CH619549A5 - Method of operating a copying machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for operating a copying machine with a copying device of several for producing copies of documents, the scanning image signals of which can be fed to the copying device from several image sources, and which copying device has at least one output device for the finished copies.

A large number of copying machines have been known for a long time that produce copies under different conditions and at different speeds. Many of the known copying machines belong to the class of copiers, which make a relatively small number of copies from an original document. Other copying machines create a larger number of copies per original document, whereby offset printing, electrographic and thermal techniques, as well as non-contact printing (for example with inkjet printers) and conventional impact printing methods are used.

Since the advent of power typewriters, magnetic tapes and magnetic carias, a wide range of different techniques for word processing and word processing have developed. The main concern in word processing is to avoid having to write the same text multiple times, similar to how the copier can avoid manually making multiple copies of the same text, word processing and making copies are usually used independently. This independent use does not fully exploit the possibilities that both systems offer.

In the US patent specification 3 597 071 a copying machine is shown which is equipped with an electrostatic printer and to which a plurality of input units are connected, which can output image signals for the printer, v / ie facsimile, microfilm, data processing, and Milcrofiche facilities. The devices are connected to the printer via appropriate adapters.

The United States Patent 3,898,627 shows a laser image generator that can be used in a copying machine that is operated according to the inventive method.

In the US Pat. Nos. 3,668,658 and 3,879,757 and 3,503,060, magnetic disk memories or control devices for disk memories are described which can be used in a copying machine described by the method according to the invention.

A copying device suitable for the purposes of the present invention is described in US Pat. No. 3,588,242, although the copying device described in the patent

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level programmable relay control circuit is to be replaced by control circuits to be described below.

U.S. Patent 3,597,071, as mentioned, describes

a copying machine with several different bike sources, but the question of priority allocation to the individual image sources is not regulated. This results in the disadvantage that the common copying machine is used by the image sources in the order in which their orders are received, and that each new job can only be accepted if the previous job, regardless of its scope, is complete is done. The method according to the invention aims to overcome the disadvantage mentioned.

The invention therefore relates to a method for operating a copying machine with a copying device for producing copies of documents whose scanning image signals can be fed to the copying device from a plurality of image sources, and which copying device has at least one output device for the finished copies, which method characterized in that a first image source is selected: t> is selected in order to supply the copying device with a sequence of image signals which correspond to a predetermined number of documents for a first order, that the supply of the image signals of the first order is interrupted and a second image source of higher priority is selected for feeding:> all image signals of a second job to the copying device, and that the feeding of the image signals from the first image source is automatically resumed where the interruption occurred.

An example of the method according to the invention is described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

The drawings show:

Fig.l. an example of a composite device with several copying machines and several input units connected to them, 35

Fig. 2 is a block diagram with control circuits for a copying machine

Fig. 3 shows the diagram of a copying machine with devices for local and external control

Fig. 4 is a block diagram of a main control device for a copying machine

Fig. 5 is a flowchart of the workflow of a print job

6 shows a flowchart for the termination of a print job according to FIG.

7 shows a flowchart relating to the interruption of a printing process

Fig. 8 is a flowchart for interrupting a printing process for Simplex and Dupiex copy jobs

9 is a block diagram of the interruption circuits 5.

and

Fig. 10 is a block diagram of control circuits for alternately retrieving image signals from multiple image sources.

Fig. 1 shows the copying systems 1 and 2, which can be set up 55 apart. Each of the systems has a copying machine 3 or 4 and a word processing unit 5 or 6. Furthermore, each of the systems 1 and 2 contains an input unit 7 or 8 and a data processing unit 9 or 10. The different units are mutually connected, so that, for example, the copying machines 3 and 4 can exchange image signals with one another in such a way that image signals generated in the copying machine 3 can be converted into copies by the coating machine 4. Similarly, the copying machines 3 and 4 can also be controlled by the output data of the data processing units 9 and 10. Finally, the copying machines can also receive and receive signals from the word processing units 5 and 6

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Implement copies. The input units 7 and 8 serve to scan original receipts and to generate control signals for the copying machines 3 and 4. The input units 7 and 8 can be equipped with digital or analog video scanners. Because of the possibilities outlined above, systems 1 and 2 can be used advantageously in complicated image transmission and copying systems.

The figures 2 and 3 show details of a copying machine which can be used in the systems 1 and 2 shown in FIG. The core of the copying machine is the actual copying device 11, which can be designed, for example, as an electrographic transfer copying device. The copying device 11 can have different input units 12, wherein an optical document scanner can interact with a semi-automatic document transport device 13. Part of the transport device 13 is a glass plate on which the original document can either be placed manually or where it can be transported by the transport device from an input pocket (not shown). The optical image is transmitted from the described scanning station to the copying device 11 by conventional optical means. The input units 12 additionally comprise a laser input, which can be controlled by means of text processing signals for generating optical images via the common input line 14. The input units 12 are equipped with control circuits 15 and 16 for the document transport device 13 or the laser.

The laser can be supplied from a terminal 17 set up on site with signals which are read by magnetic cards which are inserted into an input slot 18 and ejected again after reading from an output slot 19. The signals generated by the terminal 17 are temporarily stored in a memory 20. A switching unit 21 provides for the connection of the terminal 7 to the remote terminals 22 for the purpose of exchanging image information according to FIG. 1.

The signals from the terminal 17 or from the switching unit 21 are first stored in a memory 23 (FIG. 4). The main control device 24, of which the memory 23 is a part, effects the transmission of the signals to the laser control circuit 16 in order to produce an image to be transmitted to the copying device 11, and to the memory 20. For the production of the first set of copies Transfer signals from the memory 23 to the laser control circuit 16. In the second and the following sentences, the signals stored in the memory 20 are transmitted to the memory 23, from where they are supplied to the control circuit 16. The copy orders received via the local terminal 17 or via the switching unit 21 can be processed alternately. Priorities can also be assigned to the incoming orders if this is desired.

The copying machine 3, 4 also has an output unit 25 which comprises a plurality of output devices. When the input unit 12 generates images in the copying device 11 via the laser, the resulting copies are fed into an output device 26. If the input unit 12 is controlled by the document reader 11, the copying machine 3, 4 is in the copying state and the resulting copies are either transported into the output pocket 27 or into the output compartments 28. The output device 26 was provided on an executed machine for the copies resulting from printing, which is explained further below.

The main control device 24 controls all units in the copying machine 3, 4. The control circuits 16, the memory 20, the switching unit 21 and the terminal 17 are controlled via a cable 29 (FIG. 2). The other units, such as the control circuit for the output pocket 27 and

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the control circuit 31 for the output device 26, the copying device 11 and the control circuit 15 for the document reader 13 are controlled via a cable 32.

The operation of the copying device 11 will now be briefly described with reference to FIG. 3. A photoconductor drum 33 ■. rotates past various xerographic processing stations in the direction of the arrow, the first station 34 applying a positive or negative electrostatic charge to the surface of the photoconductor drum 33. This charge is preferably distributed uniformly over the surface of the drum m 33. The surface of the drum is charged with the exclusion of light, so that optical images projected onto the surface of the drum 33 via the input 14 change the electrostatic charge of the photoconductor in the region 35. The light in the projected image discharges the surface of the drum i * 33 in proportion to the brightness. There is no corresponding unloading for the parts of the original document that have dark (printed) markings. The electrostatic charge is therefore retained in these areas of the photoconductor surface. The resulting charge pattern is referred to as a 2 "latent image. The surface of the drum 33 is discharged outside of defined image areas by means of a lamp 36.

The next xerographic station is the developer 37, to which so-called toner is fed from a storage container 38, which is applied to the areas of the drum 33 which still carry an electric charge and is held by these. The toner has an electrical charge in the developer station that is opposite to the charge on the photoconductor. Therefore, the toner particles adhere electrostatically to the charged areas, but not to the discharged areas. Accordingly, after leaving the developer station 37, the photoconductive surface has an image corresponding to the dark and light areas of the original document in the document reader or according to the laser input.

The latent image 35 is now transferred to a copy paper in a transfer station 39. The paper is fed to the station 39 along a path 40 and past a synchronizer 41 and is electrically charged in the transfer station 39 and contacted with the toner image on the photoconductive surface of the drum 33, whereby the toner 411 is transferred to the copy paper . After the transfer, the copy paper is lifted from the photoconductive surface of the drum and fed via path 42 to the heating station 43, where the image is “burned in”. In the transfer station 39, the copy paper receives an electrostatic charge 43 which is a hindrance to further processing. The paper is therefore unloaded in an unloading station 44 before it is fed to the output unit 25.

After the image has been transferred to the transfer station 39, a certain amount of toner remains on the photoconductive surface. In a cleaning station 45, the remaining toner is therefore removed with a rotating brush, so that the image area is prepared for taking the next image. The cycle described then repeats itself starting with the charging of the surface that has just been cleaned in the charging station 34.

The production of single-sided copies or the first page of double-sided copies requires the feeding of an empty sheet of paper from a paper supply 46 to the transfer station M) 39, to the heating station 43 and, in the case of single copies, directly to the output unit 25. The paper supply 46 is with one Equipped switch 47 that blocks the operation of the copier 11 when the paper supply 46 is empty. 65

When double-sided copies are made, a deflection device 48 is actuated and the paper is fed to a buffer store 50 via the path 49.

The control circuits (not shown) required for making two-sided copies are operated by the main controller 24. The partially finished duplex copies (with an image on the first page) await further processing in the buffer memory 50, the second image being applied to the back of the copies.

In the next subsequent single-image run, which is initiated by inserting a document into the document reader 13 or through the main control device 24, the copies are individually removed from the buffer memory 50, first via the path 51 and then via the path 40, around the second image to recieve. The two-sided copies are then transported into the output unit 25. A Schlater 52 of the buffer 50 is used to determine whether copies or paper are still present in the buffer 50. If this is the case, an intermediate signal is transmitted via line 53 to control circuits to be described below.

The copying machine has a control console 54 which is equipped with a multiplicity of lamps and switches and which is connected to the main control device 24. The entire machine 3, 4 is controlled via this console with respect to the movements of the image areas on the photoconductor drum 33. A counter 55 counts the number of copies for billing purposes. It can be controlled, for example, by the synchronizing element 41 when the image areas pass the developer station 37. Such controls are already known and need not be described in more detail here.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of the main control device 24. This has two control units 56 and 57. The control unit 56 includes a system microprocessor 58 that executes a number of control programs stored in a read only memory 59 (or random access memory) and uses the memory 23 as a working memory. The microprocessor 58 is connected to the other members of the control unit 56 and to peripheral units via a set of three data transmission channels 60 to 61. The data transmission channel 61 transmits data signals from the other members to the microprocessor 58. In a preferred embodiment, the channel 61 was for 8 bits (one character)

plus parity bit. The signals emitted by the microprocessor 58 reach all other elements via the channel 60. Address signals for selecting the units which signals are to transmit to or receive from the microprocessor 58 are output by the microprocessor via the 16-bit transmitting channel 62. The channels mentioned also ensure the transmission of signals between the control unit 60 and the memory 20, the laser control circuit 16, the terminal 17, and the switching units 21 and 63.

The structure of the control unit 57 corresponds to that of the control unit 56. It contains a microprocessor 64 and a read-only memory 65 in which the programs for controlling the copying device 11 are stored, a main memory 66 which is used as main memory, and input registers 67 and Output register 68. The signal transmission between the elements mentioned takes place in both directions via an 8-bit parallel channel 69, the address control by the microprocessor 64 via an address channel 70 which can transmit 16 bits in parallel. The signals output by microprocessor 64 via channel 70 select the source and destination of the signals processed by the microprocessor. The address of the switching unit 63 is contained therein, for example. For the control unit 56, the control unit 57 appears as an input / output device, in the same way as the units 20, 16, 17 and 21 appear as input / output units. Communication via switching unit 63 requires a variety of

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Storage cycles in the control units 56 and 57. A clock 71 controls the units 56 and 57 in synchronism with the storage cycle. For this reason, the memory 23 and the working memory 66 have memory cycles of the same length. The memory is operated in synchronism, controlled by two clock signals <E> 1 and <J> 2 of the clock generator 71 via the lines 72, which are routed to all units within the main control device 24. In addition, the clock generator 71 supplies signals S1 to S5 for the execution of the command to the processors 58 and 64.

It may be desirable, under program control, to additionally logically connect channels 60, 61 and 62 for signal transmission via paths to be described below. For this purpose, a channel selector 73 is provided, which can be controlled by the microprocessor 58 via the line 74 in order to establish the connection between the channels. For example, signals can be switched from the switching unit 63 to the channel 61 via the channel selector 73 and thus fed to the processor 58. One can easily imagine further cross connections / wiping the channels.

The copying device 11 produces copies in the same way, irrespective of the operating state of the copying machine 3, 4, the differences being that the image is input either via the document reader 13 or the laser input 16 and the input into the output. The device 26 or the output pocket 27 or the output compartments 28. Before the start of printing, the system microprocessor 58 first determines whether the machine is in the copying or printing state. These two operating states have the following characteristics: In the copy state, which is primarily available to the operator, the document reader 13 supplies optical images to the copy device 11 for the production of copies which are placed in the output pocket 27 or in the output compartments 28 be filed. In this operating mode, an original document is thus optically scanned, and all the output work is carried out in the output unit 25. The original document can be scanned by optical means known for copiers, such as a running point scanner, a laser scanner or the like. For example, the image on the document in the document reader can be scanned by a digital scanner, which converts the image information into non-coded information, which then drives a laser control circuit 16 in order to reproduce the image via the area 35 of the photoconductor drum 33.

In the printing operation, word processing or data processing information in the form of image signals normally stored in the memory 20 is selected. These signals are buffered in the memory 23 and converted by the laser input into corresponding charge images, which are finally stored in the output device 26 as printed copies. When making double-sided copies, a sheet-turning device 75 known per se can be used in connection with the output device 26. An essential difference between the printing operation and the copying operation of the copying machine 3, 4 described is that the images produced during the printing process are compiled before the images are processed by means of the photoconductor drum 33. This process can be called pre-sorting, for example. The pre-sorting is carried out by corresponding processing of the image signals which come via the data processing input or the word processing input, so that the printed copies leave the copying device 11 in the correct order. In this way, copies that have been created in the printing mode are already stored correctly in the output device 26.

It follows from what has been said that, in the copying mode, the document reader 13 shares the copying device 11 with other image sources, but has its own output pocket 27 or its own output compartments 28. In this way, the copying operation and the printing operation are completely independent of one another as far as the input and output devices are concerned, which facilitates the common use of the copying device 11 in both operating modes. Since the operator should primarily be able to use the copying mode, the copying machine 3, 4 is initially automatically set to the copying mode when switched on. However, this operating mode is inactive if no copies are made by the copying device 11 or transported into the output devices 27, 28. When the copy operation is inactive, the request to print copies from a data processing or word processing station can activate the printing operation. In this case, the printing mode remains active until the copying mode is selected again, or until the printing mode becomes definitely inactive, whereupon the copying machine 3, 4 automatically switches back to the copying mode. In printing operation, the terminal 17, the memory 20 and the switching unit 21 work together with the main control device 24 and the laser control circuit 16. The printing operation is requested by the operator by means of information which causes the copying machine 3, 4 to deliver the desired number of printed copies in a predetermined format, the information furthermore including information about margin width, font, tab stops, number of lines per page and the like contains. A word processing input is made by inserting a corresponding magnetic card into the slot 18 of the terminal 17, which reads the recorded image signals and transfers them under the control of the control program to the memory 23, whereupon the system microprocessor 58 executes the word or word processing functions which correspond to the image signals read out. These word processing functions are necessary in order to convert the card content into a text format suitable for use by the laser control circuit 16. The details of this word processor are extremely complicated. Since they are not the subject of the invention, their detailed description can be dispensed with here. In any case, known word processing techniques can be used to convert the image signals into control signals for the copying machine 3, 4. The copying operation continues until no more cards are fed through the input slot 18 and the terminal 17 is empty. This state is indicated by a switch in the input slot ■ i? 18 communicated to the microprocessor 58 via the channel 61. This means that all image signals have been transmitted from the terminal 17 into the copying machine 3, 4.

The programming of the microprocessor 58 in connection with the initiation of the printing operation on request by the terminal 17 is shown in FIG. 5. It should be noted that for the sake of brevity, not all functions of the microprocessor can be shown.

When a print job signal arrives, the microprocessor 58 initiates a print subroutine according to FIG. 5 55. The print job is started in block 76. This step includes the conversion of the copying device 11 from the possibly existing setting on a light or dark background to the normal setting. The duplex mode is also preset if this is necessary for this job. Finally, the number of copies per set and the number of sets are entered by means of an appropriate instruction.

In block 77, the f.5 image to be printed is fed to the copying machine 3, 4. This image can be supplied either by the terminal 17 or by the switching unit 21. In any event, the image to be printed first is entered into the memory 23 after the required word processing has been carried out

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by the microprocessor 58. As soon as the image is stored in the memory 23, printing is carried out in accordance with block 78. Since steps 77 and 78 are part of the print job and not part of the changeover between a print job and a copy job, the description of the corresponding command structure is dispensed with in this connection; however, it should be noted that any known type of text and image processing can be used.

Once printing of an image has begun by transferring the image to the photoconductor drum 33 and before the corresponding copy has left the heating station 43, the microprocessor 58 checks whether the print job has ended and determines its status in order to take the next action determine. FIG. 5 only gives an overview of the method; details are described in connection with FIG. 6. First, the microprocessor 58 checks in block 79 whether all the images are present. If this is not the case, the microprocessor 58 causes the copying machine 3, 4 to call up another image for printing. In this context, it should be pointed out that the images in the memory 23 can be transferred to the memory 20 in connection with the presorting. If all the images are present, i.e. if the terminal 17 and the switching unit 21 have done their job, the microprocessor determines in block 80 whether all the images are set. This means that the microprocessor 58 has carried out all the word processing and that the majority of the image signals are stored in the memory 20. It should be noted that the image signals for each image are shifted back and forth between memories 20 and 23 for printing successive, presorted copies. If all the images have not yet been set, the microprocessor 58 returns to the first part of the program and carries out the word processing on another image. This word processing is done on each image before printing. If this word processing has taken place for all images, the microprocessor 58 checks in block 82 whether all images are imaged on the photoconductor drum 33. If this is not the case, a different image is printed. Are all images mapped to drum 33, i.e. all copies have been started, the copying machine 3, 4 only has to deliver the finished copies to the output unit 25. Printing is finished and the microprocessor 58 ends the job.

To end the job, the microprocessor 58 first checks in step 83 whether an error has occurred during the printing process. If this is the case, the circumstances of the error are printed out on a supplementary sheet which must be printed with the printed copies for use by the operator. The supplementary sheet contains texts from memories 20 and 23 which contain data relating to the error and problems encountered during operation. This supplementary sheet supports the operator in troubleshooting. A collection of such supplementary sheets is a welcome aid for maintenance personnel to diagnose errors and to maintain the functionality of the machine.

If no errors were found in step 83, the microprocessor 58 determines in step 84 whether a job log in the form of a supplementary sheet was requested when the print job was started, and if so, the supplementary sheet is printed in step 85.

After the microprocessor 58 determines that the last printed sheet has reached the output device 26, the machine is automatically switched to the copying mode in step 86. The supplementary sheet according to step 85 is only printed when it is certain that the last copy has actually arrived in the output device 26. For simplicity, the queue that microprocessor 58 needs is

in order to delay the printing of the supplementary sheet, not to describe in more detail here.

Before the next print job can begin at step 76, the microprocessor 58 must ensure "that the copy mode switch on the control panel (Fig. 3) has not been actuated. However, if the switch has been actuated, a copy job is performed. This determination is made in a subroutine which comprises only three instructions, in which the position of the copy mode switch is reported via the input register 67 and then either the next print job is started in accordance with step 76 or a copy operation is carried out.

Details of the completion of a print job by the microprocessor 58 15 will now be described with reference to FIG. 6. Control steps 76 through 82 for the print job have been described with reference to FIG. When all the images have been completed, a subroutine according to FIG. 6 begins with a branch instruction 87 which is inserted between steps 82 and 83 according to FIG. 9.

20 If the microprocessor 58 determines in step 82 that all the images are finished, it determines the image type in step 87. If it is a word processing input from the terminal 17, the input slot 18 of the terminal is examined in step 86 whether it is empty. If the slot is not empty, the "printing mode" is retained. Several jobs can be fed into slot 18, which are processed automatically and in succession. Each job is initiated by a card which contains all the parameters of the job If the job '10 entered in terminal 17 is completed, the copying machine 3, 4 must determine via the microprocessor 58 whether there are still further jobs from the terminal 17. If this is not the case, steps 83 to 86 according to FIG On the other hand, if the images 35 to be printed are offered via the switching unit 21 as part of remote processing, the character of this job must be determined by the microprocessor 58. For this purpose, it first determines whether the copying machine is operated by the remote station 22 before, during or after execution of the 4.1 print job was switched to receipt is. This takes place in step 89. If the copying machine is switched to reception, it automatically goes to remote processing in step 90 and automatically carries out the printing in accordance with the received image signals. After performing step 90, microprocessor 58 retrieves the next job from memory and begins printing as soon as the image signals have arrived. If the copying machine 3, 4 is switched to reception, the printing operation is always active as normal operation. The remote unit can be a data processing unit 9, 10. In this case, the copying machine 3, 4 works as a computer output, which can be interrupted by a manually initiated operation.

If the copying machine 3, 4 is not switched to reception, it is determined in step 91 which termination of the job the remote unit 22 has indicated. In accordance with conventional transmission methods, the transmission periods of the image signals to the copying machine can be used to indicate that the end of the job should occur when the text (ETX) or the transmission (EOT) has ended. In the case of the EOT termination, the microprocessor 58 checks at step 92 whether there is an EOT character. If this is not the case, printing continues, if the EOT symbol is present, the print job has ended. Similarly, step 93 determines whether the ETX character is present and, if it is present, the print job ends.

The execution of a print job described above applies to uninterrupted print jobs where printing

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was requested and the printing operation was converted from an operating state that was only active in • a further line to an operating state with high priority. It follows that while printing is active, the otherwise privileged copying operation resigns. However, if there is a request for the copying operation in the copying machine -.-, the printing operation is automatically reset and the copying operation is activated until all copies have been made. At this point, printing will automatically resume.

The sequence of operations of the copying machine 3, 4 when there is a copy request during a print job or during the receiving operation in order to interrupt the print job is shown in FIG. 7. As already mentioned, the microprocessor 58 periodically checks the position of the copy mode switch on the control console 54 in accordance with block 94 in FIG. 7. If the switch is not in copy mode, an exit (EXIT) takes place from this subroutine. If the switch is set, however, the microprocessor 58 proceeds to block 95 to check the conditions of the printing operation. This includes the detection of difficulties with the sheet feeding, the continuous tracking of the number of copies requested and those already made, the number of originals to be copied, etc. All of this data is stored in the memory 23 by the microprocessor 58. The microprocessor 58 can also be programmed in such a way that it stores the information for restoring the printing operation in the memory 20. In the event of an interruption in the printing cycle, as in block 96, the lamps which indicate the printing on the control panel 54 flash. The interruption of the printing cycle takes place synchronously with an image cycle. This means that the copying device 11 creates a finished printed copy before the copying operation is initiated at block 97. During the duplex printing operation, because of the pre-sorting of the images by means of corresponding pre-sorting signals, there is never more than one sheet of paper in the buffer 50. In this situation, the machine first completes the printing of the second page of the sheet in the buffer 50. Therefore, the copier must wait until 'the wrong side of the sheet is provided with the appropriate image. For successive sets in duplex printing operation, the interruption for the copying operation occurs at the end of a set, which is explained below. Simplex printing, i.e. if an image is only to be created on one side of the copy sheet, the buffer 50 is not used. Included in the switchover to copy mode according to step 97 is the resetting of the number of sheets to be printed and the changeover of the signal lamps on the control console 54. From step 97, the sequence goes to step 98, in which the microprocessor 58 controls the control unit 57 to carry out the copy mode operated. At step 99, the microprocessor 58 determines the end of the copying operation and restores the priority state of the printing operation of the copying machine 3, 4.

Active copying can be terminated in various ways. The operator can use the copy selector switch 100 on the control panel 54 to deactivate the copy operation. This gives printing operations a higher priority again. The second possibility for ending the copying operation is by switching off by means of a timer (not shown) in the control unit 57. The timer supplies a pulse if a predetermined time has passed since the last copy was made. With this pulse, the main controller 24 deactivates the copying operation and reactivates the printing operation. Finally, the operator can also end the copying operation by entering a command to the copying machine 3, 4 via the terminal 17. This input

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is carried out by actuating a switch 101 on the control console 54. The actuation of the switch 101 signals the operator's wish to switch from the copying operation to word processing for printing copies. The machine will therefore switch back to printing mode, the print job interrupted at that time being completed before the word processing initiated by the operator can be started.

If either of these three possibilities is exercised, the microprocessor 58 uses a conventional subroutine to return to step 95 (FIG. 7), which enables printing operation again and ensures that neither hard copies are missed nor too many are made.

With single-sided and double-sided printing, the copying machine 3, 4 can receive images via the built-in terminal 17 or via the switching unit 21. In both cases, for reasons of economy, it is desirable to overlap the reception of the image signals and the word processing of the received image signals with the production of the first set of the printed copies. This overlap takes place according to FIG. 8. Since all the image signals have already been processed and stored in the memory 20 during the production of the sets following the first set, the method for producing these subsequent sets differs from that for the first set.

In step 102, the main control device 24 evaluates the input parameters and sets up the machine for the printing operation, in the example of FIG. 8 for a duplex printing operation. If the image signals are entered via terminal 17, step 102 is initiated by actuating switch 101 and start button 103 (FIG. 9). The controller 24 instructs the terminal 17 to read the first card that was previously inserted into the slot 18. This first card contains the parameters for setting up the machine e.g. for duplex operation, as well as margin widths, line spacing, font etc. The card can be read as soon as the machine has been set up. Reading the second card is carried out in step 104 and means receiving an image, i.e. a word processing card can correspond to the text of a printed page. In duplex mode, two pages of text are placed on one copy sheet. Signals from the card reader (not shown) of the built-in terminal 17 are transferred into the memory 25 under the control of the addressing unit 105 (FIG. 4). As soon as the image signals have arrived in memory 23, microprocessor 58 begins word processing. If this is completed with an odd number for the first page or the following page, printing is carried out in accordance with step 106. At the same time, image signals for the second page are received in step 107. In duplex mode, the pages with an odd number of pages are passed from the copying device into the buffer memory 50, while in simplex mode they are transported directly into the output device 26. The arrow 108 marks the point at which an interruption in favor of the copying operation is possible during the simplex operation.

Once steps 106 and 107 are completed, the second and any further even numbered pages received at step 107 and for which word processing is complete can be printed as even numbered pages (step 109). In both simplex and duplex mode, the printed copy goes to the output device 26. At this time, the sheet which had been stored in the intermediate memory 50 during the duplex mode was also removed, processed by the copying device 11 and transported to the output device 16. Accordingly, there is no longer a partially completed copy in the buffer. Arrow 110 indicates the location in the process

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which an interruption of duplex operation is possible. This means that during the production of printed copies for the first set an interruption is possible after the completion of a copy.

Branch 1 i 1 determines whether the last page of the printed sentence is available. For example, it can be specified in the parameters entered in step 102 that 92 pages of text are to be printed on 46 sheets of copy paper. When executing the order, the number of pages is counted until the end of the order. Steps 104, 106, 107 and m 109 are repeated until the last page has been entered via terminal 17 or switching unit 21 and printed as the first sentence, whereupon the method proceeds to step 112. This makes the system wait until the printing of the first set by the copier 11 i> is completed. Depending on the error detection techniques used in the copying machine 3, 4, the method can be terminated in step 112 if the last sheet of paper of the first set leaves the copying device 11, or if the last sheet has been removed from the buffer 50; <>, or when the last sheet has finally arrived in the output device 26. Preferably, controller 24 should proceed from step 112 to begin printing the second and subsequent sets of copies once the last copy has arrived at output device 26. In this case, the easiest way to automatically restore the order flow after an error occurs.

As already mentioned, the image signals are stored in the memory 20 during the word processing by the microprocessor 58. The microprocessor 58 looks up these image signals in a predetermined order to ensure the correct sorting of the sentence in the output device 26. This sorting is accomplished by printing the odd-numbered pages first, starting with the highest odd-numbered page, and printing to the page with the lowest odd-numbered page. In this procedure, the page with the highest odd number of pages is stored at the bottom in the buffer memory 50, and the page with the lowest page number is correspondingly at the top. 411 The controller 24 then has the copier print the pages starting with the lowest even number of pages. The first sheet removed from the buffer 50 has the lowest odd number of pages. It now also receives the text of the lowest even number of pages. The copying device 45 deposits this sheet at the bottom in the output device 26 with the odd numbered side down. The next sheet contains the next higher odd numbered page, receives the text of the next even numbered page and is placed on the first sheet deposited in the output device 26 50, and so on. The sets of printed copies compiled in this way are thus in the output device 26 with the lowest odd page number down and the highest even numbered page up. The general formula for this method is 2 (N-K) for the evenly numbered pages at a given time, where N is the total number of pages to be printed and K is the number of printing cycles completed for evenly numbered pages, i.e. the page number. In the case of odd-numbered pages, the page in print is: 2K + 1 until the number of W1 pages reaches 2N-1, where K is the number of printing cycles completed for odd-numbered pages.

At step 113 (FIG. 8), the microprocessor 58 has the odd-numbered pages printed and stored in the buffer 50 as described. The evenly numbered pages are then printed at step 114 and removed in the output device 11 and in the output device

26 filed. After step 114 has been completed, all copies have been removed from the copying device 11 and stored in the output device 26. The arrow 115 indicates that an interruption in favor of the copying operation is possible at this time. At all other times during the execution of steps 113 and 114, copies are in the buffer 50. Since the copying operation can also include the production of duplex copies and the buffer 50 is used by the copying operation as well as the printing operation, the copying device 11 must first be free of Be copies before an interruption in favor of the copier can be allowed. If the printing operation is a simplex operation, an interruption of the printing operation is of course permissible after the completion of each page, which is indicated by the arrow 116.

After step 114 is completed, microprocessor 58 performs branch operation 117. It is determined whether the last sentence has been printed and the output device 26 has been supplied. If this is not the case, steps 113 and 114 are repeated and further sentences are printed. After the last sentence has been printed, this sequence of steps is left and the machine is switched back to the pure copying mode.

FIG. 9 shows the circuit in the main control device 24, which is intended to ensure that an interruption of the printing operation is permissible. A holding circuit 118 is used to determine which operating mode has priority. The outputs of the holding circuit are labeled D for printing and K for copying. The holding circuit 118 is switched into its K state via an OR gate 119. The OR gate 119 provides an output signal when a reset signal is fed via line 120, a signal indicating the execution of a print job is fed via line 121, or the output signal of an OR gate 122 is fed via line 123 at its inputs. The holding circuit 118 is switched to its K state by the output signal of the OR gate 122, which occurs at the end of an interruption of the copying operation or when the copying operation is inactive but has priority and there is a print request via a line 124.

A hold circuit 125 stores the interrupt request for a copy operation so that the circuits shown can cause the hold circuit 118 to give priority to the copy operation at the prescribed break time. The holding circuit 125 is switched to an interrupt (U) by an interrupt signal via the line 126. The interrupt signal can be generated in various ways. An interrupt cycle is initiated by actuating the copy operation switch 100, which turns on a hold circuit (not shown) that stores the one-time operation of the switch 100. So that the copying machine 3.4 ai; the copy mode switched. Using the start button 103, copies can be started by means of a corresponding signal via the OR gate 127. In addition, it is also possible to switch to the copying mode by inserting a document into the document reader 13, the microswitch 128 being actuated. The described control process does not allow the operator to prevent the copying operation from being interrupted while a print job is being executed. Once the copying mode has been selected, this must be reversed by the timer 129 to be described below or terminated in some other way. The interruption of the copy selection can be influenced by the operator if the copy operation switch 100 is pressed a second time by the operator, whereby the request of the copy operation becomes ineffective.

A.

9

When the switch 100 is actuated, a signal runs via the line 130 to an input of an AND gate 131. This is switched through by the output signal of the holding circuit 118 when the latter is in its printing state. At this time, the holding circuit 125 cannot interrupt the printing operation of the copying machine.

The copying operation can also be interrupted when the output signal of the OR gate 127 indicates that the operator has set the copying machine to copying. The interrupt signal on line 126 is provided by the m AND gate 131 only when the output signal of the OR gate 127 indicates that the start button 103 on the control panel 54 has been actuated or when the microswitch 128 indicates that there is a document in the input pocket 132, simultaneously with or after the 1 s copying mode switch 100 has been actuated, and when the copying machine 3, 4 has given priority to the printing mode.

To determine the time of the interruption, the OR gate 131 responds to predetermined operating conditions in order to switch the holding circuit 118 into its copying state. 211 The signal on line 126 goes to the A1 and A2 AND inputs of OR gate 132. The AI part stops printing when the signal on line 134 indicates that duplexing has been selected and if the switch 52 of the buffer memory 50 runs a signal over the line 53 25, which indicates whether a copy is still present in the buffer memory. If the switch 52 indicates that the buffer 50 is empty, a signal is emitted via the line 53, which switches through the AI part of the AND gate 133, so that via the line 123 and through the 3.1 OR gate 119 the holding circuit 118 is switched to its copying state. It is desirable that all copies made for a print job have left the copying device 11 before an interruption in favor of the copying operation can occur. For this purpose, a signal is sent from the paper 15-way test circuit 135 via line 136 to the AI and A2 parts of the OR gate 133, which prevents the interruption until the paper path of the copying device 11 is clear.

Simultaneously with the operations described, the 411 signal on line 123 prepares the paper path check circuit 135 for the transition between the printing and copying operations. In addition, the signal on the line 123 is fed to the AND gate 137, whereupon this is via the line

138 through correction signal 45 received by the test circuit 135. Since the method according to the invention is not concerned with troubleshooting the paper feed during the transition between the printing operation and the copying operation, the operation of the AND gate 137 is not explained in more detail. The content of the print counter 139 corresponds to 50 the number of sheets that have been removed from the paper supply 46. If, for example, three sheets are lost due to a jam in the paper feed, the print counter 139 counts down by three via the AND gate 137 in order to ensure that the print job can also be completed correctly in the event of an error. The operation of the print counter 139 and the accounting of the copies already made are explained below.

To set the holding circuit 118 in its K state fi (), the AI part of the OR gate 133 is controlled by the duplex signal on line 134. This is important for the counter control of the copying machine 3, 4 if several sets are to be printed, which must first be described. It is possible that the page number of the sentence is not stored in the "5 machine". During the creation of the first sentence when printing, the pages are therefore in the print counter

139 counted, the content of which is transferred to register 140,

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when the signals EOT or ETX (compare step 91 in Fig. 6) signal the end of a print job. The AND gate 141 is controlled by the signals EOT and ETX to switch on the signals from the pressure counter 139 when the holding circuit 118 is in its P state. At the same time, the signal EOT or ETX is emitted via line 144 via AND gate 142 and OR gate 143, which means the completion of the block.

The parameters initially entered can also include the number of pages in a sentence. In this case, the decoded print data is placed in the register 140, a blocking signal being sent to the AND gates 141 and 142 via a line 145. The parameter signals previously decoded by the main control device 24 can thus specify, for example, that a set to be printed comprises 92 pages. These 92 pages occupy 46 sheets. The register 140 is therefore set to 92.

A comparator 146 compares the signal content of the register 140 and the print counter 139 to determine when a sentence is printed. The comparator 146 then outputs a completion signal to the copier 11, paper path check circuit 135, timer 139 and set counter 147 via OR gate 143 and line 144. The completion signal also passes through an OR gate 148 for driving the AND part of the OR gate 131 when it switches the holding circuit 118 into its K state, whereby the printing operation is interrupted when a complete sentence has been printed. As already mentioned, an interruption in favor of the copying operation can be initiated during the production of the first sentence after the creation of each page with an even number of pages. In this connection, the set counter 147 supplies a signal “counter reading = 1” via the line 149 and the OR gate 148 in order to control the Al part of the OR gate 131 during the production of the first set, which results in an even number after completion interruption of printed copies becomes possible. In addition, it is desirable that the interruption actually occur during a predetermined part of the print cycle. This is achieved in that the copying device 11 outputs a clock signal to the AI and A2 parts of the OR gate 133 via a line 150. Since this signal is synchronized with the operation cycle of the copying device 11, the output signal of the OR gate 133 is also synchronized via the line 123 with the clock of the copying device 11. The interruption of the simplex printing operation in favor of the copying operation is initiated by the A2 part of the OR gate 133. This interrupt occurs when the signal on line 144, the clock signal on line 150, the copy operation signal on line 126 and a simplex signal on line 153 are present at the same time.

The printing operation ends when the set counter 147 has reached the same status as the register 151, into which the parameter signals had previously been input via the control console 54 or the main control device 24. If the main control device 24 does not determine a number of records in the parameter signals, the register 151 is released for recording information keyed in via the control console 54. If the contents of the set counter 147 and the register 151 are identical, the comparator 152 issues a signal via the line 154, via the line 121 and the OR gate 119, as a result of which the holding circuit 118 is switched to its K state. At the same time, the signal on line 154 runs through the OR gate 155 and sets the holding circuit 125 in its 0 or non-interrupted state since the copying machine 3, 4 has been switched back to the copying mode as the preferred operating mode.

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10th

The OR gate 122 switches the holding circuit 118 back into its printing state when the interruption in favor of the copying operation has ended and a printing request is received via the line 124 while the copying operation is inactive (for example due to an interruption) or when the copying operation is turned off by operator intervention. That the copying mode is inactive can be seen from the fact that the holding circuit 1 1 S is switched to its K state and the holding circuit 125 to its 0 state, and that the output of the AND gate 156 indicates that the start button 103 is not actuated has been when the switch 100 has been switched to copy mode. The AI part of the OR gate 122 then switches the holding circuit 118 into the D state when the pressure request arrives via the line 124. The A2 and A3 parts of the OR gate 122 switch from the copying mode to the printing mode when the interruption operation is connected in favor of the copying mode. The A2 part responds to the duplex signal which is fed to it from the copying device 11 via the line 134, to the signal from the U output of the holding circuit 125, which: m indicates that the copying operation was active due to an interruption, and on the output of the timer 129, and sets the latch circuit 118 in its D state and the latch circuit 125 in its non-interrupt state. The A3 part of the OR gate 122 performs the same task for simplex operation. The shutdown of the copying operation after an interruption is determined by the A4 part of the OR gate 122 and leads to the same operation as described. In this context, it must be pointed out that the actuation of the copying mode switch 100 during the copying mode leads to the copying mode being switched off. During the copying operation, the switches 100 and 103 can be deactivated by circuits which are not shown. By closing the switch 101, the A5 part of the OR gate 122 can be caused to switch off the k copying operation and to switch on the printing operation if the copying operation is currently of the highest priority, i.e. when the holding circuit 118 is in its K state. Terminal 17 is caused to close a word processing card inserted into its slot 18 by closing switch 101. By closing the switch 101, the operator can override the copying operation including the interruption to copying.

15

The comparator 146, which indicates the completion of a printed set, is also used in the context of making copies in copy mode to indicate the completion of a copy set. The difference between a print set and a copy set is that the print set comprises a large number of images that correspond to an equal number of original documents, while a copy set consists of a large number of identical reproductions from a single one Original document exists. The AND / OR elements 157, 158 transmit the contents of the registers 140 and 159 or of the print counter 139 and the copy counter 160 to the comparator 146. The AI part of the AND / OR element 157 transfers the contents of the register 140 to Comparator 146 when holding circuit 118 is switched to its D state. Correspondingly, the A1 part of the AND / M OR element 158 routes the content of the print counter 139 to the comparator 146 during the printing operation. When controlled via the console 54, the number of copies to be made is signaled to the copying machine. The register 159 stores the control signals and emits them during the copying operation via the A2 part of the AND / OR element 157. Correspondingly, the copy counter 160 counts the copies during the copying operation and delivers its content via the A2 part of the AND /

OR gate 158 to the comparator 140. This works in the same way in the copy and print mode.

The A2 parts of the AND / OR elements 157 and 158 are switched through by the output signal at the K output of the holding circuit 11K for forwarding the above-mentioned signals. AND gates 161 and 162 respond to the D and K output signals of the holding circuit 118 and let the count signals, which come via the output line 163 of the copying device 11, reach the counters 139 and 160, respectively. The operation of these circuits is known and is not described in detail here.

In an executed machine, the workflow according to FIG. 9 was carried out by microprograms in the microprocessors

58 and 64 controlled. The microprocessor 58 contained, for example, a program for the control of the circuits 147, 151, 152, the holding circuits 118 and 125, and the selection of the operating mode. The microprocessor 64 contained a program for executing the functions represented by the switching elements 140, 159, 157, 146, 158, 139 and 160. The paper path check circuit 135 preferably consists of known circuits for monitoring the paper path and for detecting and eliminating jams. Microprocessors 58 and 64 worked closely together to properly resume work after a jam was cleared. This resumption of work is not the subject of the present invention. The programming required to carry out the operations described in connection with FIG. 9 can be created without difficulty by a skilled programmer.

The circuits shown in FIG. 10 illustrate the selection between the built-in terminal 17 and the switching unit 21 as image sources for the image generator 164, which is part of the laser control circuit 16. The signal flow can come from the switching unit 21, which is shown in FIG. 10 in the form of a MODEM 165. The signals from the MODEM 165 are processed by a word processing station 166, which is a symbolic representation of the word processing program, for example in the read-only memory

59 or can be stored in the memory 23, and which the microprocessor 58 uses. The signals subjected to word processing are temporarily stored in memory 23, as already mentioned. The processed signals are transferred from the memory 23 to the image generator 164 in order to generate images on the copy sheets in the manner described. The signals stored in memory 23 are also transferred to memory 20 under the control of microprocessor 58 to be available for use in connection with the creation of the second and subsequent print sets. The built-in terminal 17 is shown in FIG. 10 as a magnetic card unit 167. The signals from unit 167 are processed in word processing station 166 and then processed by copying machine 3, 4 in the same manner as the image signals or text signals received via MODEM 165.

A word processing unit 168 contains a word processing station 169 with a typewriter, a memory for storing text or word processing signals and associated control circuits, and a magnetic card unit 170. The information is recorded on the magnetic cards under the control of the word processing station 169. When the magnetic cards have been created, which includes the production of a control card with the parameter information. the cards are manually transferred to the magnetic card unit 167, which is indicated by the arrow 171 and inserted into the input slot 18 (FIG. 3). The magnetic card unit 167 then reads the previously recorded text signals and sets them as image signals in the memory 23. The magnetic card unit 167

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can also receive the word-processed signals from station 166 to write them on cards. These cards are then transferred to the magnetic card unit 170 and reproduced by the word processing station 169. In the same way, the * signals received via the MODEM 165 can be recorded by the magnetic card unit 167 after the text has been processed by the copying machine. The signals received and recorded by the magnetic card unit 167 can also be transmitted to the image generator 164 for making copies. m

Because of the serial arrangement of units 166, 23 and 164, only either MODEM 165 or magnetic card unit 167 can be used. In the illustrated embodiment of the copying machine 3, 4, the reception of signals on the basis of order groups changes between the is MODEM 165 and the magnetic card unit 167. The control is carried out by a local / remote switch 172, which switches the MODEM 165 via its F output and drives the card unit 167 via its L output. The switchover between the L and F outputs takes place under control by: o a clock signal which is received by the clock generator 71 via a line 173 and which is therefore not synchronized with the operation of the copying device 11. A pair of latches 174 and 175 indicate whether the local or remote image source is active. When both holding circuits 174 and 175 are in their inactive state (I), neither of the image sources provides signals. Only one of the holding circles 174, 175 can be in its active state (A) at a time.

It is now assumed that both image sources are currently inactive. To select the terminal 17, the operator operates the switch 101 on the control panel 54. The fact that the switch 101 is operated is stored by a holding circuit (not shown). This holding circle can be reset by a delete button 176. When switch 101 has been actuated, a read request 3 * signal runs over line 177 and signals magnetic card unit 167 that a read operation is requested. The unit 167 then operates certain motors and automatically begins with preparatory steps for reading the cards inserted into the slot 18 (Fig. 3). The request signal-w via line 177 also goes to an AND gate 178, whose output signal switches the holding circuit 172 to the L state. The only other condition for switching the local / remote hold circuit 172 to the L state is that the hold circuit 175 is in its I state. At the same time, the -i> signal on line 177 goes to an AND gate 179, which sets local latch circuit 174 in its A state. This occurs when the clock pulse occurs on line 173.

when the holding circuit 175 is in the I state and 18 cards are inserted into the slot. The magnetic card unit 167 has a 5 »microswitch 180 which detects the presence of magnetic cards in the slot 18. Line 181 carries a signal when there are no cards in slot 18 and sets latch 174 in its inactive state (I). An inverter 182 inverts the 55 signal on line 181 indicating the empty state of slot 18 and activates AND gate 179 each time a card is present in slot 18. If all input signals are present, the AND gate 179 sets the holding circuit 175 in its active state and thereby indicates to the magnetic card unit 167 that it should now transmit image signals to the image generator 164 as the image source.

Correspondingly, the remote holding circuit 175 is set into its active state when the local / remote holding circuit 172 is switched to the F state by the AND gate 183. The (, 5 AND gate 183 is by the clock pulses on line 173, by the output signal from the output I of the holding circuit 174 and by a request from the MODEM 165 via the

Line 184 switched through. The latter of the signals indicates that information is to be received over telephone line 185 to switch latch 172 to its F state and simultaneously latch 175 to its A state. The holding circuits 172 and 175 remain in the states mentioned until the MODEM 165 is informed via the telephone line 185 that the transmission has ended. The end of the transmission is determined by a decoder 186 if it is determined that signals coming from the microprocessor 58 are based on the input parameters. When decoder 186 decodes the corresponding code word, latch circuit 175 is placed in the I state,

whereby the copying machine 3, 4 is released to receive image signals from the magnetic card unit 167.

Decoder 186 has three control states. The first two occur when the MODEM 165 receives over the telephone line 185 code signals representing the end of the transmission (EOT) or the end of the text (ETX). When these signals are received, the decoder 186 sets the holding circuit 175 to the inactive state if it has been preset accordingly by the parameter signals via the microprocessor 58. Until these signals arrive, the copier is in the receive mode for signals over line 185. Although Fig. 10 shows that the decoder 186 receives signals directly from the MODEM 165, it should be noted that the functions performed by the MODEM 165 do not only concern the signal transmission , but also the text analysis including the analysis and decoating of the parameter signals. The latter functions are preferably carried out by the microprocessor 58 with appropriate program control. The encoder 186 then preferably consists of a computer program, with the aid of which the signals received via the line 185 are decoded.

The third control state of the decoder 186 relates to the unconditional reception mode, in which the parameter signals received via the telephone line 185 contain the instruction that the transmission must not be ended. If the copying machine 3, 4 is switched from a remote unit 22 to receive mode by means of signals via the telephone line 185, this operating mode is retained until the operator intervenes manually by pressing the delete key 176 on the control console 54, as a result of which the holding circuit 175 becomes inactive Status is set and the machine is released from the unconditional reception mode. OR gate 187 combines the signals from decoder 186 and clear key 176 to reset latch 175.

When one of the latch circuits 174 and 175 is in the active state and image signals are to be transmitted to the image generator 164, the output signals from the A outputs of the latch circuits 174 and 175 are applied to the line 124 via the OR gate 188, via which it leads the A1 - Reach part of OR gate 122 (Fig. 9). Thus, if the parameter signals received over the telephone line 185 put the decoder 186 in the non-ending state, the latch circuit 175 remains in the active state until the delete key 176 has been actuated. Therefore, the programming of the copying machine 3, 4 by means of the parameter control of the decoder 186 causes the printing operation to become the programmed “continuous” operating mode, in contrast to the copying operation, which is the predominant operating mode. This operating state is maintained regardless of whether the copying device 11 is currently making copies of images that are fed via the MODEM 165. The copying machine may have the copying mode as the preferred mode of operation when it is in an inactive state, or the printing mode when it is in an unconditional reception state. In the latter state, all copy jobs lead to an interruption

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12

duing the programmed but inactive, privileged printing company.

If the copying machine is in unconditional reception mode, it can nevertheless recognize parameter signals mixed with the signals running over the low-frequency line 185, which serve to switch over the unconditional reception mode to the end of the transmission by the signal EOT or ETX (FIG. 6).

It follows from the above that the ways of controlling the use of the copying device 11 for the production of copies from different image sources made possible by the invention result in maximum utilization of the copying machine, while the possibility of direct copying is retained. In the description and the drawings, the copying machine is described as an electrographic transfer machine, but a non-contact printer, such as an inkjet printer, can also be used, as can the conventional impact printer. The invention has been achieved described in connection with word or text processing, with the intention of producing legible characters on the copies,

was intended by the use of the word "image" in the above description, also the image transmission such as Facsimile to be included, whereby images mixed with text can be processed by the copying machine, which depends only on the construction of the image generator 164 and on the programming of the main control device 24 for controlling the copying machine 3, 4.

It should be noted that the termination of local image input is determined by the microswitch 180, which determines that there are no further cards for the terminal 17 (the magnetic card unit 167) in the slot 18. The magnetic card unit 167 can therefore contain a plurality of print jobs and can be retained as an image source for the image generator 164 during a sequence of such jobs. For example, four routing cards can be inserted into slot 18 so that the copier automatically performs four word processing print jobs in a row. When a print job is in progress and an additional 40 cards are inserted into slot 18, copier 3, 4 processes these new cards before allowing MODEM 165 to receive text signals in receive mode. By remote control via the MODEM 165, the copying machine can be set to receive image signals 45 remotely, but the local terminal 17 can also be programmed by inserting cards into the slot 18 for maintaining an unconditional printing operation in which locally generated images are processed. On the other hand, the magnetic card unit 167 and the 5o copying machine 3, 4 can be programmed in such a way that the guide card is examined to determine whether signals are to be received via the MODEM 165, which enables an increased interleaving of local and externally generated images. However, the arrangement according to FIG. 10 has turned 55

proved to be advantageous, according to which it is a convenient control mechanism, if one requests that no more cards may be present in the slot 18, since then all copies belonging to local orders and all copies belonging to orders received via the MODEM 165 each in groups ( ) pen are stored together in the output device. The circuit arrangement according to FIG. 10 therefore permits the automatic grouping of the orders according to image sources and also permits the interruption of print orders in favor of the production of copies without interfering with the course of the printing functions. Separate output devices can also be provided for each image signal source. The image sources can be image-bearing documents, electrical signals and the like. Instead of giving an operating mode a special priority, a kind of idling could be provided if no copies are made. The idle mode would then take away both the copy mode and the print mode of their existing increased priority.

Several image sources can also be used, with each image source being assigned an operating mode with a hierarchy of interruption options for the production of copies. Each image source could then be assigned its own output device, which can be done either by design measures or by a suitable program. Using a single output device, copies from different sources can be offset. The break to make copies can, as already described, take the form of a dynamic nesting.

In the copying mode, the machine works as a copier. The number of copies desired is usually preset on the control panel 54. In print mode, the desired number of print sets to be created is determined by the parameter input. Until the completion of the first printing set, the number of pages in a printing set is unknown, at least not recorded in the copying machine, i.e. a predetermined number of print sets is to be produced, each print set having a predetermined number of pages. The individual print sets can be made without counting the pages of each set; namely, since memory 20 contains all of the image signals for all pages of a set, microprocessor 58 only needs to read all of the recorded image signals associated with a set in order for a complete set to be printed. Of course, the sheets 55 required for the production of a set can be counted by means of the counter 55. In the event of an error, this makes it easier to restore and properly process the print job.

In duplex printing, the microprocessor 58 is preferably programmed so that the number of pages in a print set is even. For an odd number of images received (in the physical form of image signals) an additional blank page is added to the odd number of pages in the duplex printing set. Instead of printing the last image as a blank page, the operation of the copying device 11 can be restricted such that the photoconductor drum 33 does not receive any toner, i.e. the copying device 11 operates with a dummy cycle in which the last page remains empty.

The copier has no way of influencing the number of pages in a print set. The copier has a buffer 50 which is used in duplex printing. The finite capacity of this buffer can be exceeded with every print job. If this situation occurs, the print job is automatically divided into parts, the size of which is determined by the capacity of the buffer store 50. For example, if the buffer has a capacity of 100 sheets, a print job with 500 pages (that is 250 sheets) and 43 print sets is carried out as follows:

Memory 20 stores the first 200 pages of the job as described in steps 77 through 82 of FIG. 5. When these 200 image pages (100 sheets when printing in duplex mode) are stored, the switching unit 21 or possibly the terminal 17 is put on hold while the laser control circuit 16 and the copying device 11 print the first 100 sheets of all 43 print sets and transport them into the output device 26. The microprocessor 58 then automatically starts the switching unit 21 or the terminal under program control

13

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i 7 to receive the next 200 pictures. The relevant image source is then put back into the waiting state while the copying device 11 delivers the next 100 sheets of duplex copies to the output device 26. The last 50 sheets of 100 pictures will be the same way? 5 treated, except that the limited capacity of the buffer 50 is automatically taken into account. The same technique is used when the memory 20 is already full of some of the image signals associated with a print job. m

If the paper supply 46 becomes empty, all printing operations of the copying machine are stopped. During the printing operation, the reception of the image signals is preferably continued until the memory 23 is full or until 200 images have been received. Of course, the reception of the image signals can also be interrupted 15.

As already mentioned, various text parameters are entered into the copying machine, which preset the machine for a job to be executed. In some cases, these parameters may not be sufficient for the execution of the order. In such a case, the copying machine will use the microprocessor 58 to query the operator console 54 for those parameters that can be entered by the operator, for example duplex operation, number of copies, etc. If there are no inputs via the operator console, the microprocessor can 58 access standard parameters which are stored in the memory 20 and are suitable for maintaining the operation of the copying machine, in particular for the purposes of word processing and the subsequent printing of copies. The w hierarchy of parameter retrieval from the copying machine therefore provides that the parameters at the beginning of the job information, e.g. read from the control card that the control console 54 is scanned on it and that 20 standard parameters are finally retrieved from the memory 15. The memory can contain 20 different sets of standard parameters. For example, a first set of standard parameters can be assigned to the reception of signals via the telephone line 185 and the switching unit 21, and a second set of standard parameters of the input via the terminal 17.

The interruption of the printing operation by the copying operation and vice versa shows the dynamic interleaving of the image sources for the production of different copies with a single copying device. The photoconductor drum 33 of the copying device 11 can be equipped with a pair of image areas for the transfer of images to the copies. If the printing operation is interrupted, the copying operation has both image areas exclusively available. Depending on the properties of the automatic image sources, e.g. Switching unit 21 and local terminal 17, it may be desirable to limit the number of copies that can be made in the copying mode so as not to unduly delay the operation of the other image sources. Cost considerations can play a role here. Accordingly, in the printing mode, which can be interrupted by the copying mode, the functions of the copying mode can be dynamically interleaved with the functions of the printing mode, e.g. on an 1-to-2, 1-to-4 basis, etc. This can be realized particularly easily in a xerographic reproduction unit which is equipped with a belt on which, for example, seven image areas can be accommodated. In this case, 1, 2 or more staggered or adjacent image areas can be alternately or repeatedly assigned to the copying operation when there is an interrupt request for copying. This assignment, especially if it is done dynamically under program control, enables a fair balance between the copying mode and the printing mode.

The number and type of image sources that can be used in connection with the described copying machine is unlimited. The copier described works with an optical image source and an electrical image source. However, only purely optical image sources can be provided, which provide a semi-automatic document reader 13, a semi-automatic transport device and an automatic transport device that conveys successive originals from a stack of documents to be reproduced. On the other hand, the image sources can all be electronic.

For example, the document reader 13 can be replaced by an electrical scanning device which generates non-coded information signals from the scanning of the document to be reproduced, which are fed to the input device 12 in the sense of facsimile operation. Furthermore, (digital) word processing signals and analog (facsimile) signals can be dynamically interleaved, which only depends on the properties of the input unit 12, the details of which are not the subject of the invention.

C.

7 sheets of drawings

Claims (9)

îl> 549 T FATENT REQUIREMENTS 1. Method for operating a copying machine with a copying device for making copies of receipts. whose scanning image signals can be fed to the copying device from a plurality of image sources, and the soft copying device has at least one output device for the finished copies, characterized in that a first image source (17, 21) is selected, the copying device (11) to supply a sequence of image signals that correspond to a given one. Dispose of the number of documents of a first job, that the supply of the image signals of the first job is started and a second image source (13) of higher priority is selected for feeding all the image signals of a second job to the copying device (11), and that the feed of the Image signals from the first image source (17,21) automatically da i <w. is resumed where the interruption occurred. 2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that each of the image sources (17, 21, 13) has a separate output device {26. .. 28) is assigned, in which the; •> copies made by the copying device (11) are stored when the documents from the relevant image sources (17, 21, 13) are processed. 3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first image source (17,21) of the copying device ! ! 1) supplies digital image signals, and that this supply is interrupted when the second image source (13) begins to supply image signals from optically scanned documents. 4. The method according to claim 3, characterized. that the digital image signals supplied by the first image source (17,21) are stored in at least one memory (20,23), the number of individual images represented by the image signals being counted in a counter (139,160), and that the image signals in one order from the storage (20, 23) differing from the storage "and can be used to control the copying device (11). 5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that the copying device (11) alternately the stored in the memory 4 !, rather (20, 23) image signals of the one image source (17,21) and the image signals from the other image source (13) are processed into copies and that the copies are deposited in a filing device (25) independently of the image source. 6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the interruption of the supply of image signals from the one image source (17,21) in the case of the creation of Duoiex copies is prevented until the second side of all those duplex Copies are completed, the first page of which had already been completed before the supply of said image signals 5 ". 7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the image signals from one image source (17.21) are rearranged before copying, and that the copies issued according to the image signals from the other image source (13) are rearranged after copying. 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein several identical sets of multi-page copies are to be created with the image signals from the first image source (17, 21), characterized in that the creation of the copies of the first set already begins while the image signals are being supplied that the supplied image signals are stored simultaneously with the control of the copying device (11) in a memory (20, 23) from which they are called up to produce the following sets, and that the interruption during the creation of the first set and the following ones Blocks are only made at specified points in the copying cycle. •1. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the interruption in the creation of the first sentence takes place after the reception of the signals for a complete picture, and in the creation of all subsequent sentences only after the completion of a sentence. 10. The method according to claim i for creating duplex copies, characterized in that initially aii; first pages of a set of copies are made and placed with the image downward in a buffer (50), that the buffered copies are removed from the buffer (50) from above and provided with the second image and then with the second image down in one Abiagevorricntung (26) are stored, and that when the capacity of the buffer f 50) is exceeded, an automatic division of the order takes place in the capacity of the buffer (50) adjusted sub-orders.