JP3524152B2 - Image processing system, control method thereof, and image processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image processing system in which at least two image processing devices capable of outputting image data to a recording medium are connected to each other and the image data can be mutually transferred, a control method therefor, and an image processing. It relates to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, since a reader section and a printer section constituting a digital copying machine can be independently used as an image reading device and an image output device, for example, a general external interface is used. By connecting to a computer system, the copier can be used as an image output device, a plurality of digital copiers (plural sets of readers and printers) can be connected, or a plurality of digital copiers can be used as a reader. A system in which a printer unit is divided and connected to each other, a central control unit for controlling them is provided to form one system, and a plurality of printer units are simultaneously driven to ensure high-performance printing capability. Have been proposed.

Considering the system configuration using the digital copying machine as described above, achieving a high printing speed by simultaneously driving a plurality of printers can be said to be a major theme.

[0004]

However, in the system control by the central control unit as described above, the reader / printer unit or the number of sets of digital copying machines which can be connected by the central control unit used is determined in advance. However, there was a problem from the standpoint of the flexible expandability of the system because it had to be done or the number of sets was limited.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional example, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image processing system, a control method therefor, and an image processing apparatus which are highly expandable.

[0006]

The present invention has been made to achieve the above-mentioned object, and has the following structure in order to achieve the above-mentioned object.

That is, in an image processing system in which at least two image processing devices capable of outputting image data to a recording medium are connected to each other and the image data can be mutually transferred, each of the image processing devices transfers the image data. A transfer destination selecting unit for selecting a destination device; a transfer destination state detecting unit for detecting a state of the transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit; and a transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit. And a transfer destination setting unit that is set as an image data transfer destination device, an informing unit that notifies the operator of various types, and an instruction input unit that allows the operator to input various types of instructions. The transfer destination device in which the job is being executed by the transfer destination state detection means is reserved as the image data transfer destination device after the job being executed is completed, and the notification means When a reservation is made as an image data transfer destination device by another device during execution, the operator is notified that the reservation is made as the image data transfer destination device after the job is completed, and the notification means is used to notify the image data transfer destination device after the job is completed. If the operator is notified that the device will be reserved, and if the operator inputs an instruction to prohibit the device from being reserved as an output destination, the reservation is invalidated. It is characterized by handling.

Here, the notification means includes a display means for displaying a message, and the notification is made by displaying a message indicating that the reservation is made on the display means.

Further, when the operator notifies that the image data transfer destination device is to be reserved after the job is finished by the notifying means and the instruction input means does not give an instruction within a predetermined time, the reservation is made. It is characterized by being treated as valid.

Further, the method according to the present invention is a method for controlling an image processing system in which at least two image processing devices capable of outputting image data to a recording medium are connected to each other and the image data can be mutually transferred. , A transfer destination selection step of selecting a transfer destination device of the image data, a transfer destination state detection step of detecting a state of the transfer destination device selected in the transfer destination selection step, and a transfer destination selection step selected in the transfer destination selection step The transfer destination includes a transfer destination setting step for setting the transfer destination device as an image data transfer destination device, a notification step for giving various notifications to an operator, and an instruction input step for inputting various instructions from the operator. In the setting step, the transfer destination device whose job is being executed in the transfer destination status detection step is set to the image after the job being executed is completed. When the job is reserved as a data transfer destination apparatus, and in the notification step, when the job is reserved by another apparatus as the image data transfer destination apparatus, the operator is notified that the job is reserved as the image data transfer destination apparatus. When the operator is notified that the image data transfer destination device is reserved after the job is completed in the notification step, and the operator is prohibited from making the reservation as the output destination in the instruction input step. When the instruction is input, the reservation is treated as invalid.

Here, the notification step includes a display step for displaying a message, and the notification is made by displaying a message indicating that the reservation is made in the display step.

In the case where the operator is notified that the image data transfer destination device will be reserved after the job is completed in the informing step and there is no instruction within the predetermined time in the instruction input step, The feature is that the reservation is treated as valid.

Another system according to the present invention is an image processing system in which at least two image processing devices capable of outputting image data to a recording medium are connected to each other and image data can be mutually transferred. Each of the image processing devices includes a transfer destination selecting unit that selects a transfer destination device of image data, a transfer destination state detecting unit that detects a state of the transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit, and the transfer destination. When the transfer destination state detection unit detects that the transfer destination device selected by the selection unit is executing a job, an output reservation for outputting image data to the transfer destination device is output after the job is completed. Reservation means for performing, a notification means for notifying the operator of the output reservation when the output reservation from another device is received during the execution of the job, and a means for rejecting the output reservation. An instruction receiving means for receiving an instruction from the operator, and when the instruction receiving means receives the instruction to reject the output reservation after the notification by the notifying means, the output reservation is changed. It is characterized by being invalidated.

Further, the apparatus according to the present invention is an image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data to a recording medium, and at least one of the other apparatuses connected to the image processing apparatus is transferred with the image data. A transfer destination selecting unit for selecting a destination device; a transfer destination state detecting unit for detecting a state of the transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit; and a transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit. When the transfer destination state detection unit detects that the job is being executed, the transfer destination reservation unit that reserves the device as a device to be transferred after the job is finished, and the image data from another device during the job execution When reserved as a transfer destination device,
Informing means for informing the operator to that effect, and an instruction accepting means for accepting from the operator an instruction to reject the reservation when the informing by the informing means is performed,
It is characterized by having.

[0015]

[0016]

[0017]

[0018]

[0019]

With the above construction, in the present invention, the communication for controlling the input / output of the digital image signal with the external device and / or the relay control is carried out in the device. When a system is configured using two units, no special device is required for controlling the entire system, and it is possible to construct a system that does not depend on the performance of the special device. Therefore, it is possible to configure a system with flexible expandability. can get.

Further, since the status of the transfer destination station can be grasped, there is a peculiar function and effect that the operability can be further improved in the duplicated setting.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>

[Description of System Outline (FIGS. 1 to 6)] FIG. 1 is a copying system constituted by a digital copying machine which is a typical embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "double-link system").
Is called) is a block showing a connection form. In FIG. 1, reference numerals 1001 to 1004 denote a set of digital copying machines (hereinafter, this set of digital copying machines is referred to as a “station”), and a system address (hereinafter simply referred to as “address”) is assigned to each set. Has been.
The address values are “0”, “1”, “2”, “3” for the stations 1001 to 1004, respectively.
This value is a unique value within the duplicate system. Also, it is necessary that there be a station having an address value of "0".

The stations 1001 to 1004 are connected by connection cables 1005 to 1007, and the stations 1001 to 1004 are connected to a computer (hereinafter referred to as "host") 1009 by an interface device (hereinafter referred to as "IPU") 1008. ing. The detailed configuration of the connection cables 1005 to 1007 is shown in FIG.
8 for each color of RGB as shown in 1010 of FIG.
A total of 24 video signal lines, 3 video control lines, and 4 communication lines are included.

In this embodiment, the stations 1001 to 1001 are connected by connecting cables 1005 to 1007 in order to switch the video signals used in the multiplex system.
The connection order of 1004 is determined according to the address value. That is, the station with the address 0 is placed at the end of the system, and the stations are sequentially connected so that the address values are in ascending order.

The present embodiment is characterized in that a print request can be issued from each of the above-mentioned stations to another station, and the print processing in this other station is hereinafter referred to as "multiple copy".

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a connection form of video signals in the multiplex system. In FIG. 2, 1101-1
Reference numerals 104 respectively show only interface portions (I / F portions) of the stations 1001 to 1004. Reference numeral 1108 is an I / F unit of the IPU 1008. 11
05 to 1107 are connection cables 1005 to 100, respectively.
7 shows 24 RGB video signals and 7 video control lines. Further, A and B in each of the I / F units 1101 to 1104 indicate connection points between each station and another station, and the connection point A is a connection with a station having an address value smaller than its own address value. On the other hand, the connection point B is used for connection with a station having an address value larger than the address value of itself.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a connection form of serial communication lines for communication between system constituent elements in the duplex system. In FIG. 3, 1201 to 1203 are I / F units 1101 to 1101 of the stations 1001 to 1003, respectively.
Of the 1103, only the interface portion for serial communication is extracted. Also, 1204 to 120
7 are each 4 communication lines, OFFER *, DACK *, SiD *, ATN *
Is represented.

ATN * is a synchronization signal indicating that data is being transferred from the master station (station with address 0) in the multiplex system, and data transfer is performed when the signal value of ATN * is "L". At stations other than the master station (hereinafter called slave stations)
The ATN * line is always in input mode.

In OFFER *, the signal value of OFFER * becomes "L" when the slave station transmits data to the master station. OFFER * at master station
Line is always in input mode. The plurality of slave stations are connected by a wired OR.

DACK * is a signal indicating that the data receiving side has completed the data reception, and the stations are connected by a wired OR. Therefore, when there are multiple stations on the receiving side, the DACK * on the line becomes inactive when the station that has completed the latest data reception makes the DACK * inactive. This synchronizes the data transfer between stations.

SiD * is bidirectional serial data,
Data is exchanged in synchronization with ATN * (master → slave) and OFFER * (slave → master). The data transfer method is a half-duplex start-stop synchronization method, and the transmission speed and data format are preset at system startup.

Eight signal lines are output from the I / F units 1201 to 1203 to a controller (not shown) of each station, and TxD / RxD is an I / O port (not shown) for serial communication. For each transmitter / receiver,
ATNo, DACKo, OFFERo are at the input of I / O port (not shown), ATNi, DACKi, OFFERi are at I / O port (not shown)
Are connected to the respective output sections of.

FIG. 4 shows a timing chart of each signal during data transmission. As shown in FIG. 4, the signal
Synchronously when ATN * or signal OFFER * is “L” (ie, when data is sent from the master station,
Alternatively, when the data is sent from the slave station), the signal SiD * is sent and received between the master and slave stations. And the signal ATN * is "L"
For example, when data is transmitted from the master station to a plurality of slave stations, the DACK * signal of the slave station that starts receiving data earliest becomes “L” (DACK0 in FIG. 4), and the DACK * signal line changes. It becomes "L". Further, when the DACK * signal of the slave station which has received the latest data becomes "L" (DACKn in FIG. 4), the DACK * signal line becomes "H".

FIG. 5 shows communication lines 1204-1207 when a multiplex system is constructed by using the interface having the above configuration.
It is a figure which shows the main commands used for the communication performed via.

The interface clear command (code "10") is for resetting the parameters related to the multi-spindle system, and the master station whose system address is defined as 0 is set after the master station completes initialization of itself. It is issued to the station and each slave station, and OFFER * is fixed to the input mode in the master station. On the other hand, each slave station receives this command, fixes the ATN * in input mode, and initializes internal parameters.

Status request command (code "0
3 ”) is a polling command for collecting information such as the status of the slave stations connected to the multiplex system, and is issued to each slave station after a certain time has elapsed after the master station issued the interface clear command. This command contains the requested address to specify the slave station as a parameter.

Status transfer command (code "0
5 ") is a command for the slave station specified by the status request command to report its own status to each station in the multiplex system. If specified by the master station, it will be sent within a fixed time. You must issue this command, which includes your system address, error
It includes various flags indicating that the paper is being weighted or being copied, and parameters such as the type of paper and the presence / absence of paper. If the slave station specified by the status request command from the master station does not issue the status transfer command even after a certain period of time, the master station determines that the specified slave station is not connected in the cascade system. To do.

Parameter transfer command (code "0
7 ") is a command for the station that transfers the image to transfer parameters such as the number of prints, the scaling factor, and the color conversion to the station to be used. This command includes parameters as shown in FIG. A subcode that represents an attribute (for example, if you are transferring a color mode,
01) and the contents of the parameters.

Print start command (code "0
1 ") is a command for the station that transfers the image to prepare the station to be used for image reception. This command includes the image transfer source address as a parameter.

Image transfer end command (code "06")
Is for the image transfer source station to report the end of image transfer to another station.

FIG. 6 is an external view of an operation panel provided in the stations 1001 to 1004. Numeric keypad 500
Reference numeral 00 is a ten-key pad for inputting numbers, which is used to set the number of prints and the scaling factor, which will be described later.
It is displayed on the CD display portion 50005. Reference numeral 50001 denotes a copy start key, which is a copy start key 50001.
The copy operation is started by pressing. Also,
50002 is a stop key, and a stop key 500
By pressing 02, the copy operation is stopped. 5
Reference numeral 0003 is a reset key, and the reset key 5000
By pressing 3, all the set values set on the operation unit are returned to the set values (reset state) when the power was turned on. Further, all setting units are reset even when no setting operation input or copy operation is performed for a certain period of time.

[Detailed Configuration of Digital Copier (FIGS. 7 to 12)] FIG. 7 shows a station 1001 in this embodiment.
It is a side sectional view showing the composition of the digital copying machine used as 1004. This digital copying machine has a color reader unit 351 that reads a color original document and further performs digital editing processing, and a different photosensitive drum, and produces a color image according to a digital image signal of each color sent from the color reader unit 351. The printer unit 352 reproduces.

In FIG. 7, 101 is a CCD and 3
Reference numeral 53 is a digital image processing unit, 354 is the operation panel mentioned in FIG. 6, 355 is a document table glass (platen), 356.
Is a mirror surface pressure plate, 357 is a halogen lamp, 358 to 360
Is a mirror, and 361 is a halogen lamp 3 on the CCD 101.
A lens that condenses the reflected light of 57, 362 is a carriage that houses a halogen lamp 357 and a mirror 358, 363
Is a carriage for housing the mirrors 359-360, 364
Is an interface (I / F) unit with another station or IPU 1008. The carriage 362 has a velocity v,
The carriage 363 mechanically moves at a speed v / 2 in a direction perpendicular to the electrical scanning (main scanning) direction of the CCD 101, thereby scanning (sub scanning) the entire surface of the image original.

<Structure of Color Reader Unit 351> FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the detailed structure of the digital image processing unit 353 of the color reader unit 351. The color document on the platen glass 355 is exposed by the halogen lamp 357, the reflected image thereof is picked up by the CCD 101, converted into an electric signal, and the electric signal is input to the digital image processing unit 353.

The electric signal input from the CCD 101 is
A / D converter and sample hold (S / H) circuit 10
2 sample-held and A / D converted, R
A GB component digital signal is generated. The RGB data is subjected to shading correction and black correction in the shading circuit 103, and N in the input masking circuit 104.
Correction to the TSC signal is made. A selector 124 (controlled by a signal 126 from a CPU (not shown)) generates an image signal generated from an image original (A1 to A3 side), or
Any one of the image signals (B1 to B3 side) is selected from the external device, and the selected signal is input to the scaling circuit 105.
The scaling circuit 105 performs enlargement or reduction in the main scanning direction, and the result is the LOG circuit 123 and the selector 125.
(Controlled by a signal 127 from a CPU (not shown)).

The output of the LOG circuit 123 is the memory unit 1
06, and video data is stored. Color data is stored as YMC component data in the memory unit 106, and the color data is read at each timing of latent image formation on four photosensitive drums, which will be described later.

The masking UCR circuit 107 masks and outputs UC for four colors with respect to the output signal of the selector 125.
R processing is performed and the color data represented by the YMCBk component is output. Then, in the γ correction circuit 109, YMCB
The γ correction is performed on the k component, and the edge enhancement circuit 110 performs edge enhancement. Then, the add-on unit 129 subjects the color data subjected to the γ correction and the edge enhancement to known image processing for preventing forgery, and outputs it to the printer unit 352.

Further, in FIG. 8, DTOP is an output of an image sensor (not shown), HSNC1 is a horizontal synchronizing signal incorporated inside, HSNC2 is a horizontal synchronizing signal generated externally, and ITOP1 is a paper tip sensor 329. An output, 122 is 1 bit each for a write enable signal and a read enable signal for the main scanning direction of the memory 106, which are generated based on a sub scan write enable signal 536 from the outside.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a sub-scanning direction write enable signal (1 bit) and four sub-scanning read enable signals (4 bits) for each color component (YMCBk). Signals 121-12
2, the ITOP signal 531 and the sub-scanning video enable signal 531 are the ITOP1 signal, the HSNC1 signal, the sub-scanning write enable signal 536 from the outside, and DTOP, respectively.
It is generated in the area generation unit 105 based on a signal or the like.

A video bus selector 130 outputs a video signal to the outside and inputs a video signal from the outside.

<Description of Configuration of Bus Selector 130> FIG. 9
Is a video bus selector 130 and its peripheral circuit 131.
3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of FIG. In FIG. 9, 504
And 505, 514 and 515, 519 and 520, 526 and 527, 524 and 525 are each a bidirectional buffer configured as one set, 530 is an output buffer, 50
Reference numerals 6, 513, 521, 528, and 529 are signal lines supplied from a CPU (not shown) for controlling the bidirectional buffer, and 523 is a frequency conversion circuit including a FIFO.

Reference numerals 501 to 503 respectively denote B terminals corresponding to B1 to B3 of the video bus selector 130 shown in FIG. 8, C terminals corresponding to C1 to C3, and A corresponding to A1 to A3.
It is a terminal. Further, 508 is a selector for selecting A terminal input or C terminal input, 507 is a flip-flop (DF / F) for outputting the output of the selector 508 to the output buffer 505 to the B terminal 501 at the timing of the signal VCK, 5
10 is a selector for selecting A terminal input or B terminal input, 5
12 is a flip-flop (DF / F) that outputs the output of the selector 511 to the output buffer 514 to the C terminal 502 at the timing of the signal VCK, 516 is a selector that selects B terminal input or C terminal input, and 518 is the selector 516 A flip-flop (DF / DF /) that outputs the output to the output buffer 521 to the A terminal 503 at the timing of the signal VCK
F).

Furthermore, 531 is the sub-scanning synchronizing signal (ITOP2) of the IPU 1008, and 532 is the IPU 1008.
Main scanning synchronization signal (HSNCX), 533 is a sub scanning write enable signal (VVE1) to another station,
Reference numeral 534 is a main scan enable signal (HVE *) to another station, 535 is a video clock (VCK) to its own device and another station, 536 is a sub scan write enable signal from another station (master station), CPUs 509, 511, 517, and 537
A signal set by (not shown), 538 is an enable signal (IENX) for the frequency converter 523, and 539 is a binary value which is written in the bitmap memory when the device has a bitmap memory and is transmitted to the outside. Signal, 5
Reference numeral 40 is a video clock from another station which is used as a write clock of the frequency converter 523, and 541 is a signal which is inverted by a write enable signal of the frequency converter 523 and is used as a write reset signal by an inverter. 542 is an OR gate. Also, HSNC
X532 is inverted and used as a read reset signal of the frequency converter 523. Reference numeral 522 is a binarized signal transmitted from the bitmap memory when the bitmap memory is in another station.

Next, the flow of video signals in the various modes described below will be described with reference to FIGS. Station 10 which is the digital copying machine of the present embodiment
01 to 1004 are connected to each other, and in addition to copying the image original read from each station at its own station (this is called “normal copy” mode), the image original read to another station is used as a video signal. There are a transmission mode (this is called "external interface output" mode) and a mode in which an image original read by another station is received as a video signal and printed out (this is called "external interface input" mode).

(Normal copy mode) Video signal flow It is as follows.

Image original → CCD 101 → A / D and S /
H circuit 102 → shading circuit 103 → input masking circuit 104 → selector 124 (select A input) → magnifying circuit 105 → LOG circuit 123 → memory section 106 → selector 125 (select A input) → masking UCR circuit 107 → γ Circuit 109 → edge enhancement circuit 110 → add-on unit 129 → printer unit 352 Signal settings of video bus selector 130 and its peripheral circuit 131 are as follows.

Signal 506, signal 513, signal 528, signal 529, → high "1" signal 537 → high "1" signals 509, 511, 517 → X signal 521 → X signal 537 → high "1" (external interface output Mode) Video flow is as follows.

Image original → CCD 101 → A / D and S /
H circuit 102 → shading circuit 103 → input masking circuit 104 → selector 124 (select A input) → magnifying circuit 105 → selector 125 (select B input) → masking UCR circuit 107 → γ correction circuit 109 → edge enhancement circuit 110 → Video Bus Selector 130 → Video Bus Selector Interface Peripheral Circuit 131 → Video Interface 205 → External Signal Settings of Video Bus Selector 130 and its Peripheral Circuit 131 are as follows.

Signal 506, signal 513 → high “1” signal 509, signal 511 → X signal 517, signal 521, signal 528, signal 529 → low “0” signal 537 → high “1” (external interface input mode) video The flow is as follows.

From the outside → video interface 205 →
Video bus selector 130 → selector 124 (select B input) → magnifying circuit 105 → LOG circuit 123 → memory section 106 → selector 125 (select A input) → masking UCR circuit 107 → γ correction circuit 109 → edge enhancement circuit 110 → Add-on unit 129 → Printer unit 352 Here, as the sub-scanning write enable of the memory 106, 536 input to the area generation unit is used.

Video selector and its peripheral circuit 131
I / O settings are as follows.

Signal 506 → low “0” signal 509 → low “0” signal 511 → X signal 513 → high “1” signal 517 → low “0” signal 521, signal 528 → high “1” signal 529 → low “ 0 "signal 537 → low" 0 "<Structure of printer unit 352> In FIG. 7, 301 is a polygon scanner for scanning a photosensitive drum with a laser beam, and 302 is a first-stage magenta (M) image forming unit. , 303 to 305 are image forming units for cyan (C), yellow (Y), and black (B), which have the same configuration.

As shown in FIG. 10, the polygon scanner 3
Reference numeral 01 denotes a laser beam from the laser elements 401 to 404 independently driven by MCYBk by a laser control unit (not shown) to scan the photosensitive drum based on the data of each color component. Reference numerals 405 to 408 are BD detection units that detect a scanned laser beam and generate a main scanning synchronization signal. When two polygon mirrors are arranged on the same axis and rotated by one motor as in this embodiment, for example, M and C are used.
With the laser beams based on the Y and Bk components, the main scanning directions are opposite to each other. Therefore, normally, for M and C images, Y and Bk image data are mirror images in the main scanning direction.

In the magenta (M) image forming section 302, 318 is a photosensitive drum that forms a latent image by exposure to laser light, 303 is a developing machine that develops toner on the latent image on the photosensitive drum 318, and 304 is a developing machine 313. It is a sleeve that is installed and applies developing bias to develop toner.
Reference numeral 315 is for charging the photosensitive drum 318 to a desired potential 1
A secondary charger 317 is a cleaner for cleaning the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 after transfer. A secondary charger 316 removes the charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 318 cleaned by the cleaner 317 so that good charging can be obtained in the primary charger 315. Auxiliary charger, 3
Reference numeral 30 denotes a pre-exposure lamp that erases residual electrification on the photosensitive drum 318, and 319 a transfer charger that discharges from the back surface of the transfer belt 306 to transfer the toner image on the photosensitive drum 318 to a transfer member (recording paper or the like). Is.

Numerals 309 and 310 are cassettes for accommodating transfer members, 308 is a paper feeding section for supplying the transfer members from the cassettes 309, 310, and 311 is a transfer member for the transfer members fed by the paper feeding section 308. A transfer belt roller 312 is used to rotate the transfer belt 306, and at the same time, is a transfer belt roller that is paired with the transfer charger 311 and charges the transfer member to the transfer belt 306 by suction.

Numeral 324 is an electrostatic charger for facilitating separation of the transfer member from the transfer belt 306, and 325 is an electrostatic charger 326 for preventing image disturbance due to electric discharge when the transfer member is separated from the transfer belt 306. Numerals 327 to 327 are pre-fixing chargers that supplement the attracting force of the toner on the transfer member after separation to prevent image disturbance. 322 to 323 are transfer belts 30
6, a transfer belt neutralizing charger for statically initializing the transfer belt 306 to electrostatically initialize the transfer belt 306, a belt cleaner 328 for removing dirt on the transfer belt 306, and 307 a transfer belt 3
A fixing device 340 for thermally fixing the toner image on the transfer member, which is separated from 06 and recharged by the pre-fixing charging devices 326 to 327, on the transfer member, and 340 is a sheet discharge detecting the transfer member on the conveyance path passing through the fixing device. It is a sensor.

Numeral 329 designates the transfer belt 3 by the paper feeding unit 308.
06 is a paper leading edge sensor that detects the leading edge of the transfer member fed onto the paper 06, and a detection signal (IT
OP1) is from the printer unit 352 to the color reader unit 351.
Is sent to the printer unit 352 from the color reader unit 351.
It is used to generate a sub-scanning synchronization signal when sending a video signal to the.

<Structure of Interface Unit 364> FIG.
I of each of the stations 1001 to 1004 shown in FIG.
It is a circuit diagram which shows the detailed structure of / F parts 1101-1104. Since the interface section of one station is referred to here, the drawing reference number relating to the interface section is "364" in conformity with that shown in FIG.

The I / F unit 364 communicates with the interface 201 (IPU interface) with the IPU 1008, the interface 202 (R interface A) and the interface 203 (R interface B) with other stations, the IPU 1108 and other stations. 5 of CPU interface 204 for controlling and interface (video interface) 205 with the device itself
Composed of two. Here, the interface 202 is used for connection with a station whose address value is smaller than the address value of the own device, and the interface 203 is used for connection with a station whose address value is larger than the address value of the own device. Therefore, as can be seen from the connection configuration of FIG. 2, when this I / F unit is for the master station, the interface 201 and the interface 20
3 is used, and if this I / F unit belongs to the slave station, the interface 202 and the interface 203 are used. Where interface 2
02 is the I / F unit 1101 of each station shown in FIG.
To the connection point A at 1104 to the interface 203
Corresponds to the connection point B.

In FIG. 11, 206, 211, 21
2, 214 and 216 are tristate buffers, 20
Reference numerals 7, 209 and 210 are bidirectional buffers, 208 is a special bidirectional buffer described later, and 213 and 215 are D-type flip-flops having a tristate function.

BTCN0 to BTCN10 are CPUs.
Control signal set by (not shown), 218 is IP
A communication line (4 bits) between U1008 and its own device, 219 and 221 are 2-bit signals including a main scanning synchronizing signal (HSNC) and a sub scanning synchronizing signal (ITOP), and 220 and 222 are 8
A total of 27-bit signal of three-bit video signal system (24 bits) + binary signal (Bi) + image clock (CLK) + main scanning enable signal (HVE), 223 is a 4-bit communication line with another station, 224 is an 8-bit communication line with another station, 225 is a video signal 3
System + Bi + HVE + sub-scan video enable signal (V
VE) + CLK, 28-bit signal, 226 is CLK
And VVE for a total of 2 bits signal, 228 and 233 for video signal 3 systems + Bi + HVE for a total of 26 bits signal, 23
2 and 235 are CLK, 234 is a 2 bit signal of CLK and VVE, 236 is VVE, 237 is a video signal 3 system + Bi + HVE + VVE + CLK, a total of 28 bit signal, 238 is 3 video signal system + Bi + CLK + HVE.
This is a 30-bit signal of + HSNC + VVE + ITOP.

Next, I / O port control and signal flow in each mode will be described.

Here, the tri-state buffer 20
6, 211, 212, 214, 216 are control signals (BTCN2, BTCN10, BTCN) applied to the respective control signals.
9, BTCN7, BTCN8) are low "0" to enable, and high "1" to be high impedance state. The bidirectional buffers 207, 209, and 210 are realized by elements such as the LS245, and each of the G
And a control signal (BTCN0 and BTC applied to the D terminal)
N1, BTCN3 and BTCN4, BTCN5 and BTCN
According to 6), the state of the G terminal is low “0” and the state of the D terminal is low “0”, the data flow is B → A, the state of the G terminal is low “0” and the state of the D terminal is high “0”. When it is 1 ", the data flow is from A to B, and when the state of the G terminal is high" 1 ", the data does not flow in either direction (isolation). D-type flip-flops 213 and 215
Is enabled when the state of the enable signals (BTCN7, BTCN8) is low "0", and is high impedance when the state is high "1".

In the cascade system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, IPU 1008 and stations 1001 to 1004 are used.
Are connected to each other, but stations 1001-1
Since each 004 has the same configuration, each station can transmit or receive image video data to or from each other regardless of whether it is assigned as a master station or a slave station. Has a transfer mode.

In the following description of the mode, one station is mainly considered, and when referring to that station, it is referred to as "own device", and data is not taken into the "own device" but simply relayed data to another station. When transferring to a station and / or IPU, it is called "relay of own device". A station having an address value smaller than that of its own device is called a "lower address device", and a station having a larger address value is called an "upper address device".

Mode 1: IPU → relay of own device → lower address device mode 2: IPU → relay of own device → higher address device mode 3: IPU → own device mode 4: lower address device → relay of own device → higher address device mode 5 : Lower address device → own device mode 6: Upper address device → Own device relay → Lower address device mode 7: Upper address device → Own device mode 8: Own device → IPU mode 9: Own device → Lower address device mode 10: Own Device-> upper address device mode 11: IPU-> own device relay-> upper address device and lower address device mode 12: IPU-> own device and own device relay-> lower address device mode 13: IPU-> own device and own device relay-> upper address Device mode 14: IPU → own device and own device relay → upper address device and lower address device mode 15: lower address Dressing device → Own device and own device relay →
Upper address device mode 16: Upper address device → Own device and own device relay →
Lower address device mode 17: Own device → IPU and lower address device mode 18: Own device → IPU and upper address device mode 19: Own device → Upper address device and lower address device mode 20: Own device → IPU and upper address device Lower address device Interface 201 is used for data transmission / reception and relay with IPU 1008. Interface 202 is used for data transmission / reception and relay with lower address device. Interface 203 is used for data transmission / reception and relay with upper address device.
Is used.

Next, the states of the control signals BTCN0 to BTCN10 from the CPU and the flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal in each mode are as follows.

<Mode 1> BTCN0 → high “1” BTCN1 → low “0” BTCN2 → low “0” BTCN3 → low “0” BTCN4 → low “0” BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → high “1” BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → High “1” BTCN10 → Low “0” However, X represents a signal unrelated to the processing of the corresponding mode.

The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is shown in FIG.
Based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 <Mode 2> BTCN0 → high “1” BTCN1 → low “0” BTCN2 → low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → high "1" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0". Based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 3> BTCN0 → high “1” BTCN1 → low “0” BTCN2 → low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → X BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → X BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" If the flow of image video signal and sync signal is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. become that way.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 <Mode 4> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → X BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → high “1” BTCN4 → low “0” BTCN5 → low “0” BTCN6 → low “0” BTCN7 → high “1” BTCN8 → low “0” BTCN9 → X BTCN10 → high “1” The flow of image video signals and sync signals is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

225 → 228 → 233 → 237 225 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 5> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → High “1” BTCN4 → Low “0” BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → High "1" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → low "0" BTCN10 → high "1" If the flow of image video signal and sync signal is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. become that way.

225 → 228 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238 225 → 226 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 6> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → X BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → Low “0” BTCN4 → Low “0” BTCN5 → High “ 1 "BTCN6 → low" 0 "BTCN7 → low" 0 "BTCN8 → high" 1 "BTCN9 → X BTCN10 → high" 1 "If the flow of image video signals and sync signals is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. It looks like this:

237 → 233 → 228 → 225 237 → 234 → 226 → 225 <Mode 7> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → X BTCN5 → High “1” BTCN6 → Low “0” “BTCN7 → X BTCN8 → High“ 1 ”BTCN9 → Low“ 0 ”BTCN10 → X The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

237 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238 237 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 8> BTCN0 → Low “0” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → X BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7➝X BTCN8➝X BTCN9➝high "1" BTCN10➝X The flow of image video signals and sync signals is as follows, based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 220 → 222 238 → 219 → 221 <Mode 9> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → Low “0” BTCN4 → Low “0” BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → Low “0” BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → High “1” BTCN10 → Low “0” The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 220 → 228 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 <Mode 10> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → High “1” BTCN5 → Low “0” BTCN6 → Low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" The flow of image video signal and sync signal is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. become that way.

238 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 11> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → Low “0” BTCN4 → Low "0" BTCN5 → Low "0" BTCN6 → Low "0" BTCN7 → High "1" BTCN8 → Low "0" BTCN9 → High "1" BTCN10 → Low "0" The flow of image video signal and sync signal is Based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. 11, it is as follows.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 12> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → low "0" BTCN2 → low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → high "1" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → The flow of the low "0" image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows, based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 <Mode 13> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → high "1" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" image video signal and sync signal Based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. 11, the flow is as follows.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 14> BTCN0 → High “1” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 222 → 220 → 238 222 → 220 → 228 → 225 222 → 220 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 225 238 → 236 + 220 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 15> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → X BTCN2 → high "1" BTCN3 → high "1" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → low "0" BTCN10 → high "1" The flow of the image video signal and the sync signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

225 → 228 → 233 → 237 225 → 226 → 234 → 237 225 → 228 → 234 + 233 → 220 → 238 225 → 226 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 16> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → high "1" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → low "0" BTCN8 → high "1" BTCN9 → X BTCN10 → high "1" image video signal and The flow of the synchronization signal is as follows if it is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

237 → 233 → 228 → 225 237 → 234 → 226 → 225 237 → 233 + 234 → 220 → 238 237 → 234 → 236 → 238 <Mode 17> BTCN0 → Low “0” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → X BTCN6 → X BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" flow of image video signal and synchronization signal Is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 238 → 220 → 222 238 → 228 → 225 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 <Mode 18> BTCN0 → Low “0” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low “0” BTCN3 → X BTCN4 → High “1” BTCN5 → Low “0” BTCN6 → Low “0” BTCN7 → High “1” BTCN8 → Low “0” BTCN9 → High “1” BTCN10 → Low “0” Flow of image video signal and synchronization signal Is based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 238 → 220 → 222 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 227 <Mode 19> BTCN0 → X BTCN1 → High “1” BTCN2 → X BTCN3 → Low “0” "BTCN4 → low" 0 "BTCN5 → low" 0 "BTCN6 → low" 0 "BTCN7 → high" 1 "BTCN8 → X BTCN9 → high" 1 "BTCN10 → low" 0 "The flow of image video signal and sync signal is: Based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG. 11, it is as follows.

238 → 228 → 225 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 237 <Mode 20> BTCN0 → Low “0” BTCN1 → Low “0” BTCN2 → Low "0" BTCN3 → low "0" BTCN4 → low "0" BTCN5 → low "0" BTCN6 → low "0" BTCN7 → high "1" BTCN8 → low "0" BTCN9 → high "1" BTCN10 → low "0" The flow of the image video signal and the synchronizing signal is as follows based on the signal line reference numbers shown in FIG.

238 → 219 → 221 238 → 220 → 222 238 → 228 → 225 238 → 228 → 233 → 237 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 225 238 → 220 + 236 → 226 → 234 → 237 [Explanation of IPU] FIG. Image memory unit (I
(PU) 1008 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration. I
The PU 1008 has a function of storing a color image signal of an external device (image data from the color reader unit 351 of each station or image data from the host 1009) in the image memory 604, and an external device (here, the color reader unit of each station). 351) and has a function of outputting the data stored in the image memory to an external device in synchronization with 351).

Next, each function will be described.

(1) Writing of a color image signal into the image memory: RGB signals 616 to 618 (8 bits each) input from the external interface 609 set in the input mode.
Is a tri-state buffer 610 and signal lines 620-6
It is sent via 22 to the frequency conversion unit 613 (FIFO is used). At this time, the CPU 603 controls the tri-state buffers 610 and 612 to be enabled and the other tri-state buffer 611 to be disabled.

Next, in the frequency converter 613, an external clock (1 bit of the 3-bit signal 618) is used as a write clock signal, and an external main scanning synchronization signal (1 bit of the 3-bit signal 618) is used as a write reset signal. ,
An external main scanning synchronization signal (3
One bit of the bit signal 618 is used, while the internal clock (VCKIP) is used as a read clock signal.
U), an internal main scanning synchronization signal as a read reset signal (an internal S by the external main scanning synchronization signal and VCKIPU).
HSYNCIPU generated by YNC generator 614),
Read enable signal (internal main scan sync signal and VC
The external image clock and the image clock in the memory unit are synchronized by using the ENPU2 generated by an area enable generator (not shown) by the KIPU as a control signal (the main scanning synchronization signal is the color reader unit). 351 is used), and output signals 623 to 625 therefrom are written in the image memory 604 via the data controller 607.

The image memory 604 has a capacity of 24 bits for each 8 bits of RGB for one pixel, and the memory control signal at this time is controlled by the external sub-scanning enable signal (1 of 2 bits of the signal 619). Bit) and HSYNC
This is performed by the address controller 606 via the selector 608 based on the IPU or the like.

Next, from the host 1009 to the image memory 604
Writing to will be described.

From the host 1009 to the CPU 603, for example, image data sent by GPIB or the like is accumulated in a memory (not shown) of the CPU 603 via the external interface 609 and the signal line 601. And the CPU 603
Is the address controller 605 and the data controller 6
07 and the selector 608 are controlled to write the image data from the host 1009 into the image memory 604. Here, this image transfer may use DMA.

(2) Color image data output to external device The data stored in the image memory 604 is passed through the data controller 607 and the tri-state buffer 611,
The color reader unit 3 via the external interface 609.
51 to be output to the external interface,
External interface 609, tri-state buffer 6
The image is read from the image memory 604 by the address generated by the address controller 606 based on the main-scanning synchronization signal and the sub-scanning synchronization signal input from the 12. At this time, the CPU 603 controls the ENIPU 2 to be disabled, the tristate buffers 611 to 612 to be enabled, and the tristate buffer 610 to be disabled.

Next, a procedure for outputting a document image placed on a document table of a reader of one station from a plurality of stations by using the multiplex system having the above configuration will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, four stations 10 are provided.
01 to 1004 are connected to the multiplex system, and the platen 5 of the color reader unit 351 of the station 1001 is connected.
It is assumed that a document image is placed on 55.

<Basic Operation Screen> FIG. 13 shows the LCD display section 5 on the operation panel of each station shown in FIG. 6 described above.
FIG. 5 is a detailed external view of 0005, showing a basic screen in a reset state such as when the power is turned on or when a reset operation is performed.

In FIG. 13, the status bar 50101
Displays a message indicating the status of the station or station system, and "resets" when reset.
Is displayed (hereinafter, the text enclosed in "" represents the message content displayed on the status bar 50101). The number of prints is displayed on the print number display portion 50102, and "1" is set in the reset state. The number of prints can be set with the ten-key 50,000 as described above.

The type of recording paper is shown in the recording paper display section 5010.
3 is displayed and auto paper is selected in the reset state. The recording paper can be selected by selecting from which of a plurality of paper feed cassettes or a manual feed tray prepared in the station.

When the paper selection key 50105 is pressed, L
The CD display portion 50005 is in the state shown in FIG. Figure 1
4, the key 501a1 is the manual feed tray, and the key 50a1.
1a2 is the upper cassette, key 501a3 is the middle cassette, key 501a4 is the lower cassette, etc. Each key indicates a fixed paper source, and each key top indicates the type of paper prepared for that paper source. Is represented. For example, if the upper recording paper cassette is pulled out in this state, the key top of the key 501a2 becomes blank and the key 501a2 becomes unselectable. When the cassette is mounted again, the label of the cassette or the set paper size is detected. The type of recording paper is displayed on the key top of the key 501a2.

When the key 501a1 indicating the manual feed tray is pressed in FIG. 501a, only the manual feed tray needs to be designated by the operator for the recording paper, and therefore the LCD display unit 50005 is displayed as shown in FIG. The key tops such as the keys 501b1 shown in FIG. 15 are fixed and simply indicate the paper size regardless of the recording paper prepared in the station.

On the other hand, when the automatic paper selection key 50106 is pressed in the state of FIG. 13, FIG. 14 or FIG.
The display of the recording paper display unit 50103 shown in (1) becomes “auto paper”, and when the size of the image to be output is known, the paper source that prepares the optimum paper for outputting the image is selected.

Further, in the basic operation screen of FIG. 13, the scaling ratio of the output image to the input image is the scaling ratio display section 501.
04, for example, when changing the size of a standard paper size from A4 size to B5 size by pressing the standard enlargement key 50107 or the standard reduction key 50108,
The D display portion 50005 has the display shown in FIG. FIG.
In the scaling ratio display section 50104, the standard enlargement key 5
By pressing 0107 or the standard reduction key 50108,
The scaling setting is displayed cyclically.

13 and 16, if a scaling factor other than the standard paper size is required, the zoom-in key 50115 or the zoom-out key 50117 is pressed, and the scaling factor at that time is set to 1 each time. %
Move up and down in steps. When the auto-zoom key 50116 is pressed, the display of the magnification change display section 50104 becomes the auto-magnification, and when the size of the image to be input is known, the optimum magnification for output to the selected recording paper is determined.

In FIG. 13, the double-line setting key 50110
Is not displayed when there are no other stations connected to the gang system or does not work when pressed.

When the overlap setting key 50110 is pressed, the overlap copying flag is set if another overlap copy is currently being executed in the connected station. Therefore, the message window shown in FIG. 17 is displayed for a certain period of time. , Do not shift to the multiple-line setting. On the other hand, when the duplicate copy flag is not set, the overlap setting is performed and the overlap setting key 501 is set.
Reference numeral 10 is inverted as shown in FIG. 18, and indicates that the multiple link setting is made together with the status bar.

<Image Transfer Source Arbitration Mode> In FIG. 13, when the multiple copy setting key 50110 is pressed, the multiple copy system selects the station that is the image transfer source from among the plurality of stations that issued the multiple copy request. Enter the transfer source arbitration mode. At the time when the multiplex system enters the transfer source arbitration mode, each station that has issued the multiplex copy request transmits the transmission content related to the multiplex copy for a certain time (about 1 in this embodiment).
Hold for 00 msec. In the meantime, the repeat setting key 50
Each station 601 is pressed (hereinafter, this is referred to as an image transfer source station or simply an image transfer source)
When it is confirmed that the station having a higher priority than itself issues the duplicated copy request, the withdrawal of the duplicated copy request is made, and the transition to the duplicated copy setting is not performed. On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the station having a higher priority than itself has not issued the duplicate copy request, the station shifts to the duplicate setting and holds the duplicate copying flag until the duplicate copying ends.

<Selection Setting of Multiple Stations> As shown in FIG. 1, four stations 1001 to 1004 are connected to the multiple system, and an original is placed on the reader section original table of station 2. Is placed.

For example, the station 1002 in FIG.
When the station setting key 50110 in the operation panel of the
4 can be used without any abnormality, and when the station 1001 and the station 1003 are executing some kind of job, the LCD display unit 50005 of the operation panel of the station 1002 (hereinafter, referred to as its own station) is displayed as shown in FIG.
The screen shown in 9 is displayed.

FIG. 19 is a multiple station setting screen displayed when entering the multiple station setting. The base window 50201 and the station setting keys 50202, the setting end key 50203, and the setting clear key 50204 arranged on the base window 50201. , A serial group key 50205, an automatic serial setting key 50206, a local setting key 50207, and the like. The number in the center of the key top of the station setting key 50202 is the station number set by pressing the key, and is "1" in ascending order of address.
The positions are fixed in order from the base window 50201 shown in FIG. For example, in this embodiment, the station number 1 is the address "0".
Station 1001, the station number 2 is the station 1002 (own station) having the address “1”, the station number 3 is the station 1003 having the address “2”, and the station number 4 is the station 1004 having the address “3”. Are shown respectively.

The details of the key top of the station setting key 50202 are shown in FIG. In FIG. 20, 5030
Reference numeral 2 indicates a central display portion of the key top.

In FIG. 20, when the key top display is a white rectangle with a solid border as shown in state 50303, it means that the station indicated by the address of 50302 can be selected. That is, in this embodiment, the station 10 indicated by the address "0"
01 indicates that it is selectable. Also, state 5
0304 indicates that the station has already been set up, state 50305 indicates that the station is not connected to the multiplex system, state 50307.
Indicates that the station has no recording sheet indicated by 50302. A state 50308 indicates that an error such as a jam or a toner exhaustion has occurred at the station, and the duplicate setting is impossible or prohibited. State 50309 indicates that the station is currently executing some job.

As described above, the conditions of selectable stations are that they are firstly connected in series, that the output paper set at that time can be fed, and that there is an error such as a jam or toner exhaustion. Is not happening and has not been selected yet. Further, in FIG. 19, the station setting key 50202 is highlighted to show the selected state, but the selection can be canceled by pressing the station setting key 50202 again in the selected state.

In FIG. 19, when at least one station is selected by the station setting key 50202 when the setting end key 50203 is pressed, the multi-strip setting is performed. Also, the setting clear key 502
By pressing 04, the selection for all stations can be canceled and the multiplex setting can be ended. When a plurality of stations are set as a group in advance, all the grouped stations can be selected by pressing the group key 50205. When the automatic multiple station setting key 50206 is pressed, when a print request of a predetermined condition is issued to the own station, the multiple station is automatically set to another station connected in multiple station. The automatic multiplex process will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of the automatic multiplex process in this embodiment. First, when a print request is issued to the own station in step S5101, it is checked in step S5102 if the automatic multiplex setting is made in the own station. If the automatic multiple-line setting is not made in step S5102, the automatic multiple-line setting is not performed, but if the automatic multiple-line setting is made, the process proceeds to step S5103. In step S5103, it is determined whether the print request generated in step S5101 is a print request sorted and set with a number of copies larger than the number of sorter bins of its own station. Step S
If the sort request is greater than the number of sorter bins in 5103, the process advances to step S5104 to select a station having a sorter function from the other stations connected in cascade, and the process advances to step S5106.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5103 that the sort print request is not more than the sorter bin number, the process proceeds to step S5105 with all other stations selected, and it is determined whether the total print number is set to 30 or more. To do. If a print request for 30 or more sheets is made in step S5105, the process proceeds to step S5106, but if it is less than 30 sheets, the automatic multiplex setting is not performed. Step S51
At 06, the station that can feed the recording paper set by the print request is selected from the already selected stations. Then, in step S5107,
Multiple stations are automatically set for the stations selected above.

FIG. 22 shows the distribution of the number of prints to each station when the automatic multiplex setting is performed. In FIG. 22, the own station is designated as A, and
B and C are other stations connected in multiple series, and N is A
Is the number of prints set in. At this time, the set number N
If there are less than 30 sheets, automatic multi-line setting is not performed, station 30 outputs all 30 sheets, station B,
C does not output. Further, the set number N is 30 or more 6
If the number of sheets is less than 0, station A sets the automatic multiple station only for station B, and the output number is N /
Two each. If the set number of sheets N is 60 or more and less than 90, the station A sets the automatic multiple stations for the stations B and C, and the number of output sheets is N / 3. When the set number of sheets is 90 or more, it is dealt with by increasing the number of stations connected in cascade or by increasing the share of the number of output sheets in one station.

In FIG. 19, a local setting key 502
When 07 is pressed, the local setting screen shown in FIG. 23 appears. FIG. 23 shows a screen for local setting for setting from another station for which multiple stations are set in duplicate. In FIG. 19, reference numeral 50901 denotes a setting window having the same function as the operation panel of the selected station, that is, it has the same function as that of FIG. 13 described above. 50904 is a station selection tag for selecting a station for which local setting is performed. 5090
3 and 50905 are station selection tags 50904
These are the forward and backward tags of the station address display indicated by, for example.

The set address of the station selected by the station selection tag 50904 is displayed on the selected station display portion 50902. Then, after the local setting is performed in the setting window 50901, the local setting end key 50906 is pressed to end the local setting. The station selection tag 5090
4 can represent each state of the station as in FIG. 20 described above. Details thereof are shown in FIG. 24, and description thereof will be omitted.

<Definition of Image Transfer Destination Station> FIG.
From the multiple station setting screen shown by, the station selected by pressing the station selection key 50202 (hereinafter referred to as image transfer destination station or simply image transfer destination) receives an image transfer destination request from the image transfer source station. Will be issued. The image transfer destination station that has received the image transfer destination request displays the dialog window shown in FIG. 25 on the operation panel regardless of the state, and notifies the operator that the multiple copy request has been made.

If the operator refuses to become the image transfer destination by pressing the NG key 50502, the image transfer destination prohibition flag is set in the image transfer destination station. If the operator presses the OK key 50501 or if there is no input for a certain period of time (5 sec in this embodiment), it is considered that the image transfer destination is accepted, and as shown in FIG. “Multiple copies will be made” is displayed on the 50602, and all keys on the operation panel will not be heard. However, if any job is currently being executed (for example, a local copy is being performed or a print process is being executed in response to a print request from an external device such as a computer), the above-mentioned operation panel is displayed on the operation panel of the image transfer destination. The screen shown in FIG. 18 is displayed. Then, after the completion of the job, the image transfer destination is confirmed.

In the image transfer source station, the image transfer destination request is issued, and after a certain time (5 sec in this embodiment), the image transfer destination prohibit flag of the image transfer destination is confirmed and the flag is set. If not, the selection of the station is confirmed, and the key display of the corresponding station shown in FIGS. 19 and 23 is highlighted to notify the operator of the selected station.

Station selection key 502 shown in FIG.
The station selection key 50202 repeats reverse display from the pressing of 02 until the station is confirmed as the image transfer destination, indicating that the selected station is not yet confirmed as the transfer destination. When the image transfer source station confirms that the image transfer destination prohibition flag is set for the stations connected in cascade, the setting of the prohibited station is canceled and the corresponding station on the station setting screen shown in FIG. 19 is released. Setting key 50202
The display is changed to notify the operator that the selection is prohibited.

In the multiple station setting screen shown in FIG. 19, the own station 1002 and the station 10
As a result of selecting the station setting key 50202 so that 01, 1003, and 1004 are connected in cascade, for example, when only the station 1003 is refused by the operator, the cascade setting screen shown in FIG. 19 is as shown in FIG. 27. become.

According to the screen shown in FIG. 27, the station 1
001, 1002, and 1004 are set in duplicate, but
It can be seen that the station 1003 is a setting prohibited station and cannot be set in duplicate. Then, when the setting end key 50203 is pressed, a message "Multiple copy is possible" is displayed on the message bar as shown in FIG. 28, and the multiple copy preparation is completed.

As described above, the overlap setting in this embodiment is confirmed. The manner in which the overlap setting in this embodiment is performed will be briefly summarized with reference to FIG.

FIG. 29 is a diagram for explaining the state of multiple link setting in the present embodiment by the transition of the screens shown in the above figures. The heavy chain system in FIG. 29 corresponds to that in FIG.
The station 1001 is a master station and stations 1002, 1003, 1004 are slave stations.

In FIG. 29, 50401 is the basic screen shown in FIG. 13 described above. However, station 10
01 and 1003 are currently executing a copy job,
"I'm copying. Message is displayed.

Here, when the multiple station setting key 50110 is pressed from the operation panel of the station 1002, the entire multiple station system enters the image transfer source arbitration mode and confirms the multiple station request of each station.

When the station 1002 is confirmed as the image transfer source station through the image transfer arbitration mode, the operation panel of the station 1002 shows
The multiple station setting screen of 50402 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. Then, when the station setting key 50202 is pressed on the screen 50402 so that the station 1001, 1003, and 1004 are subjected to the station setting, the station system enters the image transfer destination station confirmation mode.

In the image transfer destination station confirmation mode, each of the stations 1001, 1003, 1004 displays a station confirmation screen 50403 shown in FIG. 25 on each operation panel to confirm whether or not it can be set as an image transfer destination. In FIG. 29, the station 1002 has been approved by the operator to be the image transfer destination, the station 1003 has been refused by the operator to be the image transfer destination, and the station 1004 has not responded by the operator for a predetermined time. Here is an example that is considered to have been accepted.

As a result of confirmation by the station confirmation screen of 50403 in each station, the station 10
The operation station No. 02 displays the multiple station setting screen 50404 shown in FIG.
Only 3 indicates that the duplicate setting could not be performed. And 5
By pressing the setting end key on the screen 0404, the image transfer destination station confirmation mode ends, and the operation panel of the station 1002 displays 50405 of FIG.
As shown in 8, "Multiple copies are possible. Message is displayed.

At this time, the station 1001 is in the process of executing the copy job, and therefore "copying" shown in FIG. As soon as the copy is finished, we will make a duplicate copy. Message is displayed. The station 1004 makes a "double copy" shown in Fig. 26 of the 50407. Message is displayed. In addition, the operation panel of the station 1003 that was not the image transfer destination is 5
Return to the basic screen of 0401 and do not perform multiple copy.

As described above, the overlap start setting is performed, and in the state where the screen of 50405 of the station 1002 is displayed, the copy start key 50001 shown in FIG. 6 described above is displayed.
When is pressed, the multiple copy is started in the stations 1002 and 1004, and the station 1001 also waits for the currently executed print job and the job to end, and then starts the multiple copy. In this way, when the copy processing for the number of output sheets assigned to each station is completed, the multiple copy processing in this embodiment is completed.

As described above, since a message to that effect is displayed on the operation section of each station during the continuous copying, the operator, for example, can use the host computer 100.
It is possible to discriminate between another printing process such as remote printing from 9 and multiple copy.

<Operation of Image Transfer Destination Station>
The local setting in the transfer destination station when the local setting is performed by the transfer source station will be described.

At the image transfer source station, the operator selects the serial setting key 501 from the operation unit basic screen shown in FIG.
Pressing 10 sets the condition of multiple output through the arbitration mode. The output conditions include, for example, a mode (correction mode) for correcting a model or machine difference such as color balance, density adjustment, and hue adjustment, and a basic size such as paper size and direction, magnification, and number of output sheets. Mode (basic mode) and image composition, transformation, etc.
It is classified into a mode (edit mode) for creating a new image from a document image.

The setting of the edit mode among these modes is used for processing the image at the transfer source station and is not passed to the transfer destination station. Further, in the basic mode, the variable magnification and the paper settings are passed to the transfer destination station as they are, and only the distributed number of sheets is sent to each transfer destination station.

On the other hand, the setting of the correction mode is effective only for the transfer source station and is not sent to the transfer destination station. In addition, local settings other than the correction mode are invalid in the transfer destination station, and only the correction mode is permitted to be set.

FIG. 30 shows a display example of the operation panel of the transfer destination station in this case. In FIG. 30, 512
The liquid crystal display unit of 00 displays a message indicating that the station is set as an image transfer destination. 51
Reference numeral 201 is a scaling ratio setting key, and 51202 is a paper selection setting key, which can change the set value of the basic mode sent from the transfer source. However, the number of output sheets in the basic mode is not displayed because it cannot be changed. Reference numeral 51203 denotes various other output condition setting keys such as a correction mode such as color balance and an edit mode such as image combination. Since the output condition setting key 51203 can set only the correction mode in the transfer destination station as described above, the operator is notified of the condition that cannot be set by displaying a mark to that effect on the setting key. Of course, you can't set it.

The operation panel display of the transfer destination station shown in FIG.
The contents of 03 may be appropriately set according to the condition that each station can be set locally.

<Execution of Image Transfer (Multiple Copy)> In the above-mentioned stations 1001 to 1004 shown in FIG. 1, consider a case where the station 1002 is set to multiple stations 1001 and 1004 as shown in FIG. When the copy start key of the station 1002 is pressed, the station 1002 distributes the set number of copies to each station in response to this, and issues a print start command to all stations. Upon receiving the print start command, the stations 1001 and 1004 switch the input source of the video signal based on the system address of the station 1002 that issued the command and the system address of the own device, and further, the own device. Control for writing to the image memory of the VIDEO control line (VCL
K, HSYNC, VE) and the setting of the device is switched so that the image signal waiting state is entered.

On the other hand, the station 1002 makes settings for reading the original image, and switches so that the control signal for writing to the image memory of the device itself is also output to the VIDEO control line to perform the image reading operation. To start. The stations 1001 and 1004 perform writing to the respective image memories using the control signal output from the station 1002. When the image reading operation of the station 1002 is completed, the station 1002
An image transfer end command is issued from the station 1
001, 1002, and 1004 start the printout operation.

By the same procedure, no matter which one of the stations 1001 to 1004 has the original image on the platen of the color reader section, the operation panel of that station can be operated to output data using a plurality of stations. It is possible to obtain.

Next, the procedure for outputting the output from the host 1009 connected to the station 1001 connected to the multiplex system via the IPU 1008 using a plurality of stations will be described.

The status of all the stations connected to the multi-link system is stored in the host 1009 via the IPU 1008.
It is tabulated in. After setting the station, the number of copies, the paper, etc. to be used according to the state of the multiplex system by the operation from the host 1009, the output image data is output to the IPU 10.
08.

The IPU 1008 communicates these settings to the connected station 1001. Upon receiving this notification, the station 1001 issues a print start command to the other stations used. Upon receiving the print start command, the station enters the image signal waiting state by following the same procedure as in the case of outputting the original image on the platen.

The station 1001 to which the IPU 1008 is connected has an image data transmission / reception transfer mode indicating a video signal input source and an output destination as a mode of "input from IPU" and "output to another station" (for example, mode After switching to 13), a command is issued to the IPU 1008 to send an image. The VIDEO control signals used for image reading from the IPU 1008 and image writing for the remaining stations are all IPU1.
What is generated by the station 1001 to which 008 is connected is used.

Therefore, the image data read from the IPU 1008 is written in the image memory of the station 1001 and simultaneously written in the image memories of other stations. After writing the image,
An image transfer end command is issued from the station 1001 and the printout operation is started in each station.

In any of the above cases, the print start command is also issued to the station (station 1003 in this embodiment) that has not been selected during the operation of selecting the used station. Although the print operation is not performed at that station, the I / F unit is switched if necessary by comparing the start request source address included in the print start command with the address of the own device, and the image signal is sent to the target station. Relay to reach.

Furthermore, when a parameter transfer command is issued from the transfer source station to set parameters such as a color mode in the transfer destination station, not all parameters can be set from the transfer source station, but the transfer destination station. In regard to some parameters, by ignoring the parameter setting command from the transfer source, it is not necessary to change the adjustment data for each device such as color balance for each station.

As described above, according to this embodiment, 1
The original image placed on the platen of one station is input, converted into digital image data, transferred to another station, and the same image is sent not only from the station that input the original image, but also from other stations. Can be printed out.

Although a plurality of stations used in this embodiment have a master-slave relationship of master and slave, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in a duplex system, the master station is not defined, that is, the interface clear command and status request command used only by the master station are not prepared in the command system, and each station does not A configuration may be adopted in which after the initialization of itself is completed, a status transfer command is issued at fixed time intervals (between other stations, of course, while no command is being sent).

In this case, since the master station for controlling the entire system is not defined, it is difficult to control the status transfer timing of the stations to each other and confirm the exchange of the information, but it is inevitable that the throughput of the entire system is lowered to some extent. Communication control and command system can be simplified.

<Second Embodiment> As a second embodiment of the present invention, a case where the setting method of the local setting is different from that of the first embodiment will be described below.

Since the configuration of the second embodiment is similar to that of the first embodiment described above, the description thereof is omitted, and only the setting method of the local setting will be described with reference to FIG.

In the first embodiment, the local setting key 50 on the multiple station setting screen shown in FIG.
The local setting screen shown in FIG. 23 was displayed by pressing 207, but in the second embodiment, the local setting screen shown in FIG. 31 is displayed.

The local setting screen shown in FIG. 31 is a setting window 51101 for locally setting the image transfer source,
Simple setting window 51102 for locally setting the selected image transfer destination, local setting destination selection tag 5110
5. Setting destination display section 5110 showing the selected setting destination
3 and a setting end key 51104 for ending the local setting. Two operation windows 51101, 5
The 1102 can simultaneously perform local setting operation without changing the operation mode.

As described above, the local setting of each station can be performed by the method according to the second embodiment.
The same effect as the first embodiment described above can be obtained.

The present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Further, it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to the case where it is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus.

<Third Embodiment> A third embodiment according to the present invention will be described below in which the conditions for multiple-link setting are different from those of the first embodiment.

The structure of the third embodiment is the same as that of the first embodiment described above, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In the above-described first embodiment, the conditions for the multiple-line setting selected by the station setting key 50202 in FIG. 19 are that the multiple-line connection is first established, and the output paper set at that time is fed. It was possible, there were no errors such as jams or out of toner, and it was not selected yet.

However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and in the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the conditions for setting multiple stations are specified more finely.

In the third embodiment, the stations to be selected are limited not only by the size and direction of the sheets that can be fed at the time of multiple output, but also by the number of sheets. At this time, operability is further improved by adding various expression methods to the key top display of the station setting key 50202 shown in FIG. 20 described above.

Further, for example, the presence / absence of the double-sided recording function of the transfer destination station, the presence / absence of the sorter output function, etc. can be added to the setting conditions to further improve the operability.

[0179]

As described above, according to the present invention, the communication for controlling the input / output of the digital image signal with the external device and / or the relay control is performed in the device. When configuring a system using multiple such devices,
Since the entire system is controlled, no special device is required, and it is possible to construct a system that does not depend on the performance of the special device, so that an effect that a system with flexible expandability can be configured can be obtained.

Further, since the situation of the transfer destination station can be grasped, the operability can be further improved in the duplicated setting.

[0181]

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a multiplex system configured by combining a plurality of color copying machines according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an interface unit of a color copying machine and a connection form of the color copying machines, which form the multiplex system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication line included in a connection cable for connecting color copiers and a detailed configuration of an interface section for connecting to the communication line in the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a time chart showing a mutual relationship of control signals used in a communication line in the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing main commands used in the cascade system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view showing a display example of an operation panel of a color copying machine which constitutes the multiplex system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of a color copying machine that forms the multiplex system of this embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital image processing unit of a color reader unit of the color copying machine of this embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a video bus selector and a video bus selector peripheral circuit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration of a polygon mirror scanner of a printer unit according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a more detailed configuration of an interface unit of the present embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of an image memory unit (IPU) of the present embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a basic screen display of an operation panel of a color copying machine which constitutes the multiplex system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a display example after pressing a paper selection key on the basic display screen shown in FIG. 13 of the present embodiment.

15 is a diagram showing a display example after pressing a manual feed tray selection key on the basic display screen shown in FIG. 14 of the present embodiment.

16 is a diagram showing a display example after pressing a manual feed paper selection key on the basic display screen shown in FIG. 15 of the present embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a display example when the overlap setting key is pressed during overlap copying in the present embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when a station that is executing another job is set to overlap in the present embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a display example of a multiple station setting screen for performing multiple station setting in the present embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a keytop expression of a duplicate station setting key in the present embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an automatic multiplex setting process in this embodiment.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example of distribution of the number of output sheets to each station at the time of automatic multi-strip setting in the present embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a screen display example when performing local setting of a transfer destination station in the present embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing an expression of a multiple station selection tag in the present embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a diagram showing a display example of a station confirmation screen for confirming the start of multiple copy in the transfer destination station in the present embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for informing the start of multiple copy at the transfer destination station in the present embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a display example of a multiple station setting screen for performing multiple station setting in the present embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for informing that the multiple copy preparation is completed at the transfer source station in the present embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a screen transition for each station in the overlap setting process in the present embodiment.

FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display example of a screen for performing local setting at the transfer destination station in the present embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a diagram showing an example of a screen display when performing local setting of a transfer destination station in the second example according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

130 video bus selector 131 Video bus selector peripheral circuit 351 color reader unit 352 printer section 353 Digital Image Processing Unit 354 Operation panel 355 Platen 1001 to 1004 stations 1005-1007 connection cable 1008 IPU 1009 Host computer 1101 to 1104 Interface (I / F) unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (56) Reference JP-A-5-308450 (JP, A) JP-A-2-148049 (JP, A) JP-A-6-178037 (JP, A) JP-A-6- 54100 (JP, A) JP-A-7-131582 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H04N 1/00-1/00 108 G06F 3/09-3/12 G03G 15/00 303 G03G 15/36 G03G 21/00 370-540 G03G 21/02-21/04 G03G 21/14 B41J 29/00-29/70

Claims (8)

(57) [Claims] 1. A connecting at least two image processing apparatus capable of outputting image data on a recording medium together, in mutually capable of transferring image data image processing system, wherein each image processing apparatus, the image data transfer A transfer destination selecting unit for selecting a destination device; a transfer destination state detecting unit for detecting a state of the transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit; and a transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit. A transfer destination setting unit that is set as an image data transfer destination device; an informing unit that notifies the operator of various types; and an instruction input unit that allows the operator to input various types of instructions. the destination device that is in the job execution is detected by the destination state detection means, reserved image data transfer destination apparatus after the end of the job being executed
However , the notifying means is configured to send image data from another device during job execution.
If the job is reserved as the transfer destination device,
Reminds the operator that the image data transfer destination device has been reserved.
The image data transfer destination is notified after the job is completed by the notification means.
If the operator is notified that the
Therefore, as a destination for output from the operator by the instruction input means
If you enter an instruction to prohibit booking,
An image processing system, wherein the reservation is treated as invalid . 2. The image processing system according to claim 1 , wherein the notification means includes a display means for displaying a message, and the notification is made by displaying a message indicating that the reservation is made on the display means. 3. The image display device after the job is finished by the notification means.
To claim 1, characterized in that treat as valid the reservation if to be reserved as over data transfer destination apparatus it was not indicated within a predetermined time by said instruction input means when it is informed to the operator The image processing system described. 4. The image data can be output to a recording medium in a small amount.
Both of them connect two image processing devices to each other, and
Is a control method of an image processing system that can transfer data.
Te, destination selection step of selecting a transfer destination device of the image data
And the transfer destination selected in the transfer destination selecting step
A transfer destination state detecting step for detecting the state of the device, and the transfer destination selected in the transfer destination selecting step
Transfer destination setting to set the device as the image data transfer destination device
Steps and, a notification step of performing a variety of informing the operator has a command input step of inputting various instructions from the operator, and the the transfer destination setting step, the transfer destination state detection stearate
Destination detected that the job is being executed
Image data transfer destination device after the end of the job being executed
In the notification step, the image is sent from another device during execution of the job.
If reserved as a data transfer destination device,
After that, it is confirmed that the image data transfer destination device is reserved.
Notify the author and transfer the image data after the job is completed in the notification step.
If the operator is notified that a reservation will be made as a destination device,
In the instruction input step, from the operator
An instruction is entered to prohibit being reserved as an output destination.
If the reservation is made, the reservation is treated as invalid.
Image processing system control method. 5. The notification step displays a message
Including a display step, and reserved in the display step.
Notification by displaying a message to the effect that
The control of the image processing system according to claim 4,
Way. 6. An image after the job is completed by the notification step.
The operator is informed that the image data transfer destination device will be reserved.
In case of being informed, in the instruction input step
If no instruction is given within the specified time, the reservation will be valid.
The image processing according to claim 4, wherein the image processing is performed as
How to control the system. 7. A method capable of outputting image data to a recording medium
Both of them connect two image processing devices to each other, and
An image processing system capable of transferring data , wherein each of the image processing devices includes a transfer destination selecting unit that selects a transfer destination device of image data, and a transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting unit .
The transfer destination state detecting means for detecting the state and the transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting means are
The transfer destination status detecting means indicates that the job is being executed.
Output, the image data is output after the job is completed.
Reservation procedure for making an output reservation for the transfer destination device
If the output reservation from another device is accepted during job execution,
In that case, an informing means for informing the operator of that fact and an instruction to reject the output reservation are accepted from the operator.
That has instructed a reception unit, and after performing the notification by the notification unit, the instruction receiving
When receiving the instruction to reject the output reservation
When it is attached, the output reservation is invalidated.
Image processing system. 8. An image processor capable of outputting image data to a recording medium.
A processing device that is less than the other devices connected to the image processing device.
Transfer to select one of them as the destination device for image data
Destination selecting means and the transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting means.
The transfer destination state detecting means for detecting the state and the transfer destination device selected by the transfer destination selecting means are
The job is being executed by the transfer destination status detection unit.
If the bets is detected, should the rolling Okusu after completion of the job
A transfer destination reservation unit that reserves as a device, and a transfer destination device for image data from another device during job execution
If the user makes a reservation, the operator will be informed accordingly.
The informing means to perform and the reservation when the informing means performs the informing
Instruction receiver who receives an instruction from the operator to refuse
The image processing apparatus characterized by comprising: a stage, a.