JP4136197B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a copier network system in which a copying operation for one image is shared by a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as a plurality of copying apparatuses. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be applied to a case where one print job is shared by a plurality of network printers, etc., in connection with a connection operation with another image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a prior art according to the present invention, for example, there is a “digital copying machine network system” disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 8-98038. In this publication, at least two or more digital copying machines are provided with communication means for communicating operation commands and image information, and each digital copying machine can be used by an operating device in a network system of the digital copying machine. In this case, it has a user restriction means that enables operations using functions of digital copiers that are not available other than the operation machine, and user restrictions are applied to each networked digital copier. If you have a function, you can use other digital copier functions without going to other digital copiers when you use other digital copier functions remotely. It improves operability and work efficiency. For example, when copying 100 original documents, 50 images are printed for each copy when shared by two image forming apparatuses, so copying takes half the time of copying with one copy. can do. This is called a connecting operation.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, since the image forming apparatuses connected to each other can perform the image forming operation alone, it is expected that the degree of wear will vary depending on the frequency of use.
[0004]
In order to determine the maintenance time of this machine, a counter called a PM counter is prepared. This PM counter is counted once for each image forming operation, and when this counter reaches a certain counter value, (1) maintenance time arrival is displayed on the operation unit, (2) remote diagnosis Processing such as notifying the service center of the arrival of maintenance time via the device is being implemented.
[0005]
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus capable of efficiently sharing a print job in consideration of an apparatus that requires maintenance.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus connected to a network, a document reading unit that reads a document, a printing unit that prints an image of the read document, and image information of the read document. In an image forming apparatus having a connecting operation means for transferring and printing to another image forming apparatus connected to the printer, and an operation selecting means for selecting a single operation and a connecting operation, the other operation is performed when the connecting operation is selected. Check the counter that shows the maintenance time of the image forming device If the other image forming apparatus has already reached the maintenance time and the counter indicating the maintenance time of the self-image forming apparatus is checked, and the self-image forming apparatus has already reached the maintenance time, the connecting operation is not possible. Display a warning on the operation panel It is characterized by that.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
First, terms and definitions commonly used in this specification will be explained and defined.
(1) "Image reading device", "Image reading unit"
The “image reading device” used in digital PPC has the function of irradiating a document with a light source, converting the reflected light into an electrical signal with a “solid-state imager (CCD)”, and performing “necessary image processing”. The device is in use.
[0010]
Here, “necessary image processing” refers to the following processing.
(1) Quantization: Analog data converted into electrical signals by a CCD is converted into binary or multi-value data.
{Circle around (2)} Shading correction: Correction of irradiation unevenness of a light source for irradiating a document and sensitivity variation of a CCD.
(3) MTF correction: A blur caused by an optical system is corrected.
(4) Scaling processing: The image reading density is changed, and data interpolation is performed using the read image data.
[0011]
(2) “Image forming device”, “Image writing unit”
The “image forming device” or “image writing unit” used in the digital PPC is a device that forms an image image sent by an electric signal on plain paper, thermal paper, etc. by means of electrophotography, thermal sensitivity, thermal transfer, inkjet, etc. is there.
[0012]
(3) "Video signal", "Image data"
The “video signal” is a combination of the electrical signal of the image converted by the “image reading device”, the electrical signal of the image input to the “image forming device”, and the signal for synchronizing with the electrical signal of the image. Alternatively, it is expressed as “image data”.
[0013]
(4) “Control signal”, “Command”
In order to exchange “video signals” between “image reading device”, “image forming device”, and “application”, it is necessary to transmit information between the devices. This means is expressed as “control signal” or “command” issuance.
[0014]
(5) "Extended function", "Application (abbreviated as application)", "Memory function", "Memory unit"
An important feature of digital PPC is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is restored by an image forming apparatus. By having means for changing and transmitting the electric signal read at this time, it can be applied to fields other than the conventional analog PPC. In addition to realizing functions such as FAX, page printer, scanner, and file system, recently, even when executing the PPC function, the read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and an image is stored as necessary. By reading out data, a function of executing a plurality of prints in one scan at a time of a plurality of copies or a function of printing a plurality of originals on a single transfer sheet (hereinafter referred to as a memory function) is realized.
Functions that can be realized only by these digital PPC systems are expressed as “extended functions” or “applications”. In the present invention, the memory unit is also used as a buffer means when transferring image data between machines on the network.
[0015]
(6) “System controller”, “System”
When executing the copy mode, in order to form an image in the image writing unit, in-machine monitoring such as paper conveyance processing, electrophotographic process processing, abnormal state and paper cassette state (whether paper is present), and image reading unit In order to read an image, a controller that controls the scanner operation, “ON / OFF” of the light source, and the like is collectively referred to as “system controller”.
Furthermore, recent digital PPCs are not only equipped with one extended function, but are also equipped with a plurality of applications simultaneously. In this way, a digital PPC that shares one resource may be expressed as “system”, and a controller that controls the system may be expressed as “system controller”.
[0016]
(7) "Resource", "Resource"
Functional unit units shared by multiple applications are expressed as “resources” and “resources”. The aforementioned “system controller” performs system control in units of resources. Resources managed by the digital PPC of the present invention include “image reading device”, “image forming device”, “operation unit”, “memory”, “peripheral devices (ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.)”, etc. is there.
[0017]
(8) “User restrictions”
In particular, since PPC using an electrophotographic process has a large consumption, it may not be desired to allow unlimited use. At this time, in order to identify, limit, and manage “users”, “user restricted devices” such as “coin rack”, “key counter”, “key card”, “prepaid card”, “password”, etc. Is used.
[0018]
(9) “User settings”
When the system becomes complicated, it is necessary to deal with each user individually. Since it is impossible to satisfy all of these responses at the time of shipment from the factory, it is essential to respond in the market. Therefore, normally, a non-volatile RAM is provided and system setting according to a user request is possible, but this function is expressed as “user setting”.
[0019]
(10) "Idle state"
A state in which no operation by the user is continued for a certain period is expressed as “idle state”, and the other state is expressed as “busy state”. The time until the transition from the “busy state” to the “idle state” can be set by the user. For example, not only during the copying operation but also after the copying operation is completed, the state does not transit to the “idle state” unless the non-operation state by the user continues for a certain period.
[0020]
(11) “Weekly timer”
A function to turn the power ON / OFF according to the “ON / OFF” time set for each day of the week. For this function, an operation for setting the time of the clock module and an operation for setting an “ON / OFF” time for each day of the week are required.
[0021]
(12) “Preheating”
In this mode, the fixing temperature is controlled to be lowered by a certain temperature (for example, 10 ° C.) and the operation unit display is turned off to save power consumption. This mode setting is automatically set after a certain time from the absence of operation and operation depending on key input on the operation unit or machine setting. The mode is canceled when a person is detected in front of the machine by a human body detection sensor depending on a key input on the operation unit or a machine setting.
[0022]
(13) “Reload”
The state in which the fixing temperature reaches the fixing temperature and copying is possible is called reloading.
[0023]
(14) “Interrupt mode”
This mode is used when a copy operation is temporarily interrupted during copying operation and during operation. By setting this mode, if the previous copy mode and copying are in progress, the progress information is stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized. When the interrupt mode is canceled after the copy operation is executed, the mode and information stored in the nonvolatile RAM are restored, the state before the interrupt mode setting is restored, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting. This mode can be set / released with the keys on the operation unit.
[0024]
(15) “CSS” (or “remote diagnosis system”, “image forming apparatus management system”)
FIG. 15 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining an example of an image forming apparatus management system. A management apparatus 141 installed at a service base and a device such as a PPC 146 installed at a user are connected to a public network. 142 is connected. A communication control device 143 for controlling communication with the management device 141 is installed on the user side, and the user's original PPC 146 is connected to the communication control device 143. A telephone set 144 and a facsimile machine 145 can be connected to the communication control device 143, and can be installed by being inserted into a user's existing line. A plurality of PPCs 146 can be connected to the communication control device 143, but of course there may be one. These PPCs 146 do not have to be the same type, and may be different models or devices other than the PPC 146. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five PPCs 146 can be connected to one communication control device 143.
[0025]
The communication control device 143 and the plurality of PPCs 146 are multi-drop connected according to the RS-485 standard. Communication control between the communication control device 143 and each PPC 146 is performed by a basic data transmission control procedure. Communication with an arbitrary PPC 146 is possible by establishing a data link by a centralized control polling / selecting method using the communication control device 143 as a control station. Each PPC 146 can be set with a unique value by an address setting switch, whereby the polling address and selecting address of each PPC 146 are determined.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation unit in the example illustrated in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of the display of the liquid crystal touch panel of the example shown in FIG.
[0027]
A bundle of documents placed on the document table 12 of the automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as ADF) 11 with the image surface of the document facing up starts from the bottom document when the print key 34 on the operation unit 30 is pressed. The sheet is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 16 by the feeding roller 13 and the feeding belt 14. After the image data of the original on the contact glass 16 is read by the reading unit 50, the original that has been read is discharged by the feeding belt 14 and the discharge roller 15. Further, when the document set detection means 17 detects that the next document is present on the document table 12, the document is fed onto the contact glass 16 in the same manner as the previous document. The feeding roller 13, the feeding belt 14, and the discharging roller 15 are driven by a motor.
[0028]
The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 18, the second tray 19, and the third tray 20 are fed by the first paper feeding device 21, the second paper feeding device 22, and the third paper feeding device 23, respectively, and are vertically conveyed. The unit 24 is transported to a position where it abuts on the photoreceptor 25. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is written on the photoconductor 25 by the laser from the writing unit 57 and passes through the developing unit 29 to form a toner image. Then, the toner image on the photoconductor 25 is transferred while the transfer paper is conveyed by the conveyance belt 26 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 25. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 27 and discharged by the paper discharge unit 28 to the finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus.
[0029]
The finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge roller of the main body in the direction of the normal paper discharge roller 102 and the direction of the staple processing unit. By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the sheet can be discharged to the normal discharge tray 104 side via the transport roller 103. Further, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, it can be conveyed to the staple table 108 via the conveying rollers 105 and 107. The transfer paper loaded on the staple table 108 is aligned by the paper jogger 109 each time it is discharged, and is bound by the stapler 106 upon completion of a partial copy. The group of transfer sheets bound by the stapler 106 is stored in the staple completion discharge tray 110 by its own weight.
[0030]
On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 104 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray 104 that can be moved back and forth is moved forward and backward for each original or each copy unit sorted by the image memory, and simply sorts the discharged copy paper.
[0031]
When images are to be formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed from each of the paper feed trays 18, 19, and 20 is not guided to the paper discharge tray 104 side, and a branch for path switching is performed. By setting the claw 112 on the upper side, the paper is once stocked in the double-sided paper feeding unit 111. Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked in the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 to transfer the toner image formed on the photosensitive member 25 again, and the branching claw for switching the path. 112 is set on the lower side and guided to the paper discharge tray 104. As described above, the duplex feeding unit 111 is used when images are created on both sides of a transfer sheet.
[0032]
The photoconductor 25, the transport belt 26, the fixing unit 27, the paper discharge unit 28, and the development unit 29 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and the paper feeders 21, 22, and 23 are driven from the main motor. Each is driven to be transmitted by a paper feed clutch (not shown). Further, the vertical conveyance unit 24 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch (not shown).
[0033]
The operation unit 30 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31, a numeric keypad 32, a clear / stop key 33, a print key 34, and a mode clear key 35. The liquid crystal touch panel 31 indicates function keys 37, the number of copies, and the state of the image forming apparatus. A message etc. is displayed.
[0034]
When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the key indicating the selected function is inverted in black. In addition, when it is necessary to specify the details of the function (for example, if it is variable magnification, the variable magnification value, etc.), the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key. Thus, since the liquid crystal touch panel 31 uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.
[0035]
In FIG. 3, the upper left is a message area 81 for displaying messages such as “Ready to copy” and “Please wait”, the right is a copy number display section 82 for displaying the set number of sheets, and the image density below is automatically displayed. Automatic density key 83 for automatically adjusting, automatic paper selection key 84 for automatically selecting transfer paper, sort key 86 for specifying processing for arranging copies in order of pages one by one, stack for specifying processing for sorting copies for each page A key 87, a staple key 88 for specifying a process for binding the sorted items one by one, an equal magnification key 85 for setting the magnification to the same magnification, a magnification key 89 for setting the enlargement / reduction magnification, and a duplex mode are set. A double-sided key 90, an erasing / moving key 91 for setting a binding margin mode, and a printing key 92 for setting printing of a stamp, date, page, and the like. In the selected mode, the keys are shaded.
[0036]
Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the image reading means in the present invention and the operation until the latent image is formed on the recording surface will be described. A latent image is a potential distribution produced by converting an image into light information and irradiating it on the surface of the photoreceptor.
The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 16 on which an original is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. Yes. The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown).
[0037]
When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electrical signal, and processed. The image magnification is changed by moving the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 in the left-right direction in FIG. That is, the positions of the lens 53 and the CCD image sensor 54 are set in the left-right direction corresponding to the designated magnification.
[0038]
The writing unit 57 includes a laser output unit 58, an imaging lens 59, and a mirror 60. Inside the laser output unit 58, a rotating polygon mirror (polygon) that rotates at a constant high speed by a laser diode and a motor as a laser light source. Mirror). Laser light emitted from the laser output unit 58 is polarized by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through an imaging lens 59, is folded by a mirror 60, and is focused and imaged on the surface of the photoreceptor.
[0039]
The polarized laser light is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the rotation direction of the photoconductor 25, and recording is performed in units of lines of an image signal output by a selector of an image processing unit described later. An image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 25 by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotational speed and recording density of the photoconductor 25.
[0040]
As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the image forming photoconductor 25. A beam sensor (not shown) for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position where a laser beam near one end of the photosensitive member 25 is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting / outputting image signals described later are performed.
[0041]
FIG. 4 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining the image processing unit (image reading unit and image writing unit) in the example shown in FIG.
The light irradiated from the exposure lamp 51 is irradiated onto the document surface, and the reflected light from the document surface is imaged by an imaging lens (not shown), received by the CCD image sensor 54, and subjected to photoelectric conversion. The digital signal is converted by the D converter 61. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to shading correction 62 and then subjected to MTF correction, γ correction and the like in the image processing unit 63. In the selector 64, the transmission destination of the image signal to the scaling unit 71 or the image memory controller 65 is switched.
[0042]
The image signal that has passed through the scaling unit 71 is enlarged / reduced in accordance with the scaling ratio and sent to the writing unit 57. The image memory controller 65 and the selector 64 are configured to be able to input and output image signals in both directions. Although not explicitly shown in FIG. 4, the image processing unit (IPU) has image data supplied from outside in addition to image data input from the reading unit 50 (for example, from a data processing device such as a personal computer). A function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data so that the output data can be processed.
[0043]
A CPU 68 for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57, and a ROM 69 and a RAM 70 for storing programs and data thereof are provided. Further, the CPU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65.
[0044]
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an image signal for one page in the selector 64 of the example shown in FIG.
“/ FGATE” represents a valid period in the sub-scanning direction of one page of image data. “/ LSYNC” is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. A signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is “/ LGATE”. These signals are synchronized with the pixel clock “VCLK”, and data of one pixel is transmitted for one cycle of “VCLK”. The image processing unit (IPU) has separate generation mechanisms for “/ FGATE”, “/ LSYNC”, “/ LGATE”, and “VCLK” for each of image input and output. A combination of outputs can be realized.
[0045]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining details of the memory controller 65 and the image memory 66 in the example shown in FIG.
The memory controller 65 has blocks of an input data selector 41, an image composition 42, a primary compression / decompression 43, an output data selector 44, and a secondary compression / decompression 45. Setting of control data in each block is performed by the CPU 68. Addresses and data in FIG. 5 indicate image data, and data and addresses connected to the CPU 68 are not shown.
[0046]
The image memory 66 includes primary and secondary storage devices 46 and 47. The primary storage device 46 can be accessed at a high speed, such as a DRAM, so that data can be written to the memory or read from the memory at the time of image output at a high speed substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of the input image data. Use sufficient memory. Further, the primary storage device 46 has a configuration (an interface unit with a memory controller) capable of simultaneously executing input / output of image data by dividing into a plurality of areas depending on the size of image data to be processed.
[0047]
In order to enable image data input and output to each divided area to be executed in parallel, they are connected to the interface with the memory controller by two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing. This enables an operation of outputting (reading) an image from the second area while inputting (writing) the image to the first area.
[0048]
The secondary storage device 47 is a large-capacity memory for storing data in order to combine and sort input images. If both primary and secondary storage devices use elements that can be accessed at high speed, data can be processed without distinction between primary and secondary storage, and control is relatively simple. However, elements such as DRAM are expensive. The secondary storage device has an access speed that is not so high, but is inexpensive, uses a large-capacity recording medium, and processes input / output data via the primary storage device.
By adopting the configuration of the image memory as described above, an image forming apparatus capable of processing such as input / output, storage, and processing of a large amount of image data can be realized at a low cost and with a relatively simple configuration. Become.
[0049]
Next, an outline of the operation of the memory controller 65 will be described.
(1) Image input (saving to image memory)
The input data selector 41 selects image data to be written to the image memory (primary storage device 46) from a plurality of data. The image data selected by the input data selector 41 is supplied to the image composition 42 and synthesized with the data already stored in the image memory. The image data processed by the image composition 42 is compressed by the primary compression / decompression 43 and the compressed data is written in the primary storage device 46. The data written in the primary storage device 46 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression 45 as necessary, and then stored in the secondary storage device 47.
[0050]
(2) Image output (reading from image memory)
At the time of image output, the image data stored in the primary storage device 46 is read. When the image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 46, the primary compression / decompression 43 decompresses the image data in the primary storage device 46, and the decompressed data or the decompressed data The output data selector 44 selects and outputs the data after the image synthesis with the input data. The image composition 42 is composed of the data of the primary storage device 46 and the input data (having a phase adjustment function of the image data), and the output destination of the data after the composition is selected (image output, to the primary storage device 46). Write back and simultaneous output to both output destinations) are performed.
[0051]
When the image to be output is not stored in the primary storage device 46, the output target image data stored in the secondary storage device 47 is expanded by the secondary compression / decompression 45, and the decompressed data Is written in the primary storage device 46, and then the above-described image output operation is performed.
[0052]
The operation reservation described in this embodiment means that the copying operation cannot be started when the copying machine is in the process of heating the fixing, but the fixing heating is ended by completing the mode setting and setting of the original and making a reservation. This is a function that automatically starts the copy operation when the copy operation becomes possible. In this embodiment, an operation reservation is possible during fixing heating. However, anything that becomes operable as time elapses is eligible. The LCT tray rising time, polygon motor rotation stabilization time, toner replenishing operation, etc. can be considered.
[0053]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the control system of the example shown in FIG. 1. The system includes an image reading unit 123, an image writing unit 122, a system controller 121, a memory unit 124, a user restriction device 127, a human body. It is composed of a detector 128, a remote diagnostic device (CSS) 125, and a clock 126. The memory unit 124 is necessary only when realizing the memory function, and it is necessary only when realizing the normal copy function. It will not be. Furthermore, the clock 126 is only necessary to implement a weekly timer function that boots or shuts down the machine at a certain time. In addition, the human body detector 128 is necessary only when realizing the function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when the user approaches the machine in the preheating mode, and the CSS 125 is necessary for remote diagnosis, that is, the machine This is a function that automatically notifies the service center when an error occurs or monitors the execution / use state of the machine from a remote location, so it may be installed only when such a function is necessary.
[0054]
In FIG. 7, a DRAM block in the memory unit 124 is for storing an image signal read from the image reading unit 123, and an image stored in the image writing unit 122 in response to a request from the system controller 121. Data can be transferred. The compression block has a compression function such as MH, MR, or MMR, and can compress an image once read to improve the use efficiency of the memory (DRAM). Further, the rotation of the image is realized by changing the address read from the image writing unit 122 and the direction thereof.
[0055]
In “Hardware configuration example-I” in FIG. 7A, the image reading unit 123, the image writing unit 122, the memory unit 124, and the CSS 125 are controlled by only one CPU of the system controller 121. On the other hand, in “Hardware Example-II” in FIG. 7B, the image reading unit 123, the image writing unit 122, and the memory unit 124 each have a CPU, and commands from the system controller 121 to each controller are sent to the control signal line. The system hardware configuration can be freely configured as communicated in
[0056]
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a network copy system to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 8, eight digital copies 131 are networked by a network interface 132. There is no need to limit the number of copies to be made.
[0057]
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, 1 is a system controller, 2 is an image writing unit, 3 is an image reading unit, and 4 is a memory unit. , 5 is a remote diagnostic device (CSS), 6 is a clock, 7 is a user restriction device, and 8 is a human body detector.
As shown in FIG. 9, the hardware configuration of one digital PPC is substantially the same as “Hardware Configuration Example-I” shown in FIG. In order to transfer an image to an external network or store image data from the network in a DRAM block in the memory unit 4, a SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) and a SCSI controller are used as network means. .
[0058]
As a matter of course, various means are conceivable as the network communication means, for example, using Ethernet as a physical means and using TCP / IP communication of an OSI (Open System Interface) reference model for data communication. Further, by using the configuration as shown in FIG. 9, not only the transfer of image data as described above, but also a control command such as an in-machine status notification of each machine existing on the network and a remote output command described later. Also, the setting command is transferred.
[0059]
FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, and an operation for transferring an image read by “digital PPC-I” to an image writing unit of “digital PPC-II”. It is a figure for demonstrating (henceforth, remote output).
FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram of software, in which “copy application” is an application that executes a copy sequence for executing a copying operation, and “input / output control” is a layer (device driver) that performs logical / physical conversion of data. The “operation unit controller” is a layer that executes MMI (Man Machine Interface) (layer that performs LCD display, LED on / off, key input scanning, etc. at a logical level), and “peripheral controller” is automatic This is a layer that executes control of peripheral devices mounted on a PPC such as a unit, sorter, or ADF at a logical level, and the “image forming device controller”, “image reading device controller”, and “memory unit” are as described above. .
[0060]
Also, the “daemon process” serves to read out image data stored in the memory unit and transfer the image data to the “image forming apparatus” when a print request is requested from another machine on the network. Exists as an application. Of course, before the “daemon process” reads the image from the memory unit and performs the printing operation, the image transfer from other machines on the network must be terminated.
[0061]
Here, the operation unit, the peripheral device, the image forming apparatus, the image reading apparatus, and the memory unit are treated as resources (resources) possessed by each PPC. When “Digital PPC-I” in FIG. 10 uses each of its own resources to execute a copying operation (when the print start key is pressed), the “system controller” has “image forming apparatus” and “image”. Each resource of the “reading device” or “peripheral device” and “memory unit” is requested to the “system control” unit as necessary. In response to a request from the “copy application”, the “system control” unit arbitrates resource usage rights and notifies the “copy application” of the mediation result (usability). When “Digital PPC-I” is used stand-alone (not connected to the network), all the resources held by the system are in a state where the “copy application” can be occupied, and the copying operation is immediately executed.
[0062]
On the other hand, when the printing operation is executed using the resource of another machine (hereinafter referred to as remote digital PPC) existing on the network as in the present invention, the resource of the system controller of the remote digital PPC Request usage rights.
The system controller of the remote digital PPC mediates resources according to the request and notifies the requesting machine application of the result. When the usage right is permitted, the application reads the image, and when the image storage into the memory unit of the application is completed, the application of the remote output destination machine is connected via the external interface (in this embodiment, SCSI). Transfer images to the memory unit.
[0063]
When the image transfer is complete, send the conditions (printing port, paper discharge port, number of prints, etc.) to execute printing to the “daemon process” of the remote output destination machine, and then execute the “print start” command. Send. When the “daemon process” at the remote output destination receives the “print start” command, it requests the “system controller” of itself (machine executing the remote output) to start printing, and the remote output is executed by the system controller. .
[0064]
When the memory unit of “digital PPC-II” is used by “digital PPC-I”, the memory unit of “digital PPC-II” is “digital PPC-II” (or as shown in FIG. When a plurality of digital PPCs are connected to the network, the use of applications other than “Digital PPC-I” is disabled.
[0065]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, which is an example of a two-unit connected network system.
According to the first aspect of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 11, in any one of the connected network systems, the current maintenance time is reached for the slave unit at the timing when the connection start button on the operation unit is pressed. If the slave unit has already reached the maintenance time, the connection operation is not performed, and maintenance is already required depending on the degree of wear for each device. With respect to the image forming apparatus, the failure of the slave unit is prevented from occurring by not performing the operation as a slave unit in the connecting operation.
[0066]
FIG. 12 is a view for explaining another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
In the invention of claim 2, in addition to the invention of claim 1, as shown in FIG. 12, a warning is displayed on the operation unit of the master unit, and when a connection operation is instructed on the master unit side. In addition, when the handset side has already reached the maintenance time, by displaying on the operation panel that "the handset has reached the maintenance time" on the operation panel, together with the reason why the handset cannot be connected, This is to notify that the handset has reached the maintenance time.
[0067]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the warning message of the embodiment shown in FIG.
[0068]
As a state opposite to the case of the invention of claim 1, when the master unit has reached the maintenance timing and the slave unit has not yet reached the maintenance timing, in order to prevent a failure associated with further image forming work of the master unit, The connecting operation itself may be prohibited. However, from the user's point of view, since the slave unit has not yet reached the maintenance time, if it is possible to read the document with the master unit and output it with the slave unit, there is no need to carry the document to the slave unit side, which increases work efficiency. convenient.
[0069]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when a connection operation is instructed on the condition that the slave unit has not yet reached the maintenance timing and the master unit has already reached the maintenance timing, the master unit reads the document. Work is performed, and the operation of forming an image only on the handset side is performed, so that failure of the base unit can be prevented and the image forming work for the user can be realized without reducing the work efficiency. In any one of the connected network systems, at the timing of pressing the connection start button on the operation unit, first check whether the own machine (master unit) has reached the maintenance time, and then After confirming whether or not the slave unit has reached the maintenance time, the following operation is performed.
[0070]
(1) When the master unit has not yet reached the maintenance time, the operation of the invention of claim 1 is carried out.
(2) If the main unit has already reached the maintenance time,
(1) If the slave unit has not yet reached the maintenance time (FIG. 13A), the master unit reads the document and outputs the image on the slave unit.
{Circle around (2)} When the slave unit has already reached the maintenance time (FIG. 13B), a connection operation impossible warning is displayed.
[0071]
When the above control (2) (1) is executed, a warning message as shown in FIG. 14 is displayed for confirmation, and the user presses the “confirm” key. Then, the connecting operation is started by sharing the work of reading the document and outputting the image by the slave unit.
[0072]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, When the slave unit has already reached the maintenance time, it is possible to prevent an unexpected failure of the slave unit by disabling the connection operation. Furthermore, by displaying a warning on the operation unit of the master unit that the connection operation is impossible, it is possible to notify the worker that the slave unit has already reached a time when maintenance is required.
[0073]
Moreover, according to the present invention, When the main unit has already reached the maintenance time Also , Linking operation Is not possible, so it accompanies image forming work. Before the failure of the main unit Can be prevented .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied;
FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation unit of the example shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an example of display on the liquid crystal touch panel of the example shown in FIG. 2;
4 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining an image processing unit (an image reading unit and an image writing unit) in the example shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
5 is a diagram for explaining an image signal for one page in a selector in the example illustrated in FIG. 4; FIG.
6 is a block diagram for explaining details of a memory controller and an image memory in the example shown in FIG. 4; FIG.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram for explaining the control system of the example shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of a network copy system to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram for explaining an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
10 is a diagram for explaining an embodiment of the operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 9. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining another embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining an example of the warning message of the example shown in FIG. 13;
FIG. 15 is a main part configuration diagram for explaining an embodiment of the image forming apparatus management system;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,121 ... System controller, 2,122 ... Image writing part, 3,123 ... Image reading part, 4,124 ... Memory unit, 5,125 ... Remote diagnostic device, 6,126 ... Clock, 7,127 ... User Restricted devices, 8, 128 ... human body detector, 11 ... automatic document feeder, 12 ... document table, 13 ... feeding roller, 14 ... feeding belt, 15 ... discharge roller, 16 ... contact glass, 17 ... document set Detection means, 18 ... first tray, 19 ... second tray, 20 ... third tray, 21 ... first paper feeder, 22 ... second paper feeder, 23 ... third paper feeder, 24 ... vertical transport unit , 25 ... photosensitive member, 26 ... conveying belt, 27 ... fixing unit, 28 ... discharge unit, 29 ... developing unit, 30, 129 ... operation unit, 31 ... liquid crystal touch panel, 32 ... numeric keypad, 33 ... clear stop -34 ... Print key, 35 ... Mode clear key, 37 ... Function key, 41 ... Input data selector, 42 ... Image composition, 43 ... Primary compression / decompression, 44 ... Output data selector, 45 ... Secondary compression / decompression 46 ... Primary storage device, 47 ... Secondary storage device, 50 ... Reading unit, 51 ... Exposure lamp, 52 ... First mirror, 53 ... Lens, 54 ... CCD image sensor, 55 ... Second mirror, 56 ... First 3 mirrors, 57 ... writing unit, 58 ... laser output unit, 59 ... imaging lens, 60 ... mirror, 61 ... A / D converter, 62 ... shading correction, 63 ... image processing unit, 64 ... selector, 65 ... image memory Controller, 66 ... Image memory, 68 ... CPU, 69 ... ROM, 70 ... RAM, 71 ... Scaling unit, 81 ... Message area, 82 ... Number of copies 83: Automatic density key, 84: Automatic paper selection key, 85 ... Same size key, 86 ... Sort key, 87 ... Stack key, 88 ... Staple key, 89 ... Scaling key, 90 ... Double-sided key, 91 ... Erase / Move key, 92 ... Print key, 100 ... Finisher, 101 ... Switching plate, 102 ... Normal paper discharge roller, 103, 105, 107 ... Conveyance roller, 104 ... Normal paper discharge tray, 106 ... Stapler, 108 ... Staple table, 109 ... Jogger, 110 ... Staple completion paper discharge tray, 111 ... Double-sided paper feed unit, 112 ... Branching claw. 131: Digital copy, 132: Network interface, 141: Management device, 142: Public network, 143: Communication control device, 144: Telephone, 145: Facsimile, 146: PPC.

Claims (1)

An image forming apparatus connected to a network, wherein an original reading unit that reads an original, a printing unit that prints an image of the read original, and other image formations that connect the image information of the read original to the network In an image forming apparatus having a connecting operation means for transferring and printing to an apparatus, and an operation selecting means for selecting a single operation and a connecting operation.
When the connection operation is selected, a counter indicating the maintenance time of the other image forming apparatus is confirmed, and the other image forming apparatus has already reached the maintenance time and indicates the maintenance time of the self-image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus characterized by checking a counter and displaying a warning on the operation panel that the connecting operation is impossible when the self-image forming apparatus has already reached the maintenance time .

Images