JPS59189769A - Picture processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain a picture processing system which can be operated easily by an operator and has a high functionality, by performing the control suitable for simultaneous image formations when plural image formations are performed simultaneously on a basis of picture signals outputted from output parts. CONSTITUTION:Plural readers for reading an original picture and plural printers for picture recording are connected to a multi-input/output device 3. If some of plural image forming parts cannot form an image before the end of a set number of image formations, output parts display a number of outputs for correction and perfrom output operations after completing a set number of output operations. When there are image forming parts which can form images though some of plural image forming parts cannot form the image, the impossibility of image formation is not displayed, and image formations are continued by image forming parts which can form images. The number of image formations is counted in accordance with the number of or state of image forming parts used for image formations. Image forming parts to which picture signals from output parts should be transmitted are selected automatically. All sizes of materials to be recorded which are loaded to plural image forming parts are displayed in output parts.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a line image processing system, and more particularly, to an image processing system in which one or more image forming devices form an image based on an image signal output from an image output unit such as an image reading device. It is.

Conventionally, proposals have been made regarding image processing that forms images based on image signals obtained by photoelectrically reading a document, but in these cases, the image signal output section and the image forming section have a one-to-one correspondence. Most of them are.

Furthermore, it is conceivable to form multiple images at the same time based on the image signal output from one output section, but this requirement cannot be completely met with just electrical connections, and there are It requires control and display. However, a problem arises in that complicated operations are not desirable for operators.

The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and is intended to achieve control suitable for forming multiple images at the same time, and also to provide an image with high functionality that is easy for operators to operate. The purpose is to provide a processing system.

That is, if any of the plurality of image forming sections becomes unable to form an image before completing the set number of image formations, after the output section enlarges the set number of output operations, the correction output number is displayed and It performs output operation.

In addition, even if one of the plurality of image forming sections becomes unable to form an image, if there is an image forming section that can form an image, the image forming section that can form an image will not display a display indicating that line image formation is impossible. Further, the number of image forming units is counted depending on the number of image forming units used for image forming or the state of the image forming units.

Further, the image forming section to which the image signal from the output section is to be transmitted is automatically selected.

In addition, the size of the recording material loaded into the plurality of image forming sections is displayed on the output section. Further, when an image formation impossible state occurs, the image formation is continued at the image forming section capable of forming an image after displaying it on the output section for a predetermined period of time.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be explained in detail based on Examples.

FIG. 1 is an external view of a system according to the present invention.

The signal lines of the readers 1 and 2 that read the original image are connected to the multi-input multi-output device 3, and from the multi-input multi-output device 3,
Signal lines are connected to printers 4 and 5 that record images on recording materials such as paper.In Figure 1, only two readers and two printers are shown, but there may be more or less than that. Of course, combinations are also possible. In this embodiment, the maximum number of connected devices is 4 readers and 8 printers.

Next, the interior of the printer, the multi-input multi-output device, and the printer will be explained in detail using FIGS. 2 to 5.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of groove formation inside the leaders 1 and 2.

In this embodiment, in order to achieve high-speed, high-density reading, a method is adopted in which the original image is read by two CCDs, and this is concatenated into one signal to generate an 1-line image signal. 0 First, let's start with the explanation of Figure 2 (-1).

Optical lenses 10.11 are used to form an image of a document placed on a document table (not shown) onto CCDs 12 and 13. The original image is sequentially scanned by an optical system (not shown), but since such a reading technique is a well-known technique, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

CCDs 12 and 14 convert the shading of the original image into electrical signals. This electrical signal is amplified by an amplifier circuit 14.15 and converted into a multi-value digital signal for each pixel by an analog-to-digital converter (A/D converter) 14.15.

Furthermore, the digital signal is shaped in ywt positive circuit 18
．． 19, uneven light emission of the light source, uneven luminous intensity distribution of the optical system, C
After removing shading caused by CD sensitivity unevenness, etc., the signals are sent to binarization circuits 20 and 21, where they are converted into binary digimole image signals VD1 and VD signals, respectively.

Binarization can be done by using a fixed binarization level given by the latch circuit 26, or by using a dither RUM 24.25.
There are two types of dithering methods, which are methods that use binarization levels that are periodically changed within the matrix rise.
The value converting process is selected and switched using selectors 22 and 23.

The dither method uses a binarization code to create halftones in a pseudo manner, and is widely used in 7-axis and other applications.

In this embodiment, it is possible to obtain an optimal copy image by selecting a method that gives a constant binary level for text documents, etc., and a dither method for documents that require gradation, such as photographs. It has become.

The dither patterns stored in the dither ROMs 24 and 25 at addresses given by a counter 27 for counting the number of lines in the sub-scanning direction and counters 28 and 29 for counting the number of pixels in the main scanning direction are sequentially read out. Furthermore, C
A latch circuit 30 is connected to the counter 29 to provide preset data for an optimal count in order to prevent the dither pattern from being disturbed at the joint when electrical signals read by the CD 12° CCD 13 are combined into one line.

This latch circuit 30 and other latch lows in FIG. 2 are connected to the CPU bus of the CPU 38.
The data is latched by 38. The CPU 38 is R
It operates according to the control program written in OM39,
The entire reader is controlled using a RAM 40° I10 board 41, a timer circuit 42, a serial circuit 43, and a key display drive circuit 44.

The CPU 38 performs control for adjustment and operation confirmation based on the value set by the dip switch 46.

The key display drive circuit 44 is a circuit for scanning the key matrix of the operation unit 45 and driving a display such as an LED. Furthermore, the serial circuit '43 is a circuit for scanning a key matrix of the operation unit 45 and driving a display device such as an LED.
It is a circuit used to give control commands to the output unit (MIMOU) and, conversely, to receive information.

The oscillation circuit 32 provides timing to the CCD drive circuit 31 for driving the CCDs 12 and 13 and other parts that handle image signals. The oscillation signal is counted by a counter 33, and the count value is further input to a decoder 34 to generate various timings.

In the decoder 34, the internal synchronization H for each line in the sub-scanning direction is
An S signal is generated and input to the selector 35. A similar synchronization No. 48 BD signal (described later) sent from the printer when the printer is connected is also input to the selector 35, and the CPU 38 selects the printer from the reader according to the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. When the reader is directly connected, the BD signal is selected, and when the multi-input multi-output device is connected to the reader, the H8 signal is automatically selected. The selected signal is used as a synchronization signal in the sub-scanning direction as an H8BD signal. The H8BD signal is also input to the counter 33 and used as a count reset signal.

The counter 33 outputs the original clock of the write clock when writing the VD1 number of the image signal and the VD2 signal to the memories 60 to 63, which will be described later.
CLK signal. The rate multiplier 36 is
The input clock signal is frequency-divided by the value of an externally applied control signal (in this embodiment, the latch circuit 37) and output. In this embodiment, it is used to change the magnification of an image in the main scanning direction.

Next, FIG. 2 1b+ will be explained.

The latch circuits 50, 51.52 each have a write counter 53.52. Read counter 54°55 preset
Give data. The write counter 53 is
~63 to the VDI signal, ■WCL from the rate multiplier 36 to the memory address when writing the D2 signal
ρ is generated by the K signal. On the contrary, the read counters 54 to 55 generate the VDI signal, V D 2 (i, t - memory address except for reading) from the memories 60 to 63 using the ReLK signal (described later).

The memory address signals output from the write counter 53 and read counters 54 and 55 are output from the selectors 56 to 55.
59 and selects either the write counter 53 or the read counter 54, 55 signal and stores the memory 60 to 59.
Give to 63.

The memories are divided into pairs of memories 60 and 61 and memories 62 and 63. When one pair is performing a write operation, the other group is performing a read operation, thereby realizing signal speed conversion. ing.

- The memories of the set perform write operations and read operations nine times, and during the write operation, the signal from the write counter 53 is applied, and during the read operation, the signals from the read counters 54 and 55 are applied from the selectors 56 to 59. It works as expected. The above-mentioned write operation and read operation are repeatedly controlled nine times by the above-mentioned H8BD signal.

VDI signal and VD2 read from memories 60 to 63
The signals are input to selector 7o, VD1 signal and VD2m.
The image processing circuit 71 performs editing processing such as image inversion and trimming processing, and then sends the image to a printer or a multiple input/multiple output device.

The oscillation circuit 66 generates an oscillation signal that serves as a reference timing during a read operation. The control circuit 67 is connected to the selector 35
This is a circuit for controlling the writing of the original H8BD signal.
The operations of the margin counter 68 and bit counter 69 are controlled.

Rate multiplier 64 and latte circuit 65 generate a read clock RCLK signal in the same way as rate multiplier 36 and latch circuit 37 described above.

Next, FIG. 3 will be explained.

Figure 3 shows a multiple input multiple output device (hereinafter referred to as MIMOU)
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an example of the internal configuration.

IVIIMOU 100, four readers 101 to 10
OMIMOU which shows how 4 and 8 printers 111 to 118 are connected and also shows the internal configuration.
l 00 is a multi-input multi-output controller-y (Multi
Input Multi
(hereinafter referred to as MIMOC)120. printer 1
Synchronous memory board used in 1:1 correspondence for 11 to 118 (
The memory board (hereinafter referred to as SBD) 121 to 12g and an operation section 147 are comprised of three types of units.

The MIMOC 120 is a unit to which the readers 101 to 104 are connected), and includes serial circuits 131 to 134 connected to the serial circuit 43 of each reader and printers 112 to 1.
It has a serial circuit 135 connected to 28. The operations of these circuits are controlled by the CPU 140. Note that the CPU 140 operates based on a control program written in the ROM 141, and uses a RAM connected to the CPU bus.
142, I10 boat 143, interrupt controller 1
44, timer circuit 145 and key/display drive circuit 146
is used to control the entire MIMOU 100.

The MIMOC 120 outputs a control bus CB and an image bus IB to 5BDs 121 to 128 as shown in the figure.

The image bus IB is a signal bus that collectively transmits image signals and control signals for the image signals sent from the readers 101 to 104, respectively.

The %il bus CB is a serial signal between the printers 111 to 118 (the printers 111 to 118 are
00) and S of I10 boat 143
This is a signal bus for BD control signals.

In this embodiment, the reader issues the command to start copying, and MIMOU 100 is in a slave relationship with the reader. For this reason, since it is not known when the serial signals will arrive from the readers, MIMOU is configured to allocate one serial circuit to each reader and handle the serial signals from all the readers using the CPU 140. . On the other hand, for printers, since MIMOULOO is in a master relationship, it is possible to use one serial circuit (13
5 makes it possible to exchange serial signals with multiple printers.

The operation unit 147 is operated by a key/display drive circuit 146 to scan the key/matrix and drive the display. Details of the operation unit 147 will be described later.

The 5BDs 121 to 128 are used to synchronize the output of image signals sent from the reader and the operation of the printer. This SBD will be further explained using FIG. 4.

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a specific example of the circuit configuration of the 5BDs 121 to 128.

In FIG. 4, a selector 150 is used to select a control signal assigned to the CPU 140 from among image control signals sent from a plurality of readers.
It is a replacement circuit.

The selected control signal is the write counter 151 and V
It generates address signals sent to the E counter 152 for writing image signals into the memories 171 to 178, select signals for memory writing, and the like.

The selector 182 is a switching circuit for similarly selecting the image signal of the selected reader, and the selected image signal is inputted in parallel to the memories 171 to 178 and written and selected by the selectors 161 to 168. 0 stored in the memory The write counter 151 generates an address signal -□ for writing the image signal into the memories 171-178, and this address signal is input to the selectors 161-168.

The VE counter 152 counts the control signal line (VE multiplied signal) indicating one line of the image, and the count value is input to the decoder 153 and stored in eight memories 171 to 178.
A write select signal indicating which memory is to be written is generated and input to selectors 161 to 168.

These circuits are initialized by a control signal line (VSYNC signal) indicating the start of an image sent from a connected device. Writing to memory is performed using memory 171. Memory 172. Memory 173...Memory 177, Memory 178. Memory 171...
This is done in order like...

On the other hand, memo! Reading of image signals from 7171 to 178 is started when the image signals are written into half of the entire memory, that is, when they are written into the memory 174 in this embodiment. This read start control signal is generated by the decoder 153 and input to the BD control circuit 154.

After the BD control circuit 154 is initialized with the VSYNC signal described above, the BD control circuit 154 receives B signals sent from the connected printer until a control signal to start reading is received from the datar 153.
Prohibits D-fold signal output (BD' signal). When the output inhibition of the BD' number is released, the BD' signal drives the control circuit 158, and the reading from the memory is performed in the same manner as when writing to the memory 171. Memory 172. Memory 173...
...Memory 177, memory 178. Memory 171・
Do it in order like...

Oscillation circuit 155. Control circuit 158. The left margin contention counter 156 and the bit 1 counter 157 correspond to the oscillation circuit 66° control circuit 67, the left error counter 68, and the bit counter 69 of the reader shown in FIG. 2, and have substantially the same functions. There is. The difference is that the control circuit 158 generates a VE' signal similar to the VE multiplied signal;
This point is input to the counter 180.

The VE counter 180 counts the = sign V E ′i, and the count value is input to the decoder 181.
A read select signal indicating which memory is to be read is generated and input to selectors 161 to 168, respectively.

In the selectors 161 to 168, the write counter 151
Using the signals from the and decoder 153 or the bit number counter 157 and decoder 181, the memory 171 to
The image signals read from the memory 171 to 178 are controlled by the selector 185 to select only the image signal in the memory being read out, and are sent to the printer as a VD signal.

Control bus CB is connected to latch circuit 183. It is input to an interface circuit 184 and a control circuit 185.

Latch circuit 183 latches select control signals to selectors 150 and 182. This latch is controlled by the control circuit 185 which monitors the control signal and selects the value set by the dip switch 186 and the SB signal specified by the control bus CB.
This is done when the D numbers match. MIMOC120
The control between the
This is done using the value set in step 6.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of internal construction of a printer. The explanation will be given using FIG.

A serial signal line from the MIMOU 100 or the reader is input to the serial circuit 201 and processed by the CPU 200. The CPU 200 operates according to a control program stored in the ROM 203, and controls the entire printer using the niMzo4, timer circuit 202, and I10 board 205.

The input interface 207 performs input processing of sensor signals such as paper detection in the printer. Drive circuit 208
is a circuit for driving a motor, high voltage transformer, etc. (not shown). The display circuit 206 uses no printing paper,
Used to display printer status such as jam occurrence.

A VD signal (image signal) sent from the MIMOUl 00 or the reader is input to a laser driver 209, and is converted by a semi-integrated laser 210 into laser light based on the VD signal. The laser beam passes through the collimator lens 21
0, and is scanned in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of the photosensitive drum 214, which is rotating at a predetermined rate at polygon 7-212. The scanned laser light undergoes light intensity correction by the f-theta lens 213, and is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 214 to form a latent image based on the VD signal.

The printer uses a so-called electrostatic recording method to form an image.The required portion of the electric charge applied to the photosensitive drum 214 is removed using a laser beam, and then developed using a developer. This is done by transferring and fixing. Since the electrostatic recording method is a well-known technique, detailed explanation will be omitted.

Now, the laser beam scanned by the polygon◆ mirror 212 is incident on the optical fiber 215 before being irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 214, and when the photodetector 216 detects the incident, it outputs an electric signal (BDf#). As can be seen from FIG. 5, the laser beam is emitted from the reader or MIMOUl 00 to the photosensitive drum 21 after the BD double signal is generated.
If the VD signal is output after waiting for the time to reach 4, a latent image will be formed at an appropriate position on the photosensitive drum 214.

The timing chart in FIG. 6 specifically shows the output timing of this V D (i).

Although FIG. 6 shows an example of + and 1-da, the same applies to MIMOU.

In FIG. 2, 1b1, the left margin counter 68 starts counting from the generation of the H8BD signal due to the generation of the BD signal, and when the count is up at the above-mentioned time, the bit counter 69 is operated, and the memory 60.
1 or start reading the VD multiplied signal from the memories 62 and 63. The bit counter 69 stops operating after outputting V D (i) over the image forming area of the photosensitive drum 214, and prepares for the input of the next BD signal. The Ringo is an interval signal indicating the operating period of the bit counter 69.The VB signal indicates the operation of the MIMOU, the VE counter 152, and the write counter 151
used to control the operation of In MIMOU, the VB' signal generated by the control circuit 158 is also the same as the VE signal.

FIG. 7 shows an operation unit provided on a reader connected to the system in this embodiment. The operation section includes a standard operation section 252, a preset operation section 251, a special operation section 250 having a liquid crystal display section 256, and soft keys 257. The standard operation section 252 includes a numeric keypad 254 for setting the number of sheets.
, a set number of copies display section 255, a copy start key 253, etc., and the method of use is the same as that of a commonly used copying machine.

The special operation section 250 is for the user to create any copy mode, and includes a liquid crystal display section 256 that can display labels corresponding to the soft keys, copy mode, data, and various messages, and six soft keys 257. Prepare,
When it is desired to select the contents displayed on the liquid crystal display section 256, a copy mode or the like can be created by pressing a soft key corresponding to the lower side of the display to be selected.

For example, a desired paper size can be selected from among the paper sizes sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display using a soft key below the size display. In addition, the liquid crystal display section 256 may also display information that cannot be displayed on the standard operation section 252, such as information such as how many printers are being used during copying using multiple printers simultaneously. I can do it.

The preset operation section 251 is capable of registering copy modes (conditions) set by the standard operation section 252 or the special operation section 250. That is, by registering frequently used copy modes in advance in the RAM 40 and reading the copy mode from the memory with a single key operation without using the special operation unit 250, it is possible to easily perform copying in a desired mode. It is something.

FIG. 8 shows an example of an operating section provided in a multiple input multiple output device. The operation panel 300 is located at the front of the multi-input/multi-output device. (See Figure 1) A power LED (light emitting diode) 301 is an LED that indicates that power is being applied to the multi-input/multi-output device, and it lights up when the power is on and turns off when the power is not on. are doing.

When the ready LED 302 lights up, it indicates that the multi-input multi-output device is operable without any internal abnormality. Reader numbers 1 to 4 and printer numbers 1 to 8 are unique numbers given to each connected reader and printer, since the multi-input multi-output device of this embodiment can connect four readers and eight printers. , and each LED and switch (303 to 338) indicates information on the reader and printer corresponding to the number attached above each part.

For example, t is LED303. LED307 and switch 3
11 indicates information regarding the reader 101, and the LED 325
．． The LED 333 and the switch 317 are connected to the printer 113.
Shows information about.

i-Rute/Single LED 303-306 Indicates whether the reader with the corresponding number is in multi mode (lit) or single mode (blinking). Also, the light turns off when the corresponding reader is not connected or powered on.

The copying LED (307 to 31O) indicates that the reader is in the process of copying, and is lit when the reader is in operation and turned off when it is stopped.

The active printer switches (311 to 314) indicate that the corresponding reader is in the copying operation, that is, the printer is reading the original and is copying.
When pressed while ED307 to 310 are lit, the button will indicate the printer that is copying while the button is pressed.
Connect LED of compatible printer (323-330
) flashes.

Printer connect switches (315 to 322) are selector switches that select whether or not to automatically enable use by a multi-input multi-output device when the corresponding printer is in a copy-enabled state. (separate connection) Indicated by LEDs (323-330). switch is 1
Connect LED (323~330
) repeatedly turns on and off. When the LED is lit, it indicates that the printer is controlled by the multi-input multi-output device and a copy operation is possible, and when the LED is lit, the corresponding printer is controlled by the multi-input multi-output device. This LED (323
330) blinks when the reader's active printer switch is pressed during copying, as described above.

Each printer ready LED (331 to 338) indicates whether the printer is capable of copying.

If the printer is capable of copying, it will light up regardless of the status of the Connect LED. - It will blink if an error such as a jam has occurred in the corresponding printer. Also, the light turns off when the printer is not connected or the printer is not powered on.

There are two ways to connect each device: one is to connect to a printer via a reader and a multi-input/multi-output device, and the other is to connect only a reader and printer. You can determine this by checking the application status described later. conduct. As mentioned above, the reader and the multi-input multi-output device are connected via a serial circuit to which individual numbers have been assigned, so that number can be taken as the unique number of the multi-input multi-output device. I am dealing with it.

As mentioned above, the connection between the multi-input multi-output device and the printer is as follows.
Since they are connected via each synchronous memory board, the multi-input multi-output device treats the value of the dip switch 186 on the synchronous memory as the number of the printer i1.

Single mode at the reader when connecting the reader to the printer via a multi-input, multi-output device.

You can select one of the print modes from the multi-mode. Single mode is the same mode as when only the reader and printer are connected, and is the same as the unique number assigned to the reader. This is a mode in which a multi-input multi-output device connects the printer numbered, and the valley status in this case is a mode in which the reader receives a single printer via the multi-input multi-output device.

On the other hand, the multi-mode is a mode in which one reader can connect to a plurality of unspecified printers via a multiple-input multiple-output device, and the printer is designated by the operation section of the reader. Also. In the multi mode, there is a mode in which the printer specification is left to the multi-input multi-output device, but in this case, the multi-input multi-output device selects the necessary number of printers that can operate according to the set number of prints. make it work. Also, each status in multi mode is...
A multiple-input multiple-output device assembles each printer's information into the required format and sends it to the reader.

Since the control when the reader and printer are directly connected on a one-to-one basis is the same as single-mode control using a multiple-input multiple-output device, we will explain the evolution of the system using multiple-input multiple-output devices below. conduct. Note that the differences between single mode and multi mode will be explained each time.

An example of setting the multi-mode in the league's special operation section 250 will be described below with reference to FIG. In FIG. 14, 256 is a liquid crystal display, and 257 is six soft keys (hereinafter referred to as SK).

When the power is turned on, the liquid crystal display section 256 shows the screen shown in FIG. 14(a).
1) will be displayed. Here 8 to 1. 1" displayed corresponding to SK 2 indicates that no editing mode is currently set.

I will omit the details of the editing mode, but here is the 8Ki
Alternatively, if you press 2 on 8, the screen on the liquid crystal display changes, allowing you to set the editing mode.

'io displayed corresponding to 5 in SK4.8.

%-N, 100%II'' indicates that the copying magnification in both the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction is 100%, that is, the same magnification.Here, press 5 on SK4 or 8 - and the scene on the liquid crystal display is changed to 50 in each of the main scanning and sub-scanning directions.
It is possible to set the magnification from % to 200X in 1% increments,
The details of the magnification setting will be omitted here. 0 In (1) of Fig. 14 (a), press 6 on 8 corresponding to "ETC" (abbreviation of Etcetra), the display will be (1) of Fig. 14 (a)
It changes like this.

In (2) of Figure 14 (a), the 1 single “” displayed corresponding to SKI is MIMOUl in this league.
00 is connected, indicating that the image transmission mode via MIMOU is set only to printers that are under the control of the printer. If this league is M
If it is directly connected to the printer without going through IMOlJ, that is, if it is configured as a stand-alone type, there is nothing in the liquid crystal part corresponding to 8 and 1 as shown in (3) in Figure 14(a). In (2) of Fig. 14 (a), the 1 modifier displayed in Lf corresponding to SK 3 and SK 4 K is the original character I 11.
This indicates that the mode is to reproduce the read l1tii image with binary values that do not take into account the intermediate W, 1, and SK3
゜When you press SK4, although not shown, SK3.8 gets 1 on top of 4! ! ” is displayed, and the mode is changed to halftone processing of the read image using the dithering method described above. The 1 positive displayed corresponding to 8 and 5 is positive, and the normal copy operation is It is executed in this state, but S
When K5 is pressed, 8 and 5 correspond to 6 negatives (not shown).
is displayed and you can change the copy mode to reverse black and white. When SK6 corresponding to "E '1'C" is pressed, a display as shown in (4) in FIG. 14(a) is displayed on the liquid crystal display section 256.

14 (a) (4), "1 digit" displayed corresponding to SKI means registration; if you press 8Kl, the copy mode at that time will be registered in any of the 9 preset keys 251. I will not go into details here.

When SK6 corresponding to "MTC" is pressed in (4) of FIG. 14(a), the liquid crystal display returns to (1)K of FIG. 14(a) again.

Now, in (2) of Figure 14 (a), there are 6 singles! When you press SKI corresponding to I', the LCD display will change to the one shown in Figure 14 (a).
) changes to (5). Here, 'CL)1. ”
By pressing SK6 corresponding to (abbreviation for clear), the scene can be returned to (2) in FIG. 14(a).

“Multi” corresponding to 8 and 3? ” indicates that multi mode is not currently set, and “multi?” indicates that multi mode is not currently set. It also shows that you can set the multi-mode by pressing 3 on 8, which corresponds to ``.

Currently, the transmission mode is only to printers under the management of this league, that is, printers with the same unique number as this league, so 1 single in correspondence with 8K1! ! ” is displayed.

In (5) of Fig. 14(a), the MI MOLJ 100 corresponding to one single unit is connected to the printer, and image data is sent from the league to the printer via the MI MOU. Regardless, since the printer is in a mode in which the user operates the printer in the same way as the stand-alone type, the size of the printer's recording paper, that is, the size of the cassette containing the recording paper, can be switched between upper and lower stages using the standard operation section 2520 and the upper and lower stage switching key 259 of the cassette. select. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, the selected one of the upper and lower LnDs 260 lights up, and the size LED 258 corresponding to the size stored in that row lights up or blinks.

1 multi in (5) of Figure 14(a)? When you press SK3 corresponding to ``, the LCD display changes to `` (in Figure 14(a)) and a message appears asking you to select the cassette size. , if there are no printers in a printable state, a message to that effect is displayed as shown in (6) in Figure 14(a).The display in (6) in Figure 14(a) is managed by the CPU. After a certain period of time or when the clear key of the standard operation unit 252 in Fig. 7 is pressed, the display returns to (2) in Fig. 14(a). By pressing the back or clear key, the result will be as shown in (8) in FIG. 14(b), for example.

Figure 14(b) O(8) is shown as MIMOU 1
00 Indicates the usable cassette size set in the available printers among all the managed printers. If the desired size is found among the initially displayed sizes, the corresponding soft key 8K under the size display is pressed, and the liquid crystal display changes to a in FIG. 14(b). On the other hand, if the desired size is not found in the displayed sizes, please click "ET".
If you press 5 on 8 corresponding to C'', it is not shown here,
If there is a size that could not be displayed the first time, that size is displayed in the same way as (8) in FIG. 14(b).

Similarly, until the desired size is displayed, @ETC'[
Press the corresponding SK5 to search. After displaying all available sizes, return to the initial display (for example, in Figure 14).
Return to b) (9)).

During this size selection, if 6 is pressed on 8 corresponding to "CL", the liquid crystal display returns to (6) in FIG. 14(a). If the previous size setting result has already been set, it is displayed in the box (8) in FIG. 14(b) as shown in (9) in FIG. 14(b), for example. (9) in Fig. 14(b) is an example where A4 was selected last time, and 1'' is displayed in the ``A4〃'' and 17'' lines to indicate that. After selecting the size, the LCD display will change to the first
In contrast to the display shown in (II) in Figure 4(b), a message is displayed to the operator to select the printer to be used.This message is the same as the message (7) in Figure 14(a), etc. It is cleared after a certain period of time managed by the controller or by pressing the clear key in Figure 87, and the liquid crystal display becomes, for example, as shown in Figure 14(b).

αυ in FIG. 14(b) displays the number of the printer having the cassette size selected in the above procedure. If SK6 corresponding to 'CLR' is pressed here, the liquid crystal display returns to the display shown in (5) of Fig. 14(a), and a new mode setting becomes possible. Fig. 14(b) O(11) ) lc oite s
K2. 8 to 3. SK4. The number after the ``+'' mark displayed corresponding to Itc indicates the printer's unique number. The @7'' mark after the number indicates that the printer with that number has not yet been selected as a destination. show.

Among the displayed printer numbers, the number that is the same as this league is the same as that of this league, and the '≠' mark of the printer number in this league's single mode will stop blinking.For example, if the corresponding printer in this league's single mode is 411. At certain times, the 1-mark repeatedly blinks as shown at aυ and Q21 in FIG. 14(b).

The information that it is a single-mode printer is provided by the reader and M.
In serial communication between IMOUs, MIM
It is obtained by printer information 5 in Table 1 to OU.

'A displayed corresponding to SKl of the circle in Fig. 14(b)
LL" is a mode in which all printers with the selected cassette size are sent as destinations, or any printer is left to the MIMOU's discretion. For example, if three printers are currently connected to MIMOU, If the selected cassette size (for example, A4) is set in all printers, it will be displayed as shown in Figure 14(b).
If you sent it to P2, press 3 on 8 corresponding to +27'' and the display will be '+21' like U in Figure 14(b).
1 '(!: ”, ? ”jlshowybE”ll 'i
This shows that printer number +2 has been set as the destination. If this is OK, press SK5 corresponding to 'OK' to finish setting the Reiren mode.

Also, for example, three printers≠1.12.43 are MIMO
UK connected and selected cassette size e.g. A4
If 4-1 and ≠31CL are not displayed, the display is shown in Figure 14 (b)
(After 1, it will be displayed as α4 in Figure 14 (b). If you want to print it out in A4 size, any printer will be fine, or you can copy it as quickly as possible using all available printers. When you have finished the process, press the SKI corresponding to 'ALL'.Then the display will change to
4 (b) indicates that "ALL" has been selected. If this is OK, 5 to 8 corresponds to 'OK'
Press to hide the multi mode settings.

From (tl) in Figure 14(b) to (14) in Figure 14(b)
)t, this is the case where all the printer numbers to be selected can be displayed in the l scene display, but if there are many printers and 2 or 3 scenes are required, 'ETC' is displayed (not shown here). In such a case, "ALL" and 19 options are particularly effective.

Now, if you press SK5 corresponding to "OK" on tta in Figure 14(b) or floor a in Figure 14(middle), the multi-mode setting will be completed and the LCD display 256 will display 09 in Figure 14(b).
As shown in (2) of FIG. 14(a), the 6 zongle//'' is replaced with "multi", indicating that the multi mode is set.

In addition, the selected size A4 is displayed on the cassette size display section as shown in FIG. The LED 260 indicating the upper/lower stage is turned on as shown in FIG. 15(b), but both the upper/lower stage is turned off as shown in FIG. 15(C). Therefore, in this case, the upper/lower switch key 259 cannot be provided with a receiver.

Referring to Table 13, the operations of the image forming operation (hereinafter referred to as copy operation) waiting league, multiple input multiple output device, printer, and communication between the devices in this system will be explained.

In the table, ■ indicates the operation in the reader and the operation of the reader, ■ indicates communication between the reader and multiple input multiple output devices, ■ indicates operation of multiple input multiple output devices, ■ indicates communication between multiple input multiple output devices, ■
indicates printer operation. In the implemented system, information is exchanged between each device (league and multiple input multiple output device, multiple input multiple output device and printer), except for image information, mainly through serial signal communication.

Serial communication is required between leagues and multiple-input multiple-output devices.
However, between the multiple input multiple output device and the printer, the multiple input multiple output device has the initiative.

The person with the initiative can detect whether the other party can receive serial signals (depending on the other party's power-on signal, ready signal, etc.), and if communication is possible, issue various commands in the serial code. , the receiving side receives the above instruction,
Parity errors etc. are checked, and if the command is valid, information corresponding to the command is sent back. If the command requests some action on the receiving side, the corresponding action is performed.

In communication, the person with the initiative outputs an instruction code (called a command), and the receiving side outputs information corresponding to that instruction code (
This is done using an 1-to-1 method in which the status (called the status) is always sent and returned.

A detailed explanation of the operation and communication of each part shown in Table 13 will be given below.

A status request command for requesting printer information from the IT table is shown. When a multiple-input multiple-output device or printer receives a status request command, it returns to the league a status signal corresponding to each status request command shown in Tables 2 to 11.Table 2 indicates that the received command is invalid. In the command error status returned in case of a parity error, bit 6 is set.

Table 3 shows the status of the printer to which each reader corresponds in single mode, and the overall status n of available printers and printers in use in multimode. A print request, which is a paper feed enable signal, is set when all printers in use become capable of paper supply. Bit 5, Paper conveyance, is set if any printer in use is conveying paper. Misprint, Waiting (fuser temperature rising), Pause (shutoff and power saving), Call error (A serviceman call error occurs for operator call) bits 4.3.2. l is set when an error occurs in all printers in use.

Tables 4 and 5 show details of operator call errors and serviceman call errors, respectively, and the bits corresponding to each error in each drive unit and process unit are set when the error occurs.

Table 6 shows the number of retransmission requests caused by jams and misprints.

Tables 7 and 8 show paper sizes of printers that support the single mode.

Table 9 shows the application status, which uses bit 2 to inform the reader whether a multiplex unit is connected or not. It has been reset.

Table 10 shows the status of the printer as indicated by the printer information request status. Bit 6, printer ready, indicates that the corresponding printer is capable of copying, and bit 5, my printer, indicates that the printer has the same number as the reader that requested information. Bit 4.3.2.
1 indicates the size of each cassette 0 Table 11 shows the number of sheets fed in one copy. The final paper feed indicates that the specified number of sheets has been printed. Bit 5, retransmission request present, indicates that a jam or misprint has occurred in one of the printers in use, and a retransmission request for image information has occurred. The number of sheets is requested by the retransmission request number of sheets. Table 12 shows the execution commands that the printer is prompted to execute. When the execution command is output, the MIMOUitake printer will:
The overall status shown in Table 3 will be returned.

l is a copy request that requests the printer to start copying. 1 start command, 2 requires stopping copy operation.

3.4 is a paper feed instruction command 05 that instructs the direction of the paper feed cassette in the single mode, which is a number-of-copies instruction command, which instructs the number of copies of one document. 6 is a multi-instruction command that sets the printer number to be used in the 2nd byte corresponding to each bit of the 1 byte (Printer l is the 1st bit, printer 2 is the 2nd bit)
bit). 7 is an instruction command indicating that the reader operates in single mode. 8 is a command instructing the paper size, which is output to the reader in the multi-mode.

The reader using each command mentioned above, MIMOU
The serial communication between the two will be explained using the flowchart of FIG. In this embodiment, as serial commands from the reader to MIMOtJ, there are status request commands and execution commands as shown in Tables 1 and 12.

When the mass/copy sequence is not being executed and there is no key input, the communication shown in FIG. 16(a) is performed before the communication shown in Table 13. The reader also selects the f-18HD signal according to the flowchart shown in FIG. Obtain information 0 After checking the execution command (816-2) described later, if MIMOU is connected, output the printer information request command 8 times, which corresponds to the number of printers that can be connected to MIMOU, and check what number printer is connected. 816-
4. 5) oAlso, when MIMOD is not connected,
Stand-alone type, reader and printer are MI
Since this is a case where the cassettes are directly connected without going through an MOU, the upper/lower cassette size is known from the output of the upper cassette status request command and the lower cassette status request command in Table 1 (816-6).

After obtaining the paper size information, etc. when the MIMOU is connected or not connected, and checking the execution command, the overall status is obtained using the overall status request command shown in Table 1 (816- 7) oL However, since the copy sequence is not yet being executed at this stage, only determine whether there is a call error in the overall status (816-8) o If there is no call error, after checking the execution command , return to requesting the application status of 816-1, and repeat these steps.

If there is a call error, use the serviceman call error request command shown in Table 1 to obtain detailed information on the serviceman call error (S16-'J). Furthermore, the details of the operator call error are obtained using the operator call error 5-request command in Table 1 (816-1o). After that, it returns to (816, -1) again and returns the same comb. There is a command. These execution commands are, for example, (S16-1), (816-4), (816-6), as shown in FIG. 16(a).
(816-7), (816-9), (816-10).

After the status and input, the command is output after checking whether the execution command should be output with priority, which is performed in the procedure shown in Figure 16 (b).

In the execution command check, as shown in FIG. 16(b), it is first checked whether the copy start key has been pressed (816-11). When the copy start key 253 is pressed, the error processing 3 at step 4 of FIG. 17-2 is executed. More details on this later.

If the copy start key 253 is not activated, it is determined whether the cassette upper/lower stage switching key 259 has been pressed or whether it is necessary to switch the cassette based on the preset key or reset key selection button (816). −
12).

If it is necessary to switch cassettes, determine whether the mode is multi-mode or single mode (816-15
). In the multi mode, switching between upper and lower rows is not performed, but in the single mode, issue the upper paper feed instruction command or lower paper feed instruction command in Table 3 and input the overall status (816-16), and then o (816-12), which continues the normal serial sequence of FIG. 16(a);
If it is determined in (816-15) that cassette switching is not necessary, it is checked whether there is a multi/single change (816-13). When there is a change, the multi-instruction command or single-instruction command shown in Table 12 is output according to the change, the overall status is input (816-14), and then the normal serial sequence shown in Fig. 16(a) is executed. continue.

r, 816-11), (S16-12), (816-1
If there is no execution command to be output in step 3), the next step of the normal serial sequence shown in FIG. 16(a) is executed without outputting the execution command.

In this way, the communication before the normal sequence is completed, and the operations shown in Table 13 can be executed.Next, the communication operations during the copy sequence will be explained.

In the copy operation in multi mode, as shown in Table 13, various image forming conditions such as paper size and number of copies are first entered by the operator in the reader (through the operation panel), and the copy key is pressed. Then, the reader notifies MIMOU of the paper size, printer number, and number of copies via communication.

When the multi-input multi-output device receives the paper size, printer number, and number of sheets, it checks each printer connected to MIMOU (However, if it is in printer specification mode, only the specified printer) Calculate the number of printers with paper size 0 and
Check the number of copies per copy and calculate the required number 0 Once the required number has been calculated, for each printer corresponding to it,
The zero-order reader, which specifies the cassette stage of the required paper size through communication to the printer, sends a copy start command to the multi-input multi-output device after specifying the paper size, copies, and number of sheets.

When the multi-input multi-output device receives the copy start command, it transmits the copy start command to each printer for which the paper size cassette command has been completed.

When each printer receives the copy start signal, does each part of the printer start operating? Starting from m, if the conditions of each printer make it possible to receive an image signal, each printer sends a signal indicating that image signal reception is possible to the multiple-input multiple-output device.

The multi-input multi-output device waits until all printers required for printing are sent a message indicating that they can receive image signals, and when all printers are able to receive image signals, sends 1N! to the reader! ii) A signal indicating that the image signal can be received is transmitted.

When the reader receives the image signal reception permission, it starts reading the document and transmits the image signal to the MIMOU.

MIMOU simultaneously sends image signals to all printers in use.

Each printer receives an image signal and makes a copy according to the operating procedure of the printer.

When the multi-input multi-output device finishes copying, it sends the number of copies made in one operation to the reader,
First, it is checked whether the number of copies instructed by the reader has been reached, and when the total number of copies has been completed, the end of copying is first notified to the reader by communication.

However, if the designated number of copies have not been completed, the copy start signal is sent again to the required number of printers and waits until all the printers are ready to receive image signals.

The reader counts down the number of copies when it is sent by MIMOU, number of copies, and S communication. Then, when a signal indicating that image signals can be received is received by the multi-input multi-output device, reading of the same document is started again. The reader continues this operation until it receives a command to finish the final copy.

When the reader receives the final copy completion message, it sends a signal indicating printer stop to MIMOU via communication.

When the MIM OU receives a signal indicating printer stop from the reader, it sends printer stop to all printers in use through communication.

When the printer receives the printer stop instruction, the printer stops the operation of each part of the printer.

Since the copy operation in single mode is performed for a specific printer,
■*(pJe■) is used. That is, when a plurality of printers are used, there is no need for communication related to printer designation, sheet count calculation, etc.

Next, an example of the serial communication sequence in the league section during execution of the copy sequence will be described using the flow shown in FIG.

When it is found in the execution command check that the copy start key has been pressed, it is first determined whether or not the multi-mode is in effect (810-1).

If you are in single mode when MIMOU is connected or stand-alone type where MIMOU is not connected, immediately output the copy start instruction frame /)' to MIMOU or printer and input the overall status (SIO -16).

After that, the explanation until the end of copying is as follows (SIO-17)
-Return (S10-21).

First, it is checked whether the printer is ready for copying (810-17). If the printer cannot perform a copy operation due to a paper jam or some other abnormality, a printer stop instruction command is immediately issued (S1022) o If the printer is ready for copying, then the reader's Check status (810
-18).

If the copy operation is interrupted by pressing the stop key 261 or the interrupt key 262, or if some abnormality occurs in the reader and the copy operation cannot be continued, a printer stop instruction command is immediately output (SIO-
22).

If there is no cause for copy interruption or cancellation in either the printer or the reader, it is checked whether the optical system is in the reverse position (810-19). If the optical system is not at the inverted position, repeat the steps described above (S10-17) and (810-18) until the optical system reaches the inverted position.
).

Unlike the multi-mode described later, stand-alone or MIM where one printer is directly connected to the league
In single mode, in which the reader outputs to a printer under its control, although via the OU, one sheet of copy paper is fed to the printer each time the reader's optical system scans the document once. Since it will be output (810-19)
When the optical system reaches the inverted position, the number of sheets displayed on the seventh set sheet number display section 255 is counted down and displayed by one sheet (S1θ-20).

If the display after the countdown is not 0, that is, if the set number of originals have not been scanned, try again (810-17
) to continue copying, and on the other hand, if the display is 0, that is, the set number of originals have been scanned, issue a printer stop instruction command and print the overall status (810-
21, 810-22).

When the series of copying operations is completed normally, abnormally terminated, or canceled as described above, the reader sends the retransmission request number request command in Table 1 to the printer or MIMOU and obtains the retransmission requested number of sheets. (810-23). Of course,
In the case of normal termination, the number of retransmission requests is given as 0, but
If the process ends abnormally due to a paper jam, etc., a number of incomplete copies other than 0 is given.

Here, if the set number of sheets - number of fed sheets + number of retransmission requested sheets is Q sheets (10-24), if Q = O (S10-25)
, since the set number of sheets has been consumed and the process is finished, the set number of sheets should be displayed in the set number of sheets display section 255 of the 7-segment 5IO-26)
, Q? If it is 0, Q sheets are displayed as the number of remaining sheets to be copied (SIO-27).

This completes the serial communication and display of the number of copies during the copy sequence in stand-alone or single mode mode, and returns to FIG. 16(a) again to execute serial communication while waiting for a copy key.

Next, a description will be given of the case where the multi-mode is determined in FIG. 10 (SIO-1). In multi mode, first output the paper size instruction command in Table 12.5IO-2
), then output the copy setting number instruction command (sl
After o-a), output the copy start instruction command (
SIO-4). Among the multiple printers that can transmit image signals from the reader via MIMOU, the effective use of multimode is mainly (5) installation location, copy speed, toner color of developer, size of cassette owned, (B) When the reader selects and sends a specific printer according to its function, such as being a duplex printer; (B) When the reader selects and sends multiple specific printers that meet the above conditions; (C) Any one or more machines that meet the above conditions
There may be cases where the IMOU selects and transmits, but in this embodiment, emphasis is placed on (C), which includes (5) and (B), and in the multi mode, the MIMOU manages the number of sheets. In order to take control, when starting copying, the reader sends the set number of sheets to MIMOU, and performs document scanning with an optical system based on information from MIMOU as described below.

After outputting the copy start instruction command in FIG. 10 (810-4), the reader executes the serial communication sequence in the multi-mode shown below.

First, it is checked whether at least one of the printers specified as destinations at the start of copying can continue the copying operation (S10-5) o If all the printers are unable to continue the copying operation for some reason, M.I.
If an abnormality occurs in the MOU, a printer stop instruction command is output (810-22).

On the other hand, if at least one printer is in a copy-enabled state, it is checked whether there is a factor on the reader side to interrupt or cancel the copy operation (810-6). Is there a problem with the reader? Press the stop key 261 or interrupt key 2.
If 62 is pressed, a printer stop instruction command is output (810-22).

If there is no reason to stop or interrupt the copying operation on either the printer side or the league side, the optical system of the reader unit will finish scanning the document.
Check whether the inversion position has been reached (810-7)
. If the document is still being scanned and does not reach the reverse position, press (
810-5). When the reversal position is reached, use the feed sheet number request command in Table 1 to obtain information on the number of sheets fed, whether it is the last sheet fed, and whether there is a retransmission request due to paper jams or other factors ( 810 8).

Unlike in single mode, the reader basically does not need to be concerned with which printer is outputting images or which printers are being output, and even if some printers are down, MIMOU will not be able to maintain the initial set number of sheets. The number of sheets is distributed appropriately until the number of sheets is used up, so when the optical system finishes scanning one document, the reader inquires of MIMOU how many sheets were fed in total during that scan. The number of fed sheets obtained in (S10-8) is subtracted from the number of sheets displayed on the sheet number display section 255 and displayed as the new number of remaining sheets to be executed (SIO-9). Next, it is checked whether the newly displayed number is 0 (810-10). If it is not 0, that is, if the set number of sheets has not been fed yet,
・Check whether the resend request flag in the fed paper count status entered in (sio-s) is set (
810 14).

If there is no retransmission request, return to (810-5). If there is a retransmission request, send the retransmission request number request command in Table 1 to M.
After outputting to IMOU and writing in the number of sheets requested for retransmission (
Return to 810-5) In Figure 10 (SIO-10), if the display shows 0 sheets, check whether the final paper feed flag in the paper feed count status entered in si, o-s is on. i (810 11).

If the display shows 0 sheets, that is, after feeding the set number of sheets, the MIM
When it receives from the OU that it is the last paper feed, it recognizes it as a normal end and outputs a printer stop instruction command (17-2
2). Now, if one of the printers selected as the destination when copying starts is overturned or the paper jam is abnormal and the copying operation cannot be continued, some of the sheets fed by that printer may not work correctly. [B] It will not be unlisted. Therefore, in such a case, (810-10)
Even though it was confirmed that the set number of sheets had been fed in (810-11), it was determined that the final paper feed was insufficient, so (SIO-14) and (SIO-1s) were used to After displaying the retransmission requested number of sheets set in step 2 on the sheet number display section 255, the process returns to (810-s).

When the set number of copies are output or all the printers originally selected as destinations go down, or the stop key Myoshima Warikomi key is pressed, a printer stop instruction command is output (SIO- 2
2). The following is the same process as in single mode [:(81
0-23) to (SIO-27):], the first
Return to Figure 6(a).

FIG. 11 shows M during the image forming operation shown in Table 13.
The operation of the IMOU microcomputer is shown. However, in the case of multi mode, it starts from 5P201, and in the case of single mode, it starts from 5P207. When the paper size and printer number instructions are received in series via communication, the paper size of each printer is checked (S11).
-1.811-2). In this case, in the printer specification mode, only the specified printer is checked, and in the no specification mode, all printers are checked.

In this system, the MIMOU and the printer constantly exchange various information through communication, and the information is stored in the RAM (
Since the information is stored in the random access memory (random access memory), it is possible to determine whether or not the paper size is present by checking this information. The paper sizes of all available printers are checked, and if none of the printers has the specified paper, a paper out message is sent to the reader (Sll-3, 811-4).

If a printer with the required paper size is connected, the number of copies is received (Sll-5).

The required number of printers is calculated by comparing the number of received copies and the number of printers having the required paper size (S11-6).

When the copy start command is received from the reader, it instructs each printer corresponding to the calculated number of printers to start the copy operation (811-7, 811-8). However, in single mode, a specific printer is instructed to start copying.

When each printer starts a copy operation and is able to receive image signals, it receives a notification from each printer and all printers that have instructed the copy operation become able to receive image signals, then they inform the reader that they can receive two image signals. Send (SIX-9,811
-10) 0 The received image signals are simultaneously sent to each grid without going through the microcomputer. A copy operation is performed in each printer, and MIMOU detects whether a copy error occurs due to an error in each printer, calculates the number of copies, and sends it to the reader (811-12.81
1-13.5ll-14).

However, in single mode, the copy operation is not changed until printer stop is received (sll-16). Also, when copying is started, the number of copies received from the reader is compared with the number of copies received from the reader, and if the number of copies not specified is not reached, the required number is calculated again and the copying process is restarted (Sll-17, 811-1
8).

When the specified number of copies have been completed, the final copy completion information is sent to the reader, and when it is received by the printer,
Send printer stop to all printers and end the series of operations (SIX-19, 5ll-20, Sll 2
1).

FIG. 12 shows the operation of the microcomputer of the printer during the image forming operation shown in Table 13. When a copy start signal is received from MIMOU, the printer starts operating each part according to a predetermined sequence (81).
2-2).

In this system, since an electrostatic recording printer using a drum as described above is used, pretreatment such as drum charging is required. Therefore, wait until the preprocessing is finished and the paper can be fed, and then copy star) (
7) Wait until the paper fed from the previous KMI MOU reaches a position where image signals can be received (812-5), and when it arrives, sends a signal indicating that image signals can be received to MIMOU (S12-6).

When the image signal is input, a series of copying operations such as development, transfer to paper, and ejecting the paper to the outside of the printer are performed (S12-7.
512-8).

Then, it detects whether or not Step 2- has occurred in a series of copy operations, and sends that information to MIMOUK (S1
2-9.512-10).

After that, when a printer stop message is received, each part of the printer is stopped and the series of copying operations is completed.512-11.
812-13), and when a copy start is received, the next copy is started (812-12).

FIG. 13 shows the operation of the microcomputer that controls the operation section of the MIMOU described in FIG. 8, and will be described below.

The operation is divided into display processing for each league (813-1) and display processing for each printer (813-2), and as mentioned above, the same display processing is performed for four readers, and the same display processing is performed for each of eight printers. is repeated.

The processing for each reader is as shown in Fig. 13(b).
First, it detects whether the reader is connected, and if the reader is not connected or the power is not turned on, the multi/single LEDs 303 to 306, copying LED 30
All of those corresponding to the reader 7 to 310 are turned off and the process ends (S13-L 5i3-4).

Next, follow the instructions from the leader and select Multi/Single LE.
Turn on or off D303 to D306 (813
-5). Then, if copying is in progress, the "copying" LED 3
07 to 310 are turned on (513-7), and if copying is not in progress, the copying LEDs 307 to 310 are turned off (S13).
-8).

Regarding printers, as shown in FIG. 13(e), for each printer, first, it is detected whether the printer is connected and powered on (813-9).
. If either is not done, connect LED 32
3 to 330, turn off the corresponding ready LEDs 331 to 338 (S1'3-11.813-13)
.

If the printer is connected and powered on, pressing of the connect switches 315 to 322 will be detected.813-1
0), if pressed, connect LEDs 323 to 330
The corresponding one is inverted, and connected and disconnected are sequentially switched each time the switch is pressed (813-12).

Next, if the printer is in operation and the corresponding one of the operating printer switches 311 to 314 corresponding to the reader that is the image information transmission source is pressed, the corresponding connect LED 3 is pressed.
23 to 330 blink (S13-14.813-1
5% 813-16).

Next, if any error occurs in the printer, the corresponding ready LED 331-338 will blink 813-
17.813-19), turns on the ready LED if it is ready to print (813-18)0 Figure 17-1 (
In a), details of the error processing in FIG. 11 are shown (error processing 1).

If all the printers in use in single mode or multimode have errors, the error contents received from the printers are set in the error bits of each status. Then, the ready signal is reset to notify the reader that printing cannot be continued. (817-1, 17-2, 17-3,
17-4) (Although the ready signal is not shown, it is used as a print availability signal and is sent to the reader, MIMO, etc. along with each signal line.
If all printers in use are in an error state in multi-mode (connected between U and printers), check to see if a resend request has occurred due to a paper jam, etc., and if a resend request has occurred, Set the resend request status for the number of sheets fed status and the resend request number status.

In multi mode, if multiple printers are used and an error occurs in one of the printers during copying, the remaining number of copies and the number of retransmission requests will be divided between the remaining printers and the copies will be completed. be done. Specifically, the number of necessary printers decreases by the number of printers that have errors), and the number of times the reader reads the data increases accordingly.

Error processing 2 in Figure 17-1(b) is a 70-chart of error information transmission to the reader when an error occurs in each printer used for copying in MIMOU after copying is completed. It is assumed that communication with the reader and communication with the printer are performed appropriately.

When the printer stop is received and the copying operation is completed (817-11), the multi-input multi-output device checks all the printers that were being used, and if there are no errors in all the printers, it returns to step 2 - Communication of information. is not performed, and if an error occurs in all printers, an error flag for each status is set (S17-12.817-13). Then, it sends information for 5 seconds (S17-i4) and checks whether other printers that were not in use are operational, or if the error of the printer that caused the error has been cleared and even one of the connected printers is activated. If there is an operational printer, reset the error flag of each status and set the ready signal, which is a copy enable signal (817-15.17-16.17-
17).

Figure 17-2 shows the error processing means in the reader, including ID,
It shows the operation of the reader when it receives a signal indicating an abnormal state from the MIMOU or the printer.

Below, three readers and three printers are connected to MIMOU.
The error display on the reader operation unit for each copy mode and error occurrence pattern when connected via the reader will be explained.

Figure 19-1 shows that in the multi mode in which data is sent from the 4P1 reader to printers +1, +2, and +3, printer +3 causes an error and stops operating by the time the set number of copies are completed, leaving 2 copies remaining. The following shows a case where copies outside the set number of sheets are executed by dividing the number of printers by 1 and +2.

In this case, MIMOU does not reset the ready signal for +1 league because not all printers specified by +1 league have caused an error in error processing 1 in Figure 17-1 (a), and Work 2-7 lugs are also not set. Therefore, in leader L, the 17th-2nd
In the illustrated error processing 3, no error is displayed during copying or after copying is completed.

Figure 19-2 is the same as Figure 19-1, from +1 league to 4 leagues.
This shows a case where all the printers cause an error and stop operating before the set number of copies are completed in the multi-mode to the fi1, na2, and na3 printers.

In this case, MIMOU sets the error flag and resets the ready signal since all the printers specified by the S1 reader have caused an error in FIG. 17-1 (a)-r-error processing 1. Therefore, in a +1 league, the 17th -
After receiving the printer stop command in error processing 2 in Figure 17-1(b), OMIMOU sends the printer stop command in error processing 3.
17-11) Since all the printers used are causing errors, set error 7 lag according to the error contents. In the reader Φ1, an error is displayed in accordance with the error flag in error processing 3 shown in FIG. 17-2.

Since MIMOU does not reset the error flag until any of the +1, +2, and Na3 printers becomes usable by error processing 2, the error display continues in reader 1 until at least one printer becomes usable.

FIG. 19-3 shows a case where an error occurs before the +2 printer completes copying the set number of sheets in the multi-mode in which data is transmitted from the reader of Lotus 1 to the +2 printer. At this time, MIMOU resets the ready signal in error processing 1, reader +1 sends a printer stop command in error processing 3, and further MIMOU
After receiving the printer stop message in error processing 2, U sets an error flag for all the printers that were in use (817-13). Then, after 5 seconds (817
-14), +1 and +3 printers can be used, so
Reset error flags. Therefore, after the reader Φ1 transmits the printer stop message, it displays an error corresponding to the error content for 5 seconds while the error flag remains on.

Figure 19-4 is similar to the case of Figure 19-3 above.
Multi-mode from reader to +2 printers, na2
A case is shown in which when the printer causes an error and stops its operation before completing the copying of the set number of sheets, the remaining two printers 1 and +3 are also in an error state and are in a situation where copying is impossible. In this case, as in the case of cylinder 19-2, an error message is displayed on the reader until a usable printer appears.

By performing the above error display processing, the normal error display section can be used in multiple output mode, and while it can be distinguished from the error display in normal stand-alone or single mode, it can be operated as if it were the same machine. becomes.

Next, the display of the number of sheets on the reader operation section in the multi-mode will be explained using FIG. 18.

(a) is a display example when 11 copies are made using three printers. First, before pressing the copy start key 253, the number of sheets 11'' registered in the preset mode set using the numeric keypad 254 or called up by any key of the preset key 251 is displayed (18-1).

Thereafter, when the copy start key 253 is pressed, serial communication is performed with the MIMOU according to the procedure already described (FIG. 17) to start copying.

Then, all printers and readers become abnormal, and
If neither the stop key nor the past key is pressed, each time the optical system scans a document, the series receives the total number of sheets fed by each of the three printers, three, from the MIMOU through the serial communication mentioned above. Subtract “8” from the number of images displayed.
sheet (18-2), "5" sheet (18-3'), '2'' sheet (
18-4) are sequentially displayed.

When only two sheets remain, one of the three printers that were initially in operation is no longer needed, so MIMOU issues a printer stop instruction command to any one printer to separate it from the copy sequence. Then, when the printer performs the copy sequence and reaches the next document scanning/reversing position,
After receiving from MIMOU that the remaining two machines fed two sheets, one sheet each, the displayed number of sheets is "2" (18-
Subtract 2, the number of sheets fed, from 4) and display it as "0" (18-5). Since there is no abnormality in the printer and there is no cause for cancellation or interruption from the reader, the resend request flag mentioned earlier is not set, and the final paper feed flag is set when 2 is received in the paper feed count status. Therefore, this copy sequence is recognized as a normal end, and after displaying "0", the number of sheets set for the next copy is displayed as 11' (1
8-6) Finish copying.

Next, I started copying with three printers, but one
The number of sheets displayed when one machine runs out of paper, one paper jams, and two machines become unable to copy will be explained with reference to FIG. 18(b).

First, display the set number of copies "11" (18-7), all three printers feed paper, each copies one copy, and prints 8 copies.
” is displayed (18-8), and if one printer runs out of paper after feeding one sheet, two
Two printers are enabled for copying and two copies are made at once. Therefore, 2 is subtracted from 8 and "6°" is displayed (Ig-9), and after the next document scan, 2 is subtracted from 6 and "4" is displayed (18-10). Furthermore, assuming that one of the two machines causes a paper jam after feeding the paper for the next document scan,
2 is subtracted from 2 to display 2" (18-11).

However, inside the printer that caused the paper jam, there are three sheets of paper that are not being ejected normally, that is, three sheets of paper that are fed but not printed out properly and remain inside the device. The resend request flag in the sheet count status is lit. Furthermore, the retransmission requested number of sheets, 3, is received as information by the retransmission requested number of sheets request command, and is held until the final paper feeding flag is set.

Now, after displaying "2", the number of printers that can be copied is 1.
After that, you will have to print out more than the set number of sheets using only that printer.

Therefore, each time the document is scanned, the number of displayed pages is counted down one by one, and the number is "1" (18-12) and "0" (18-13).
becomes. Now, as already explained using FIG. 17, when the displayed number of sheets becomes "O", it is checked whether the final paper feed flag is set in the paper feed number status (1
7-11).

In this case, one of the printers causes a paper jam 9 on the way, and the final paper feed flag does not go off, so check the number of sheets you request to resend (17-12), and the number of sheets you request to resend is 3, so 3" Displayed (17-13.18 14) o After this, each copy-capable printer will feed one sheet each time the original is scanned and print it out, so the display will be "2".
(1B-15), '1'' (18-16), 0'' (18-
17), prints the three pages that were not executed first, prints out the set number of sheets, and displays the set number of sheets as 11" again (18-1)
8).

In this embodiment, the image signal was output by reading the original, but it may also be output from an image file using a magnetic, optical, etc. storage device, or as an image forming unit.
In addition to the printer, the above-mentioned image files and various display devices can be used.

Furthermore, it is also possible to expand the network by connecting MIMOU to a public company line or the like.

Table 1 Table 2 Table 3 Table 4 Table 5 Table 6 Table 7 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11 Table 12 As explained above, according to the present invention, the user can It is possible to provide an image processing system that is easy to operate and has high functionality.

Furthermore, even if an error occurs in any of the image forming sections, the error will be recycled by the other image forming sections, and the operator will only be notified if an error occurs in all the image forming sections in use. This makes it easier to determine whether or not the copy was successful due to the occurrence of an error.

Furthermore, since the operation status of each image forming section is displayed on the operation display section of the input/output section, it can be easily understood by the operator.

By displaying the number of images, it is possible to count and display the number of used image forming units, each image, and one image at a time when an output device and an image forming unit are connected one-to-one as in the past. The number of images can be counted and displayed flexibly depending on the status of the connected image forming section or input/output section and instructions from the operation section, allowing for easy system assembly and operation. It is something that

In addition, by making it possible to select between a mode in which the image forming section is specified by the operator and a mode in which the input/output section automatically selects the image forming section, it is possible to change the system situation, for example when the system is set up in one room. This synutem can be flexibly changed or expanded to suit the needs of the operator, such as when it is set on a large floor or when the operator is in a hurry.

In addition, in the multiple input multiple output selection mode, copying can be performed using almost the same operations as with conventional machines, so there is no confusion for the operator.

Furthermore, by displaying a list of usable recording material sizes constituting the system, the operator can grasp the paper sizes loaded in all the image forming sections using one output section. On the other hand, you can also select the paper size without having to worry about the upper and lower cassettes as with conventional machines.

Furthermore, by displaying the number of the image forming unit, the relationship between paper size and printer can be viewed at a glance.

Furthermore, by not displaying the image forming section in which an error has occurred, the status of each image forming section can be grasped.Furthermore, according to the present invention, the image forming section By changing the display depending on whether it is connected to the image forming section via the input/output section,
It is possible to provide an operation display section that is easier for the operator to operate.

Additionally, by having a mode for connecting to a specific image forming section (single mode in the description), the operator can use the system in the same way as when connected to an image forming section without going through the input/output section. .

In addition, the method of displaying each error has been changed depending on the setting conditions of the output unit, so depending on the operator's situation, you can: - Clear the error after starting the next copy, - Switch the mode and use it, - Solve the error. This allows the operator to make more flexible selections, such as choosing from easy-to-print items, and improves system usage efficiency.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The internal configuration diagram of the blade device (MIMOU), Figure 4 is the internal configuration diagram of the synchronous memory board (SBD), Figure 5 is the internal configuration diagram of the Grinder, Figure 6 is the timing chart regarding the image number, and Figure 7 is the internal configuration diagram of the synchronous memory board (SBD). Figure 8 is an external view of the operation unit of the reader, Figure 8 is an external view of the operation unit of MIMOU, Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the reader timing signal selection procedure when the power is turned on, and Figure 10 is the reader's operation unit. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the execution program during the copy operation of the microcomputer of the multi-input and multi-output device.
Figure 2 is a flowchart of the execution program of the printer's microcomputer during copy operation, Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the microcomputer size and upper and lower cassette display of a multi-input, multi-output device, and Figure 16 is a diagram showing an example of the MOTJ and reader. 1 and 2 are leagues, 6 is MIMOU, 4.5 is a printer, and 12.13 is a diagram showing an example of an error processing flowchart.
is a COD, 32 is an oscillation circuit, 65 is a selector, 121.
122, 128 are SBDs, 256 is a liquid crystal display section, 257
303-606 multi-single LED, 607-610 copying LED, 32
6 to 660 are connect LEDs, and 661 to 338 are ready LEDs. Figure 18

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] (1) In an image processing system in which images are formed simultaneously by a plurality of image forming sections based on digital image signals produced by an output section or a blade, the above-mentioned vI successive image is When any of the forming parts becomes an image-shaped adult, the output part displays the number of outputs for correction after completing the output operation for the set number of times, and both perform the output operation. Image processing system. (In an image processing system in which images are formed simultaneously by multiple image forming units based on digital image signals output from two output units, image formation is possible even if any of the multiple image forming units is unable to form an image.) An image processing system characterized in that, if there is an image forming section that is capable of forming an image, the image forming section that is capable of forming an image continues to form the image without displaying an indication that image formation is not possible. (6) How to output from the output section Based on the digital image signal
Alternatively, an image processing system that forms images in a plurality of image forming sections is characterized in that the number of image formations is counted according to the number of the image forming sections used for image formation or the state of the image forming sections. . (4) having an output section that outputs an image signal, a plurality of image forming sections that form images based on the image signal, and an input/output control section that connects the output section and the plurality of image forming sections; An image processing system characterized in that an output control section automatically selects the image forming section to which the image signal from the output section is to be transmitted. (5) In an image processing system capable of simultaneously forming images in multiple image forming units based on digital image signals output from the output unit, all sizes of recording materials loaded in the multiple image forming units are output as described above. An image processing system characterized by displaying images in a section. (6) In an image processing system equipped with an output section that outputs a digital image signal and an image forming section that forms an image based on the digital image signal, depending on the number of image forming sections that are connected to the output section and form an image, , an image processing system characterized in that the display of the output section is made different. (In an image processing system equipped with an output unit that outputs digital image signals and a plurality of image forming units that simultaneously form images based on the digital image signals output from the output unit, if an image formation impossible state occurs, An image processing system characterized in that after displaying the image on the output section for a predetermined period of time, image formation is continued in an image forming section capable of forming an image.