pressed, the operation unit switches to the reservation copy operation screen (S42). Permission of the operation processing of the reserved copy in the operation unit is performed (S4).
3). It is determined whether the reservation registration key has been pressed (S4
4). If the reservation registration key has been pressed, a document reading operation is performed (S45).

The finishing time of the reserved copy is calculated from the number of originals, the number of sets, and the conditions of the copy setting (S4).
6). It is determined whether the finish time (Tmc) of the linked copy is longer than a certain value (C1: constant). If the connection finish time is short, the process after switching to the connection operation screen is performed by the operation unit (S47). If the combined finishing time is long, it is determined whether the finishing time (Tmr) of the reserved copy is smaller than a certain value (C2: constant). If the reservation finish time is long, the process after switching to the connection operation screen is performed by the operation unit (S48). If the reservation finish time is short, a connection operation interruption request is issued to notify the remote image forming apparatus of interruption and interrupt the image forming operation of the local image forming apparatus (S49).

It is determined whether or not the local image forming apparatus is in the connection operation. If the linking operation is being performed, a standby state is set (S50). The image forming operation of the reserved copy is performed (S5).
1). Switching to the linked copy operation screen of the operation unit is performed, the linked image forming operation is restarted, and this function is exited (S52). If the reservation registration key has not been pressed, it is determined whether the release key has been pressed. If the release key has not been pressed, the reserved copy operation process is continued (S5).
3). If the release key has been pressed, the screen is switched to the linked copy operation screen, and this function is exited (S5).
4). If the reservation key has not been pressed, it is determined whether the finishing time in the connection operation has been updated. If there is no update of the finishing time, this function is exited (S55). If the finishing time is updated, the connected copy finishing time is displayed on the operation unit, and the process exits from this function (S56).

In each of the above embodiments, the operation unit and the scanner unit are opened even in the connected local device, and the reserved copy is made possible, so that the available resources are utilized and the separation of the original is improved. However, it is assumed that time constraints due to the user waiting for copying are suppressed.

In the first operation example, the reserved copy mode and the interrupt mode are permitted. For a high-priority copy, the linking operation is temporarily interrupted, and for a low-priority copy, the mode setting and the original reading are performed by the reserved copy mode. Do. Reserved copy is the job currently being executed (in this case, linked operation)
As soon as is completed, a copy operation is performed. By allowing the user to select a reserved copy or an interrupt copy according to the priority of the user's copy, it is possible to achieve both the linked copy operation and the normal copy.

In the operation example 2, by displaying the finish time of the linked copy operation and the finish time of the reserved copy, the start time and the end time of the reserved copy can be known, and the time constraint due to the copy waiting is suppressed.

In the operation example 3, by comparing the finishing time of the linked copy operation with the finishing time of the reserved copy, if the linked copy output operation is not significantly delayed, the reserved copy output operation is performed with priority and the linked copy output operation is performed. Aim for compatibility between operation and normal copying.

[Explanation of Terms and Definitions] The contents and definitions of terms commonly used in the above description of the present embodiment are described below.

In the [image reading device] and the [image reading unit], the "image reading device" used in the digital PPC irradiates an original with a light source, and reflects the reflected light on a "solid-state imaging device = CCD" to generate an electric signal. , And a device having a function of performing "necessary image processing" is used. Here, “necessary image processing” is a general term for each of the following processes. 1) What is called quantization, in which analog data converted into an electric signal by a CCD is converted into binary or multivalued data. 2) The shading correction corrects unevenness of a light source for irradiating a document and variation in sensitivity of a CCD. 3) MTF correction corrects blur caused by the optical system. 4) The scaling process indicates a process of changing the reading density of an image and performing data interpolation using the read image data.

Regarding the [image forming apparatus] and the [image writing section], the "image forming apparatus" or "image writing section" used in the data PPC converts an image sent by an electric signal into electrophotography, heat, heat transfer, This is an apparatus for forming on plain paper, thermal paper, etc. by means such as ink jet.

For [video signal] and [image data], the electric signal of the image converted by the above-mentioned “image reading device”, the electric signal of the image inputted to the “image forming device”, and the electric signal of the image Signals for synchronizing with are collectively expressed as "video signal" or "image data".

With respect to [control signal] and [command], in order to exchange a “video signal” between an “image reading device”, an “image forming device”, and an “application”, information must be transmitted between the devices. There is. This means is referred to as "control signal" or "command" issuance.

The term “extended function” refers to a major feature of digital PPC in connection with [application (abbreviated as application)], [memory function], and [memory unit]. Restoring an electric signal by an image forming apparatus. At this time, by having means for changing and transmitting the read electric signal in various ways, it can be applied to fields other than the conventional analog PPC. FAX, page printer, scanner, file system and other functions can be realized.
Even when the function is executed, the read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and the image data is read as necessary, so that a plurality of prints can be executed in one scan at the time of a plurality of copying, or A function of printing a plurality of documents on one transfer sheet (= memory function) has also been realized.

Functions that can be specifically realized in these digital PPC systems are expressed as “extended functions” or “apps”. In this embodiment, the memory unit is also used as a buffer for transferring image data between machines on a network.

In the [system controller] and the [system], when the copy mode is executed, in order to form an image in the image writing unit, an abnormal state of the paper transport processing, the electrophotographic process processing, the state of the paper cassette (the presence or absence of paper) Such)
A controller that controls scanner operation and ON / OFF of the light source, etc., in order to monitor the inside of the device and read an image with the image reading unit.
Is expressed as

Furthermore, in recent digital PPCs, not only one extended function but also a plurality of applications have been installed simultaneously. As described above, a digital PPC sharing one resource may be referred to as a “system”, and a controller that controls this system may be referred to as a “system controller”.

In [Resource] and [Resource], a unit of a functional unit shared by a plurality of applications is expressed as “resource” and “resource”. The above-mentioned “system controller” controls the system in resource units. The resources managed by the digital PPC of this case are “image reading unit”, “image forming device”, “operation unit”,
"Memory", "Peripheral equipment (= ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.)" and the like.

In [user restriction], in particular, there is a case where it is not desirable to permit unlimited use of a PPC using an electrophotographic process, because of its large consumption. At this time,
Use "coin rack", "key counter", "key card", "prepaid card", etc., "user restricted equipment", "password", etc. to identify, limit, and manage "users" I do.

In the [user setting], when the system becomes complicated, it is necessary to individually deal with each user. Since it is impossible to satisfy all of these measures at the time of factory shipment, measures in the market are indispensable. Therefore, usually, a non-volatile RAM is provided to enable system setting according to customer's request, but this function is expressed as "user setting".

In the [idle state], a state in which no operation is performed by the user for a certain period is referred to as an "idle state", and other states are referred to as a "busy state". The time until the transition from the "busy state" to the "idle state" is user-configurable. For example, during the copying operation, of course, for a certain period even after the copying operation ends,
Unless the user's no-operation state continues, the state does not transition to the “idle state”.

In the [Weekly timer], the power is turned on in accordance with the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week.
N / OFF function.

In the [preheating] mode, the fixing temperature is controlled by lowering the fixing temperature by a predetermined temperature (for example, 10 ° C.), and the power consumption is reduced by turning off the display of the operation section. The setting of this mode is automatically set after a certain period of time from when there is no operation or operation depending on key input on the operation unit or machine setting. This mode is released when a human body detection sensor detects that a person stands in front of the machine by key input on the operation unit or machine setting.

In [Reload], a state in which the fixing temperature reaches the fixing-possible temperature and copying is possible is called reloading.

In the [interrupt mode], this mode is for temporarily interrupting the copying operation during the copying operation and during the operation to perform the copying. By setting this mode, the previous copy mode and, if the copying is in progress, information on the progress of the copying are stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized. After executing the copy operation and releasing the interrupt mode, the nonvolatile R
By returning the mode and information stored in the AM, the state before setting the interrupt mode is restored, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting. The setting / cancellation of this mode can be performed using keys on the operation unit.

In the [reservation mode], the operation unit is opened during the execution of the copy operation to enable the operation input of the next job. If the original reading operation of the job during the copying operation has been completed, the scanner (including the ADF) is opened, and the original reading operation of the next job is enabled. FIG. 19 shows an operation screen during the copy operation. If the reservation key is pressed on this screen, the screen changes to a reserved copy operation screen, and the reserved copy mode can be set (FIG. 17). When the registration key is pressed on the reserved copy operation screen, the mode is changed to the reserved copy mode, and the screen shifts to the operation screen of FIG. When the release key is pressed, the reserved copy mode is released and the screen shifts to the operation screen in FIG.

In [Display finish time], the end time of the job is displayed based on the read original and the job setting (FIG. 21).

FIG. 22 is related to [CSS] (or [Remote diagnosis system] and [Image forming apparatus management system]).
Shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus management system. A management device installed at a service base and a device such as a PPC installed at a user are connected via a public network. A communication control device for controlling communication with the management device is installed on the user side, and the user's original PPC is connected to this communication control device. A telephone or a facsimile can be connected to the communication control device, and can be installed by being inserted into an existing line of the user. A plurality of PPCs can be connected to the communication control device, but of course there may be a single PPC. These PPCs do not need to be of the same type and may be different models, and may be devices other than the PPC. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five PPCs can be connected to one communication control device.

The communication control device and the plurality of PPCs are R
Multidrop connection is performed according to the S-485 standard.
Communication control between the communication control device and each PPC is performed by a basic type data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by a polling / selecting method of centralized control using a communication control device as a control station, communication with an arbitrary PPC is possible. Each PPC can be set to a unique value by an address setting switch, thereby determining a polling address and a selecting address of each PPC.

As for the copy request operation during the linked copy operation of the local device, the linked copy operation is temporarily interrupted, the copy is performed in the interrupt mode, and the linked copy is performed at the end of the interrupt, as in the "image forming apparatus" of the second conventional example. The operation has been resumed.

The above embodiment is an example of a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, it is not limited to this.
Various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0093]

As is clear from the above description, claim 1
The image forming apparatus of the invention described in (1) performs an operation of image forming setting different from the image forming apparatus during printing, performs a document reading operation according to the operated setting, and performs a document reading operation after the connection operation is completed. The printing operation is performed, and the image formation during printing is temporarily interrupted by the connection operation to perform a different image forming operation. Therefore, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected, image information read by an arbitrary one is transferred to a different image forming apparatus, and the transferred image information can be printed. Thus, the user can select the reserved copy or the interrupted copy according to the priority of the copy, thereby achieving both the linked copy operation and the normal copy.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention
Perform image formation setting operation different from the image formation setting during printing, perform a document reading operation based on the operated setting, calculate the time required for image formation from the read document and the operated setting, and connect , The required time of the printing operation is calculated, the calculated required time is displayed, and the printing operation of the original read after the connection operation is completed is performed. Therefore, by displaying the finish time of the linked copy operation and the finish time of the reserved copy, the start time and the end time of the reserved copy can be known, and there is an effect of suppressing the time constraint due to the copy waiting.

An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention
Perform image formation setting operation different from the image formation setting during printing, perform a document reading operation based on the operated setting, calculate the time required for image formation from the read document and the operated setting, and connect Calculate the required time of the printing operation, compare the calculated required time, temporarily interrupt the image formation during printing in the connecting operation, perform the printing operation of the read original, and read after the connecting operation is completed. Perform the printing operation of the original. Therefore, by comparing the finishing time of the linked copy operation with the finishing time of the reserved copy, if the linked copy output operation is not significantly delayed, the reserved copy output operation is preferentially performed, and the linked copy operation and the normal copy are performed. This has the effect of achieving both.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view illustrating a configuration example of an operation unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example 1 of a liquid crystal touch panel of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing unit.

FIG. 5 is a timing chart for explaining an example of an operation procedure of image formation.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a more detailed configuration example of a memory controller and an image memory.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a first example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a second example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system configuration of a network copy when image forming apparatuses are connected;

FIG. 10 is a functional configuration block diagram of the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a functional configuration block diagram of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example 1;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example 1;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example 2;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example 3;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a display example 1 of the operation screen at the time of the connection operation.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example 2 of the operation screen at the time of the connection operation.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a display example 3 of the operation screen at the time of the connection operation.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a display example 4 of the operation screen at the time of the connection operation.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a display example 5 of the operation screen at the time of the connection operation.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a display example 6 of the operation screen at the time of the connection operation.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming apparatus management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 automatic document feeder (ADF) 2 document table 3 feed roller 4 feed belt 5 discharge roller 6 contact glass 7 document set detection 8 first tray 9 second tray 10 third tray 11 first paper feed unit 12th 2 paper feed unit 13 third paper feed unit 14 vertical transport unit 15 photoconductor 16 transport belt 17 fixing unit 18 paper discharge unit 50 reading unit 51 exposure lamp 52 first mirror 53 lens 54 CCD image sensor 55 second mirror 56 third Mirror 57 writing unit 58 laser output unit 59 imaging lens 60 mirror 100 finisher 101 branch deflection plate 102 stacker transport roller 103 stacker discharge roller 104 stacker tray 105 stapler transport roller 106 stapler 107 stapler Discharge roller 108 Staple tray 109 Drop stopper 110 Drop tray 111 Double-sided paper feed unit 112 Branch claw

Claims (3)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus having a reading unit for reading a document and a printing unit for printing image information read by the reading unit is connected to each other, and the image information read by any one unit is different. A linking operation unit for transferring the image information to the image forming apparatus and printing the image information, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of printing the transferred image information. Means for performing a document reading operation based on the operated setting; means for performing a printing operation of a document read after the connection operation is completed; and temporarily stopping image formation during printing by the connection operation to form a different image. An image forming apparatus comprising: means for performing an operation. 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: a reading unit for reading an original; and an image forming apparatus having a printing unit for printing the image information read by the reading unit, wherein a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to each other, Linking means for transferring the image information to the image forming apparatus and printing the image information, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of printing the transferred image information, and permits operation of an image forming setting different from the image forming setting during printing. Means for performing a document reading operation based on the operated settings; means for calculating the time required for image formation from the read documents and the operated settings; means for calculating the time required for the printing operation during connection An image forming apparatus, comprising: means for displaying the calculated required time; and means for performing a printing operation of a document read after the connection operation is completed. 3. A plurality of image forming apparatuses having reading means for reading a document and printing means for printing image information read by the reading means are connected, and the image information read by any one of the reading means is different. Linking means for transferring the image information to the image forming apparatus and printing the image information, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of printing the transferred image information, and permits operation of an image forming setting different from the image forming setting during printing. Means for performing a document reading operation based on the operated settings; means for calculating the time required for image formation from the read documents and the operated settings; means for calculating the time required for a printing operation during connection; Means for comparing the calculated required time; means for temporarily interrupting image formation during printing in the linking operation to perform a printing operation on the read document; and a document read after the linking operation is completed. An image forming apparatus comprising: the means for performing a printing operation, the.