JP5707900B2 - Image forming system and accounting method for image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and a charge counting method for the image forming system.

  There is a tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series on a paper conveyance path. Since each image forming apparatus of such an image forming system can perform an image forming operation independently, it has a function of counting operation of each unit.

  For example, as an image forming system including an image forming apparatus having a function of counting the operation of each unit, a double-sided printing printer that prints the front or back surface with a first printer engine and prints the back or front surface with a second printer engine. The first printer engine and the second printer engine have a function of counting the number of printed sheets, and use the printer engines equally based on the counter value of the first printer engine and the counter value of the second printer engine. A technique is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2004-249622 A

  In addition, since each image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system can perform an image forming operation independently, it has a charging function for charging according to the image forming surface in the same manner as the operation counter function. There is. When each image forming apparatus has a charging function, a fee corresponding to the total value of the charging counter value for each image forming device is charged as a usage fee for the image forming system.

  However, in each image forming apparatus, since the charging counter value is updated based on the image forming operation of each image forming apparatus, the image forming system is charged even though the sheet on which the image has been formed is not discharged. There is a problem that an unreasonable situation occurs.

  For example, in a tandem image forming system in which two image forming apparatuses are connected, the first image forming apparatus forms an image on the front surface of the paper, and the second image forming apparatus forms an image on the back surface of the paper. When executing the duplex mode job to be performed, the charging counter value is updated in the first image forming apparatus when the image is formed on the front surface by the first image forming apparatus, and the image on the back surface is updated by the second image forming apparatus. At the stage of formation, the charging counter value is updated in the second image forming apparatus. Therefore, when an error such as JAM occurs in the second image forming apparatus and the sheet is not discharged, the charge counter value for the front surface is obtained even though an output product on which both-side images are formed cannot be obtained. A charge corresponding to is charged.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to improve the charging performance of the entire image forming system in an image forming system of a series tandem system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a charging function are connected in series. is there.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the serial tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series and a sheet passes through the plurality of image forming apparatuses, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes an image. An image forming apparatus that includes a charging count unit that updates a charging counter value based on a forming operation, and in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the upstream side of the image forming apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction. comprising a sheet discharge notification control unit that transmits to the connected image forming apparatus sheet discharge notification signal indicating that the sheet is discharged to the upstream side from the accounting count unit, the sheet of the plurality of image forming apparatus in the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the downstream side of its own apparatus in the conveying direction, receiving the sheet discharge notification signal from the image forming apparatus which is connected to the downstream In case, to update the based Ku Division gold counter value to the image forming operation of the own apparatus on a sheet corresponding to the sheet discharge notification signal, the sheet discharge notification control unit, the sheet conveyance of the plurality of image forming apparatus when the image forming apparatus on the upstream side and the downstream side of the apparatus in the direction in the image forming apparatus that have been consolidated, which has received the sheet discharge notification signal from the image forming apparatus which is connected to the downstream side, the discharge Rukoto to send paper notification signal to the image forming apparatus which is connected to the upstream side, an image forming system according to claim.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a first storage unit that stores the charging counter value of the own apparatus. To do.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first or second aspect, the paper discharge notification control unit sets the charging counter value of the own apparatus together with the paper discharge notification signal to the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction. And the image forming apparatus installed on the most upstream side in the paper conveyance direction among the plurality of image forming apparatuses transmits the count value received together with the discharge notification signal to the paper conveyance direction. A second storage unit is provided for storing each image forming apparatus connected to the downstream side.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the third aspect, the image forming apparatus installed on the most upstream side in the paper conveyance direction among the plurality of image forming apparatuses is stored in the second storage unit. The charging counter value is acquired, the total value of the acquired charging counter value and the charging counter value of the own apparatus is calculated, and the total value of the charging counter value is all images connected downstream in the paper transport direction. The image forming apparatus includes a total value notification control unit that transmits to the forming apparatus, and each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes a third storage unit that stores the total value of the accounting counter value.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the fourth aspect, at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is the charge stored in the third storage unit. A display unit for displaying the total value of the counter values is provided.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the second aspect, each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses uses a billing counter value stored in the first storage unit as a paper conveyance direction. A backup control unit for transmitting to another image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the own apparatus, wherein the other image forming apparatus includes a backup storage unit for storing the received charging counter value It is characterized by providing.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the sixth aspect, the other image forming apparatus has transmitted the charging counter value stored in the backup storage unit to the charging counter value. A first restore control unit configured to transmit to the image forming apparatus, wherein each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses stores the charging counter value received from the other image forming apparatus in the first storage unit and stores the charging counter value And a second restore control unit for performing the restoration of the above.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, the billing counting unit preliminarily determines the number of sheet surfaces on which the image is formed by the image forming operation and the own apparatus. The charging counter value is updated based on a set charging coefficient.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a billing counting method in a series tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series and a sheet passes through the plurality of image forming apparatuses. image in the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the upstream side of the apparatus in the conveyance direction of the coupled sheet discharge notification signal indicating that the paper from the own apparatus is discharged to the upstream side In the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the apparatus in the paper conveyance direction among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the image connected to the downstream side is transmitted to the forming apparatus. when the forming device has received the sheet discharge notification signal, a paper discharge notifying step of transmitting the paper discharge notification signal to the image forming apparatus which is connected to the upstream side, the plurality of images When the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the downstream side of the apparatus in the conveyance direction of the forming device, which received the sheet discharge notification signal from the image forming apparatus which is connected to the downstream side, A billing count update step for updating a billing counter value based on an image forming operation on the apparatus for the paper corresponding to the paper discharge notification signal ;
A charge counting method for an image forming system.

  According to the present invention, in a series tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a charging function are connected in series, the charging performance of the entire image forming system can be improved.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a first image forming apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of a 2nd image forming apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram of a 3rd image forming apparatus. 6 is a flowchart of a charge update process in the first image forming apparatus. 10 is a flowchart of a charge update process in the second image forming apparatus. 10 is a flowchart of a charge update process in the third image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart of an accounting display process. It is a flowchart of a backup process. It is a flowchart of a restore process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming system 1 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes a paper feeding device 10, a first image forming device 20, a first reversing device 30, a second image forming device 40, and a second reversing device 50 from the upstream side in the paper conveyance direction. The third image forming apparatus 60, the post-processing apparatus 70, and the like are configured in a series tandem system in which they are connected in series.

  When the first image forming apparatus 20, the second image forming apparatus 40, and the third image forming apparatus 60 are connected as image forming apparatuses constituting an inline tandem image forming system, the image forming system is integrated. Whether it is a main device to be managed or a sub-device operating according to an instruction from the main device is set. In the present embodiment, among the plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system, the image forming apparatus (first image forming apparatus 20) provided on the most upstream side in the paper transport direction excludes the main apparatus and the main apparatus. Assume that image forming apparatuses (second image forming apparatus and third image forming apparatus) are set as sub-devices.

  In the image forming system according to the present embodiment, when a duplex mode job for forming images on both sides of a sheet is executed, one of the sheets conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 10 or the sheet feeding unit in the first image forming apparatus 20. An image is formed by operating the first image forming apparatus 20 on the surface (for example, the front surface). Then, after the first reversing device 30 reverses the front and back of the paper, the second image forming device 40 is operated to form an image on the other surface (for example, the back surface) of the paper. The paper on which images are formed on both sides is sequentially conveyed to the second reversing device 50, the third image forming device 60, and the post-processing device 70, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray.

  Further, when executing a single-side mode job for forming an image on one side of a sheet, the first image forming apparatus 20 is provided on one side of the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 10 or the sheet feeding unit in the first image forming apparatus 20. An image is formed by operation. The sheet on which the image is formed on one side is sequentially conveyed to the first reversing device 30, the second image forming device 40, the second reversing device 50, the third image forming device 60, and the post-processing device 70, and is placed on the discharge tray. Discharged.

In the third image forming apparatus 60, the surface of the paper is coated by applying a transparent toner or the like to a specified surface (for example, a surface on which an image is formed) of the transported paper.
In the post-processing device 70, designated post-processing (reversal processing, sorting processing, stapling processing, punching processing, folding processing, booklet processing, etc.) is performed on the loaded paper.

  That is, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the sheet conveyed from the sheet feeding unit 10 or the sheet feeding unit in the first image forming apparatus 20 passes through the first to third image forming apparatuses and is discharged from the sheet discharge tray. Discharged to the top.

  The paper feeder 10 is called a PFU (Paper Feed Unit), and includes a plurality of paper feed trays, a paper feed means including a paper feed roller, a separation roller, a paper feed / separation rubber, a feed roller, and the like. Prepare. Each paper tray stores a pre-identified paper for each paper type (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.), one sheet at a time from the top of the paper stored in the paper tray. The sheet is conveyed to the sheet conveying unit of the first image forming apparatus 20 by the sheet feeding unit.

  The first image forming apparatus 20 reads an image from a document, forms the read image on paper, prints data in a page description language format such as a PDL (Page Description Language) format or a Tiff format from an external device, and the like. Then, print setting data in which various output instructions for the print data are set is received, and an image is formed on a sheet based on the received print data, print setting data, and the like. The first image forming apparatus 20 includes an image reading unit 21, an operation display unit 22, a print unit 23, and the like.

  The image reading unit 21 includes an automatic document feeding unit called an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and a reading unit, reads an image of a document based on setting information received by the operation display unit 22, and generates an image of an analog signal. Generate data. The document placed on the document tray of the automatic document feeder is conveyed to a contact glass that is a reading location, an image on one or both sides of the document is read by an optical system, and an image of the document is read by a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) 211. Is read. Here, the image means not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  The operation display unit 22 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 221, a touch panel provided to cover the LCD 221, various switches and buttons, a numeric keypad, an operation key group, and the like. The operation display unit 22 receives instructions from the user, outputs the operation signals to the control unit 250, and according to the display signals input from the control unit 250, various screens for inputting various operation instructions and setting information, Displays various processing results.

The print unit 23 performs electrophotographic image forming processing, and includes various units related to print output, such as a paper feeding unit 231, a paper transport unit 232, an image forming unit 233 for each color, and a fixing unit 234. The
In addition, although the example which applied the electrophotographic system is demonstrated in the printing part 23 of this Embodiment, it is good also as applying other printing systems, such as not only this but an inkjet system and a thermal sublimation system.

  The sheet feeding unit 231 includes a plurality of sheet feeding trays and sheet feeding means including a sheet feeding roller, a separation roller, a sheet feeding / separating rubber, a feeding roller, and the like provided for each sheet feeding tray. Each paper tray stores a pre-identified paper for each paper type (paper type, basis weight, paper size, etc.), one sheet at a time from the top of the paper stored in the paper tray. The sheet is conveyed toward the sheet conveying unit by the sheet feeding means.

The paper transport unit 232 forms an image on the paper transported from the device (paper feed device 10) or the paper feed unit 231 connected to the upstream side of the device in the paper transport direction through a plurality of intermediate rollers, registration rollers, and the like. The sheet is conveyed on a sheet conveyance path to the unit 233 and conveyed to the transfer device of the image forming unit 233.
The paper transport unit 232 includes a reverse transport unit 232a, a paper discharge sensor 232b, and the like. The reverse conveyance unit 232a switches back the paper discharged from the fixing unit 234 by a reverse roller or the like so as to reverse the front and back, and the device (first reversing device 30) provided on the downstream side of the own device in the paper conveyance direction or Transport to secondary transfer position. The paper discharge sensor 232b is a sensor that detects paper passing through a discharge port through which paper is discharged to a device (first reversing device 30) provided on the downstream side of the device in the paper conveyance direction. A paper discharge signal is output when the paper passes.

  The image forming unit 233 includes a photosensitive drum, a charging device, an exposure device, a developing device, a primary transfer roller, a cleaning device, and the like, and generates an output product in which an image is formed on a sheet based on print image data. When the first image forming apparatus 20 forms a color image, an image forming unit 233 is provided for each color.

  In the image forming unit 233y that forms a yellow (Y) image, the surface of the photosensitive drum charged by the charging device is irradiated with light according to the yellow (Y) print image data from the exposure device, and the electrostatic latent image. Is written. Then, a charged yellow (Y) toner is attached to the surface of the photosensitive drum on which the electrostatic latent image is written by the developing device, and the electrostatic latent image is developed. The toner adhering to the photosensitive drum by the developing device is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 233a at the primary transfer position where the primary transfer roller is arranged by rotating the photosensitive drum at a constant speed. After the toner is transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 233a, the cleaning device removes residual charges, residual toner, and the like on the surface of the photosensitive drum, and the removed toner is collected in a toner collection box.

  Similarly, image forming units 233m, 233c, and 233k that form images of each color of magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are a charging device, an exposure device, and a developing device arranged around the photosensitive drum. And a magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toner image.

  The toner images of each color transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 233a are collectively transferred onto the sheet at the secondary transfer position where the secondary transfer roller is disposed.

  The fixing unit 234 includes a fixing heater, a fixing roller, a fixing external heating unit, and the like, and thermally fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet.

  The paper fixed by the fixing unit 234 is transported to the first reversing device 30 through a discharge port by a paper discharge roller or the like, or reversed by the reverse transporting unit 232a of the paper transporting unit 232 and then again to the secondary transfer position. It is conveyed to.

The first reversing device 30 is installed between the first image forming device 20 and the second image forming device 40, and the sheet conveyed from the first image forming device 20 is transferred to the second image forming device 40. Transport. The first reversing device 30 includes a sheet reversing unit having a reversing roller and the like, and a stack unit that stacks a plurality of sheets. When the sheet conveyed to the second image forming apparatus 40 needs to be reversed, the sheet conveyed from the first image forming apparatus 20 is reversed by switching back by the sheet reversing unit, so that the second image is reversed. It is conveyed to the forming apparatus 40.
Note that when the reversing conveyance unit in the first image forming apparatus 20 performs reversal of the sheet conveyed from the first image forming apparatus 20 to the second image forming apparatus 40, the first reversing apparatus 30 is used as the image forming system. 1 may not be provided.

The second image forming apparatus 40 includes an operation display unit 42, a print unit 43, and the like, and forms an image on a sheet.
Note that the operation display unit 42 and the print unit 43 included in the second image forming apparatus 40 have the same configuration as the operation display unit 22 and the print unit 23 included in the first image forming apparatus 20, and thus description thereof will be omitted. Further, the second image forming apparatus 40 may be configured to include the image reading unit 21 included in the first image forming apparatus 20.

The second reversing device 50 is installed between the second image forming device 40 and the third image forming device 60, and the sheet conveyed from the second image forming device 40 is transferred to the third image forming device 60. Transport. Similar to the first reversing device 30, the second reversing device 50 includes a sheet reversing unit and a stack unit.
When the reversal conveyance unit in the second image forming apparatus 40 performs reversal of the sheet conveyed from the second image forming apparatus 40 to the third image forming apparatus 60, the second reversing apparatus 50 is used as the image forming system. 1 may not be provided.

The third image forming apparatus 60 includes an operation display unit 62, a print unit 63, and the like.
The operation display unit 62 included in the third image forming apparatus 60 has the same configuration as the operation display unit 22 included in the first image forming apparatus 20, and thus description thereof is omitted.
The print unit 63 of the third image forming apparatus 60 may have the same configuration as the print unit 23 included in the first image forming apparatus 20, but in the present embodiment, the print unit 63 is transparent on the paper using a transparent toner or the like. A mechanism is provided for forming an image and coating the paper surface.
Further, the third image forming apparatus 60 may be configured to include the image reading unit 21 included in the first image forming apparatus 20.

  The post-processing device 70 includes various post-processing units such as a reversing unit, a sorting unit, a stapling unit, a punch unit, a folding unit, and a booklet unit, a paper discharge tray, and the like, and is used for paper conveyed from the third image forming apparatus 60. Various post-processing is performed on the paper, and the post-processed paper is discharged to a paper discharge tray.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the first image forming apparatus 20 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 2, the first image forming apparatus 20 includes an image reading unit 21, an operation display unit 22, a printing unit 23, a controller 24, an image control board 25, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 26, a communication unit 27, and the like. It is prepared for. The first image forming apparatus 20 is connected to the external apparatus 2 on the network 3 via a LANIF (Local Area Network InterFace) 244 of the controller 24 so that data can be transmitted and received between them.

  The image reading unit 21 includes the automatic document feeding unit and reading unit described above, and the image reading control unit 210. The image reading control unit 210 controls the automatic document feeding unit, the reading unit, and the like based on an instruction from the control unit 250 to realize a scanner function that reads images of a plurality of documents. The image data of the analog signal read by the image reading unit 21 is output to the reading processing unit 253, where the reading processing unit 253 performs A / D conversion and various image processing.

  The operation display unit 22 includes the above-described LCD 221, touch panel, and the like, and an operation display control unit 220. The operation display control unit 220 displays various screens for inputting various setting conditions, various processing results, and the like on the LCD 221 in accordance with a display signal input from the control unit 250, and causes the LCD 221 to function as a display unit. The operation display control unit 220 outputs operation signals input from various switches, buttons, numeric keys, operation key groups, a touch panel, and the like to the control unit 250.

  The print unit 23 includes the units related to print output, such as the above-described paper feed unit 231, paper transport unit 232, image forming unit 233 for each color, fixing unit 234, and the like, and a print control unit 230. The print control unit 230 controls the operation of each part of the print unit 23 such as the image forming unit 233 for each color in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 250, and forms an image based on the print image data input from the writing processing unit 258. Let it be done. Further, the print control unit 230 outputs a signal (paper discharge signal) detected from the paper discharge sensor 232b to the control unit 250.

The controller 24 manages and controls data input to the image forming system 1 from the external device 2 or the like connected to the network 3, and print target data (print data and print setting data) from the external device 2. The image data generated by developing the print data and the print setting data are transmitted to the image control board 25.
The controller 24 includes a controller control unit 241, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) control IC 242, an image memory 243, a LANIF 244, and the like.

  The controller control unit 241 comprehensively controls the operation of each unit of the controller 24 and develops print data input from the external apparatus 2 via the LANIF 244 to generate bitmap format image data.

  The DRAM control IC 242 controls transfer of print data received by the LANIF 244 to the controller control unit 241 and writing / reading of image data and print setting data to / from the image memory 243. The DRAM control IC 242 is connected to the DRAM control IC 255 of the image control board 25 by a PCI (Peripheral Components Interconnect) bus, and in accordance with instructions from the controller control unit 241, print target image data and print setting data are stored in the image memory. Read from 243 and output to DRAM control IC 255.

  The image memory 243 is configured by a volatile memory such as a DRAM, and temporarily stores received print data and print setting data, and generated image data.

  The LANIF 244 is a communication interface for connecting to a network 3 such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a modem, and functions as a receiving unit that receives print data and print setting data from the external device 2. The received print data and print setting data are output to the DRAM control IC 242.

  The image control board 25 includes a control unit 250, a nonvolatile memory 251, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 252, a reading processing unit 253, a compression IC 254, a DRAM control IC 255, an image memory 256, a decompression IC 257, a writing processing unit 258, and the like.

  The control unit 250 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and the like, reads a system program and various application programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 251, expands them in the RAM 252, and expands them in the RAM 252. Various processes are executed in cooperation with the program to centrally control each unit of the first image forming apparatus 20. Further, since the first image forming apparatus is set as the main apparatus, the control unit 250 comprehensively controls the entire image forming system 1.

  In addition, the control unit 250 updates the charge from the nonvolatile memory 251 in cooperation with the charge update processing program, the charge count process program, the charge display process program, the backup process program, the restore process program, and various data according to the present embodiment. Processing, billing count processing, billing display processing, backup processing, and restore processing are executed.

In the charging update process, when a paper discharge notification signal is received from an image forming apparatus (second image forming apparatus) connected to the downstream side of the self apparatus in the paper conveyance direction, the self apparatus for the paper corresponding to the paper discharge notification signal. A billing count process based on the image forming operation is executed.
That is, the control unit 250 that executes the charging update process functions as a charging count control unit.

In the billing count process, the product of the number of sheets of paper on which an image is formed and the billing coefficient is calculated based on the image forming operation of the own device, and the calculated value is stored in the HDD 26 as the billing counter value of the own device. By adding to, the accounting counter value is updated.
That is, the control unit 250 that executes the billing count process functions as a billing count unit.

  The charging coefficient is calculated based on a charging coefficient calculation table preset for each image forming apparatus. The accounting coefficient calculation table is set based on the size of the paper on which the image is formed, the image printing rate, color / monochrome, usage frequency, and the like.

  In the charge display process, a screen showing the total value of the charge counter values of the first to third image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system 1 is displayed on the LCD 221 of the operation display unit 22.

In the backup process, when the charging counter value stored in the HDD 26 of the own device is backed up, the charging counter value stored in the HDD 26 is connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the own device in the paper transport direction. To the image forming apparatus.
On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the own apparatus performs backup of the charging counter value, the charging received from the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the own apparatus. The counter value is stored in an area (backup area) in the HDD 26 that is different from the charging counter value of the own apparatus.
Therefore, the control unit 250 that executes the backup process functions as a backup control unit.

In the restoration process, when the charging counter value of the own apparatus is restored, the charging counter value received from the image forming apparatus that transmitted the charging counter value during the backup process is stored in the HDD 26 as the charging counter value of the own apparatus. Stored.
When the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the own apparatus restores the charging counter value, the charging counter value stored in the backup area in the HDD 26 is transmitted to the restoring image forming apparatus. Is done.
Therefore, the control unit 250 that executes the restore process functions as the first and second restore control units.

  The nonvolatile memory 251 includes various processing programs and various data related to image formation, as well as a charging update processing program, a charging count processing program, a charging display processing program, a backup processing program, a restore processing program, and various programs according to the present embodiment. The data processed in is stored.

  In addition, the nonvolatile memory 251 sets whether or not the self apparatus is an image forming apparatus constituting a tandem image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected. In the case where the non-volatile memory 251 is a tandem image forming system, Data indicating settings such as whether the own apparatus is set as the main apparatus or the sub apparatus, and whether the image forming apparatus is connected to the upstream side, the downstream side, or both sides of the own apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction is stored. .

The RAM 252 forms a work area that temporarily stores various programs executed by the control unit 250 and various data related to these programs.
The RAM 252 also has image data and print setting data input from the controller 24, or image data input from the image reading unit 21 and settings set by the operation display unit 22 when the image data is acquired. The job data generated by the control unit 250 based on the information is temporarily stored.

  The reading processing unit 253 performs various processing such as analog processing, A / D conversion processing, shading processing, and the like on the analog signal image data input from the image reading unit 21, and then generates digital signal image data. To do. The generated image data is output to the compression IC 254.

  The compression IC 254 subjects the input digital signal image data to compression processing and outputs the result to the DRAM control IC 255.

  The DRAM control IC 255 controls image data compression processing by the compression IC 254 and decompression processing of compressed image data by the decompression IC 257 in accordance with instructions from the control unit 250, and performs input / output control of image data to the image memory 256.

  For example, when an instruction to save image data read by the image reading unit 21 is input from the control unit 250, the DRAM control IC 255 causes the compression IC 254 to perform compression processing of the image data input to the reading processing unit 253. The compressed image data is stored in the compression memory 256a of the image memory 256. In addition, when image data is input from the DRAM control IC 242 of the controller 24, the DRAM control IC 255 causes the compression IC 254 to execute compression processing of the image data, and stores the compressed image data in the compression memory 256a of the image memory 256.

  Further, when the print control instruction for the compressed image data stored in the compression memory 256a is input from the control unit 250, the DRAM control IC 255 reads the compressed image data from the compression memory 256a and performs decompression processing by the decompression IC 257. The data is stored in the memory 256b. Further, when a print output instruction for image data stored in the page memory 256 b is input, the image data is read from the page memory 256 b and output to the writing processing unit 258.

  The image memory 256 includes a compression memory 256a and a page memory 256b composed of DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The compression memory 256a is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 256b temporarily stores image data for print output or temporarily stores received data from the controller before compression. It is a memory for.

  The decompression IC 257 performs decompression processing on the compressed image data.

  The write processing unit 258 generates print image data for image formation based on the image data input from the DRAM control IC 255 and outputs the print image data to the print unit 23.

The HDD 26 has a self-device charging memory area 261 that stores a charging counter value of the self-device, and functions as a first storage unit. The HDD 26 also has a second charging memory area 262 and a third charging memory area for storing charging counter values of other image forming apparatuses (second image forming apparatus and third image forming apparatus) constituting the image forming system 1. 263 and functions as a second storage unit. Furthermore, the HDD 26 has a total billing memory area 264 that stores the sum of billing counter values of the image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system 1 and functions as a third storage unit.
The HDD 26 stores a charge counter value received from an image forming apparatus (second image forming apparatus) connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the apparatus in the paper transport direction separately for each image forming apparatus. H.265 and functions as a backup storage unit.
In this embodiment, the HDD is used as a storage medium for storing the billing counter value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any non-volatile memory may be used.

  The communication unit 27 is a communication interface that includes a communication control unit, a NIC (Network Interface Card), and the like. The communication unit 27 transmits and receives various information by the NIC between the own apparatus (first image forming apparatus 20) and the second image forming apparatus 40.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic configuration diagram of the second image forming apparatus 40 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 3, the second image forming apparatus 40 includes an operation display unit 42, a print unit 43, a controller 44, an image control board 45, an HDD 46, a communication unit 47, and the like.

  Since the operation display unit 42, the print unit 43, and the controller 44 are the same as the operation display unit 22, the print unit 23, and the controller 24 of the first image forming apparatus 20, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. To do.

  The image control board 45 includes a control unit 450, a nonvolatile memory 451, a RAM 452, a compression IC 454, a DRAM control IC 455, an image memory 456, a decompression IC 457, a write processing unit 458, and the like.

  The control unit 450 includes a CPU and the like, reads a specified program from among the system programs and various application programs stored in the non-volatile memory 451, expands the program in the RAM 452, and cooperates with the program expanded in the RAM 452. Thus, various processes are executed to centrally control each part of the second image forming apparatus 40.

  Further, the control unit 450 updates the charge from the nonvolatile memory 451 in cooperation with the charge update processing program, the charge count process program, the charge display process program, the backup process program, the restore process program, and various data according to the present embodiment. Processing, billing count processing, billing display processing, backup processing, and restore processing are executed.

  The charge count process, charge display process, backup process, and restore process executed by the control unit 450 are the charge count process, charge display process, backup process, and restore process executed by the control unit 250 of the first image forming apparatus 20. Since it is the same, description is abbreviate | omitted.

In the charging update process, a paper discharge notification signal indicating that the paper has been discharged from the own apparatus is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side of the own apparatus in the paper conveyance direction, and When a paper discharge notification signal is received from an image forming apparatus (third image forming apparatus) connected to the downstream side, a charge counting process is performed based on an image forming operation of the apparatus for the paper corresponding to the paper discharge notification signal. Executed.
In other words, the control unit 450 that executes the charge update process functions as a paper discharge notification control unit and a charge count control unit.

  The nonvolatile memory 451 includes various processing programs and various data related to image formation, as well as a charging update processing program, a charging count processing program, a charging display processing program, a backup processing program, a restore processing program, and various programs according to the present embodiment. The data processed in is stored.

  In addition, as with the nonvolatile memory 251 of the first image forming apparatus, whether or not the nonvolatile memory 451 is an image forming apparatus constituting a tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected. In the case of a tandem type image forming system, the image forming apparatus is connected to the upstream side, the downstream side, or both sides of the own apparatus in the paper transport direction, whether the own apparatus is set as the main apparatus or the sub apparatus. Data indicating settings such as whether or not are stored.

The RAM 452 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the control unit 450 and various data related to these programs.
The RAM 452 temporarily stores job data generated by the control unit 450 based on image data and print setting data input from the controller 44.

  The compression IC 454 performs compression processing on the input digital signal image data and outputs the result to the DRAM control IC 455.

  The DRAM control IC 455 controls image data compression processing by the compression IC 454 and decompression processing of compressed image data by the decompression IC 457 according to instructions from the control unit 450, and performs input / output control of image data to the image memory 456.

  For example, when image data is input from the DRAM control IC 242 of the controller 44, the DRAM control IC 455 causes the compression IC 454 to execute compression processing of the image data, and stores the compressed image data in the compression memory 456a of the image memory 456.

  Furthermore, when a print output instruction for compressed image data stored in the compression memory 456a is input from the control unit 450, the DRAM control IC 255 reads the compressed image data from the compression memory 456a, performs decompression processing by the decompression IC 457, and performs page processing. The data is stored in the memory 456b. Further, when a print output instruction for image data stored in the page memory 456b is input, the image data is read from the page memory 456b and output to the write processing unit 458.

  The image memory 456 includes a compression memory 456a and a page memory 456b configured from DRAM (Dynamic RAM). The compression memory 456a is a memory for storing compressed image data, and the page memory 456b temporarily stores image data for print output or temporarily stores received data from the controller before compression. It is a memory for.

  The decompression IC 457 performs decompression processing on the compressed image data.

  The write processing unit 458 generates print image data for image formation based on the image data input from the DRAM control IC 455 and outputs the print image data to the print unit 23.

The HDD 46 has a self-device charging memory area 461 that stores a charging counter value of the self-device, and functions as a first storage unit. The HDD 46 has a total billing memory area 462 for storing the sum of billing counter values of the image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system 1, and functions as a third storage unit. Further, the HDD 46 receives the charging counter value received from the image forming apparatus (the first image forming apparatus or the third image forming apparatus) connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction for each image forming apparatus. It has a backup area 463 for storing separately and functions as a backup storage unit.
In this embodiment, the HDD is used as a storage medium for storing the billing counter value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any non-volatile memory may be used.

  The communication unit 47 is a communication interface that includes a communication control unit, a NIC (Network Interface Card), and the like. The communication unit 47 transmits and receives various types of information by the NIC between the first image forming apparatus 20 and the own apparatus (second image forming apparatus 40). Also, the communication unit 47 communicates with the own apparatus (second image forming apparatus 40) and the third apparatus. Various information is transmitted and received by the NIC to and from the image forming apparatus 60.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the third image forming apparatus 60 in the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 4, the third image forming apparatus 60 includes an operation display unit 62, a print unit 63, a controller 64, an image control board 65, an HDD 66, a communication unit 67, and the like.

  Since the operation display unit 62 and the controller 64 are the same as the operation display unit 22 and the controller 24 of the first image forming apparatus 20, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  The print unit 63 includes units related to print output, such as a paper transport unit, an image forming unit 633, and a fixing unit, and a print control unit 630. Similar to the paper conveyance unit 232 of the first image forming apparatus, the paper conveyance unit includes a reverse conveyance unit, a paper discharge sensor 632b, and the like, and thus details thereof are omitted. The print control unit 630 controls the operation of each unit of the print unit 63 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 650, and performs image formation of a transparent image based on the print image data input from the writing processing unit 658. Further, the print control unit 630 outputs a signal (paper discharge signal) detected from the paper discharge sensor 632b to the control unit 650.

  The image control board 65 includes a control unit 650, a nonvolatile memory 651, a RAM 652, a compression IC 654, a DRAM control IC 655, an image memory 656, a decompression IC 657, a write processing unit 658, and the like.

  The control unit 650 is configured by a CPU or the like, reads a specified program from the system programs and various application programs stored in the nonvolatile memory 651, expands the program in the RAM 652, and cooperates with the program expanded in the RAM 652. Thus, various processes are executed to centrally control each part of the third image forming apparatus 60.

  In addition, the control unit 650 updates the charge from the nonvolatile memory 651 in cooperation with the charge update processing program, the charge count process program, the charge display process program, the backup process program, the restore process program, and various data according to the present embodiment. Processing, billing count processing, billing display processing, backup processing, and restore processing are executed.

  The charge count process, charge display process, backup process, and restore process executed by the control unit 650 are the charge count process, charge display process, backup process, and restore process executed by the control unit 250 of the first image forming apparatus 20. Since it is the same, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the billing update process, a paper discharge notification signal indicating that the paper has been discharged from the self apparatus is transmitted to the first image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side of the self apparatus in the paper conveyance direction, and the paper discharge notification signal is handled. The charging count process is executed based on the image forming operation of the apparatus for the sheet to be printed. That is, the control unit 450 that executes the charging update process functions as a paper discharge notification control unit.

  In addition to various processing programs and various data related to image formation, the nonvolatile memory 651 includes a charging update processing program, a charging count processing program, a charging display processing program, a backup processing program, a restore processing program, and various programs according to the present embodiment. The data processed in is stored.

  In addition, as with the nonvolatile memory 251 of the first image forming apparatus, whether or not the nonvolatile memory 651 is an image forming apparatus that constitutes a tandem image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected. In the case of a tandem type image forming system, the image forming apparatus is connected to the upstream side, the downstream side, or both sides of the own apparatus in the paper transport direction, whether the own apparatus is set as the main apparatus or the sub apparatus. Data indicating settings such as whether or not are stored.

The RAM 652 forms a work area for temporarily storing various programs executed by the control unit 650 and various data related to these programs.
The RAM 652 temporarily stores job data generated by the control unit 650 based on image data and print setting data input from the controller 64.

  The compression IC 654, DRAM control IC 655, image memory 656, decompression IC 657, and write processing unit 658 are the same as the compression IC 454, DRAM control IC 455, image memory 456, decompression IC 457, and write processing unit 458 of the second image forming apparatus. Therefore, explanation is omitted.

The HDD 66 has a self-device charging memory area 661 that stores a charging counter value of the self-device, and functions as a first storage unit. The HDD 66 has a total billing memory area 662 for storing the sum of billing counter values of the image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system 1, and functions as a third storage unit. Also, the HDD 46 stores a charge counter value received from the image forming apparatus (second image forming apparatus) connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the apparatus in the paper transport direction separately for each image forming apparatus. 663 and functions as a backup storage unit.
In this embodiment, the HDD is used as a storage medium for storing the billing counter value. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any non-volatile memory may be used.

  The communication unit 67 is a communication interface that includes a communication control unit, a NIC (Network Interface Card), and the like. The communication unit 47 transmits and receives various types of information by the NIC between the second image forming apparatus 40 and its own apparatus (third image forming apparatus 60).

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
5 to 7 show flowcharts of the billing update process in the present embodiment.
First, with reference to FIG. 5, a charging update process in the first image forming apparatus 20 installed at the uppermost stream in the sheet conveyance direction and set as the main apparatus will be described. The charging update process shown in FIG. 5 is executed in cooperation with the control unit 250 and each unit of the first image forming apparatus 20.

The controller 250 determines whether or not an image forming operation has been performed in the apparatus (step S1). If there is no image forming operation (step S1; NO), the control unit 250 returns to the process of step S1.
The image forming operation is a series of various types for forming an image on one sheet of paper, such as a sheet conveyance process to the image forming unit 233, an image forming process in the image forming unit 233, and a fixing process in the fixing unit 234. Is the action.

  When there is an image forming operation (step S1; YES), the control unit 250 increments the maintenance counter of each unit related to the image forming operation (step S2), refers to the setting in the nonvolatile memory 251, and the own apparatus It is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus constitutes a tandem image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected (step S3).

When the own apparatus is not an image forming apparatus constituting the tandem image forming system (step S3; NO), the control unit 250 determines that the own apparatus is operating in a stand-alone manner without being connected to another image forming apparatus. It is discriminated, and it is discriminated whether or not the discharge of the sheet from the apparatus is completed (discharge completion) by the image forming operation in step S1 (step S4).
In step S4, when a paper discharge signal is input from the paper discharge sensor 232b that detects the paper conveyed to the discharge port by the image forming operation in step S1, it is determined that the paper discharge is completed.

  If the paper discharge is not completed (step S4; NO), the control unit 250 determines whether or not JAM (paper jam) has occurred in the apparatus (step S5). When the JAM has not occurred (step S5; NO), the control unit 250 returns to the process of step S4, and when the JAM has occurred (step S5; YES), the charging update process ends.

  When the paper discharge is completed (step S4; YES), the control unit 250 determines whether an image is formed on the paper surface in step S1 (step S6), and when no image is formed (step S6; NO). The billing update process is terminated.

  When an image is formed on the sheet surface (step S6; YES), the control unit 250 executes a billing count process (step S7) and ends the billing update process.

  In the billing count process in step S7, the product of the number of sheet surfaces on which an image is formed by the image forming operation in step S1 and the billing coefficient set in advance in the apparatus is calculated. Then, the calculated value is added to the charging counter value stored in the own device charging memory area in the HDD 26, and the charging counter value is updated.

  On the other hand, when the own apparatus is an image forming apparatus constituting a tandem type image forming system (step S3; YES), the control unit 250 is connected to the downstream side of the own apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction ( It is determined whether or not a paper discharge notification signal and a charging counter value for each of the second and third image forming apparatuses have been received from the second image forming apparatus) (step S8).

  When the discharge notification signal and the charge counter values of the second and third image forming apparatuses have not been received (step S8; NO), the control unit 250 causes a JAM (paper jam) in the image forming system 1. It is determined whether or not there is (step S9). When the JAM has not occurred (step S9; NO), the control unit 250 returns to the process of step S8, and when the JAM has occurred (step S9; YES), the charging update process ends.

  When the discharge notification signal and the charging counter values of the second and third image forming apparatuses are received (step S8; YES), the control unit 250 determines whether an image is formed on the paper surface in step S1 (step S8). S10) If no image is formed (step S10; NO), the process proceeds to step S12.

  When an image is formed on the paper surface (step S10; YES), the control unit 250 executes a billing count process (step S11). The billing count process in step S11 is the same as the billing count process in step S7, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Step S10: After NO or after Step S11, the controller 250 receives the charging counter value of the second image forming apparatus received in Step S8 as the second charging memory area of the HDD 26, and the charging counter value of the third image forming apparatus as the HDD 26. Each is stored in the third billing memory area (step S12).

The control unit 250 determines the charging counter value of the own apparatus from the own apparatus charging memory area of the HDD 26, the charging counter value of the second image forming apparatus from the second charging memory area, and the charging counter of the third image forming apparatus from the third charging memory area. Each value is read, the total value of the read charging counter values (total charging counter value) is calculated, and the total charging counter value is stored in the total charging memory area of the HDD 26 (step S13).
Further, the control unit 250 transmits the calculated total charging counter value to the second image forming apparatus connected to the downstream side of the apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction (step S14), and the charging update process is ended. Therefore, the control unit 250 that executes the process of step S14 functions as a total value notification control unit.

  Next, referring to FIG. 6, charge update processing is performed in the second image forming apparatus 40 that is connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the own apparatus in the paper transport direction and is set as a sub apparatus. explain. The charging update process shown in FIG. 6 is executed by the control unit 450 and each unit of the second image forming apparatus 40 working together.

  The controller 450 determines whether or not the total charge counter value is received from the first image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side of the apparatus in the paper transport direction (step S21), and receives the total charge counter value. If not (NO in step S21), the process proceeds to step S23.

  When the total charging counter value is received (step S21; YES), the control unit 450 transmits the received total charging counter value to the third image forming apparatus connected to the downstream side of the apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction, and The total billing counter value is stored in the total billing memory area of the HDD 46 (step S22).

  After step S21; NO or after step S22, the controller 450 determines whether or not an image forming operation has been performed in the apparatus (step S23). If there is no image forming operation (step S23; NO), the control unit 450 proceeds to step S21. Return to processing.

  When there is an image forming operation (step S23; YES), the control unit 450 increments the maintenance counter of each unit related to the image forming operation (step S24), refers to the setting in the nonvolatile memory 451, It is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus constitutes a tandem image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected (step S25).

  When the own apparatus is not an image forming apparatus constituting the tandem image forming system (step S25; NO), the control unit 450 proceeds to the process of step S26. In addition, since the process of step S26-S29 is the same as the process of step S4-S7, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  On the other hand, when the own apparatus is an image forming apparatus constituting a tandem type image forming system (step S25; YES), the control unit 450 is connected to the image forming apparatus connected to the downstream side of the own apparatus in the paper transport direction ( It is determined whether or not a paper discharge notification signal and a charging counter value of the third image forming apparatus have been received from the third image forming apparatus) (step S30).

  When the discharge notification signal and the charging counter value of the third image forming apparatus have not been received (step S30; NO), the control unit 450 determines whether or not JAM (paper jam) has occurred in the image forming system 1. Is discriminated (step S31). When the JAM has not occurred (step S31; NO), the control unit 450 returns to the process of step S30, and when the JAM has occurred (step S31; YES), the charging update process ends.

  When the discharge notification signal and the charging counter value of the third image forming apparatus are received (step S30; YES), the control unit 450 determines whether an image is formed on the paper surface in step S23 (step S32). If no image is formed (step S32; NO), the process proceeds to step S34.

  When an image is formed on the paper surface (step S32; YES), the control unit 450 executes a billing count process (step S33). The billing count process in step S33 is the same as the billing count process in step S7, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  Step S32: After NO or after Step S33, the controller 450 sends a discharge notification signal in the paper transport direction along with the charging counter value of the third image forming apparatus and the charging counter value of the own apparatus received in Step S30. The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (first image forming apparatus) connected to the upstream side (step S34), and the accounting update process is terminated.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the charging update process in the third image forming apparatus 60 connected to the upstream side of the apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction and set as the sub apparatus will be described. The charging update process shown in FIG. 7 is executed in cooperation with the control unit 650 and each unit of the third image forming apparatus 60.

  The control unit 650 determines whether or not the total charge counter value has been received from the second image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side of the apparatus in the paper conveyance direction (step S41), and has received the total charge counter value. If not (NO in step S41), the process proceeds to step S43.

  When the total charging counter value is received (step S41; YES), the control unit 650 stores the received total charging counter value in the total charging memory area of the HDD 66 (step S42), and proceeds to the process of step S43. In addition, since the process of step S43, 44 is the same as that of step S23, 24, description is abbreviate | omitted.

After step S44, the control unit 650 determines whether or not the discharge of the sheet from the apparatus has been completed (discharge completed) by the image forming operation in step S43 (step S45).
In step S45, when a paper discharge signal is input from the paper discharge sensor 632b that has detected the paper conveyed to the discharge port by the image forming operation in step S43, it is determined that the paper discharge is completed.

  If the paper discharge is not completed (step S45; NO), the control unit 650 determines whether or not a JAM (paper jam) has occurred in the apparatus (step S46). When the JAM has not occurred (step S46; NO), the control unit 650 returns to the process of step S45, and when the JAM has occurred (step S46; YES), the charging update process ends.

  When the paper discharge is completed (step S45; YES), the control unit 650 determines whether an image has been formed on the paper surface in step S43 (step S47). If no image is formed (step S47; NO) The billing update process is terminated.

  When an image is formed on the paper surface (step S47; YES), the control unit 650 executes a billing count process (step S48). The billing count process in step S48 is the same as the billing count process in step S7, and a description thereof will be omitted.

  After step S48, the control unit 650 refers to the setting in the non-volatile memory 651, and determines whether or not the own apparatus is an image forming apparatus constituting a tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected. (Step S49).

  When the own apparatus is not an image forming apparatus constituting the tandem image forming system (step S49; NO), the control unit 650 determines that the own apparatus is operating in a stand-alone manner without being connected to another image forming apparatus. The charging update process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the own apparatus is an image forming apparatus constituting a tandem type image forming system (step S49; YES), the control unit 650 sends a discharge notification signal along with the charging counter value of the own apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction. The image is transmitted to the image forming apparatus (second image forming apparatus) connected to the upstream side of the apparatus (step S50), and the accounting update process is terminated.

FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of the billing display process in the present embodiment.
The charge display process shown in FIG. 8 is executed in cooperation with the control unit 250 and each unit of the first image forming apparatus 20. The charging display process executed by the control unit 450 of the second image forming apparatus 40 and the charging display process executed by the control unit 650 of the third image forming apparatus 60 are the same as the charging update process shown in FIG. Illustration and description are omitted.

  When an operation signal indicating a billing counter value display request is input from the operation display unit 22, the control unit 250 refers to the setting in the nonvolatile memory 251, and the tandem system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the control unit 250. It is determined whether or not the image forming apparatus constitutes the image forming system (step S61).

  When the own apparatus is not an image forming apparatus constituting the tandem image forming system (step S61; NO), the control unit 250 reads out the charging counter value of the own apparatus from the own apparatus charging memory area of the HDD 26, and A screen showing the charge counter value is displayed on the operation display unit 22 (step S62), and the charge display process is terminated.

  When the own apparatus is an image forming apparatus constituting a tandem image forming system (step S61; YES), the control unit 250 reads the total charging counter value from the total charging memory area of the HDD 26, and uses the total charging counter value. The screen shown is displayed on the operation display unit 22 (step S63), and the charge display process is terminated.

  When the first image forming apparatus, which is the main apparatus, executes the charging display process, in step S63, the charging counter value of the own apparatus from the own apparatus charging memory area of the HDD 26, and the second image forming apparatus from the second charging memory area. Charging counter value, the charging counter value of the third image forming apparatus from the third charging memory area, and the total charging counter value from the total charging memory area, respectively, and the charging counter value for each image forming apparatus is displayed together with the total charging counter value It is preferable.

  When the second image forming apparatus and the third image forming apparatus, which are sub-devices, execute charging display processing, in step S63, the charging counter value of the own apparatus and the total charging memory from the own apparatus charging memory area of the HDD 26 are displayed. Preferably, the total billing counter value is read from the area, and the billing counter value of the own device is displayed together with the total billing counter value.

FIG. 9 shows a flowchart of backup processing in the present embodiment.
The flowchart of the backup processing shown in FIG. 9 shows an image forming apparatus (backup request source apparatus) that requests another image forming apparatus to back up the charging counter value of the own apparatus, and an image forming apparatus connected to the own apparatus. 4 shows processing with the image forming apparatus (backup request destination apparatus) that backs up the charged counter value of the requested image forming apparatus when the charging counter value is requested to be backed up.

  The processing of the backup request source apparatus shown in FIG. 9 is executed in cooperation with the control unit of the image forming apparatus serving as the backup request source apparatus and each unit, and the processing of the backup request destination apparatus is the same as that of the backup request destination apparatus. The control unit and each unit of the image forming apparatus are executed in cooperation.

  First, backup of the billing counter value of the own device is started from the operation display unit of the own device, one of the plurality of image forming devices constituting the image forming system, or an external device connected via the network. When an instruction to do so is input, the device recognizes that it is a backup request source device. Then, the control unit of the backup request source apparatus refers to the setting in the nonvolatile memory and determines whether or not the own apparatus is the main apparatus (step S71).

  When the own apparatus is not the main apparatus, that is, when the own apparatus is a sub apparatus (step S71; NO), the control unit of the backup request source apparatus forms an image connected to the upstream side of the own apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction. A backup request notification signal is transmitted to the apparatus (step S72). On the other hand, when the own apparatus is the main apparatus (step S71; YES), the control unit of the backup request source apparatus transmits a backup request notification signal to the image forming apparatus connected to the downstream side of the own apparatus in the sheet transport direction. (Step S73).

  On the other hand, the control unit of the image forming apparatus excluding the backup request source apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system determines whether or not a backup request notification signal has been received (step S74), and notifies the backup request. If no signal has been received (step S74; NO), the backup process is terminated.

  When the backup request notification signal is received (step S74; YES), the control unit recognizes that the own device is the backup request destination device, and transmits a response signal to the backup request source device.

  When the control unit of the backup request source apparatus receives a response signal from the backup request destination apparatus, the control unit stores the charge counter value stored in the own apparatus charge memory area of the HDD of the own apparatus to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the backup request notification signal. (Step S75), and the backup process is terminated.

  The control unit of the backup request destination apparatus receives the charging counter value transmitted from the backup request source apparatus (step S76), stores the received charging counter value in the HDD backup area (step S77), and ends the backup process. To do.

  If the backup request source apparatus is the main apparatus and stores the charging counter values of all the sub apparatuses constituting the image forming system 1, in step S75, the charging counter value of each sub apparatus is also obtained from the HDD. It is preferable to read out and transmit to the backup request destination apparatus together with the charging counter value of the own apparatus. In step S77, the backup request destination apparatus preferably stores the received charging counter value for each image forming apparatus in the backup area.

FIG. 10 shows a flowchart of restore processing in the present embodiment.
The flowchart of the restore process shown in FIG. 10 shows an image forming apparatus (restoration request source apparatus) that requests another image forming apparatus to restore the charging counter value of the own apparatus, and an image forming apparatus connected to the own apparatus. The processing with the image forming apparatus (restoration request destination apparatus) that restores the charging counter value of the requested image forming apparatus when requested to restore the charging counter value is shown.

  The processing of the restore request source apparatus shown in FIG. 10 is executed in cooperation with the control unit of the image forming apparatus that is the restore request source apparatus and each unit, and the process of the restore request destination apparatus is the same as that of the restore request destination apparatus. The control unit and each unit of the image forming apparatus are executed in cooperation.

  First, restoration of the billing counter value of the own device is started from the operation display unit of the own device, one of the plurality of image forming devices constituting the image forming system, or an external device connected via the network. When an instruction to do so is input, it recognizes that its own apparatus is the restoration request source apparatus. Then, the control unit of the restore request source apparatus refers to the setting in the nonvolatile memory and determines whether or not the own apparatus is the main apparatus (step S81).

  When the self apparatus is not the main apparatus, that is, when the self apparatus is a sub apparatus (step S81; NO), the control unit of the restore request source apparatus forms an image connected to the upstream side of the self apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction. A restore request notification signal is transmitted to the apparatus (step S82). On the other hand, when the own apparatus is the main apparatus (step S81; YES), the control unit of the restore request source apparatus transmits a restore request notification signal to the image forming apparatus connected to the downstream side of the own apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction. (Step S83).

  On the other hand, the control unit of the image forming apparatus excluding the restore request source apparatus among the plurality of image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system determines whether or not a restore request notification signal has been received (step S84), and a restore request notification is made. If no signal has been received (step S84; NO), the restore process is terminated.

  When the restore request notification signal is received (step S84; YES), the control unit recognizes that the own device is the restore request destination device, and transmits a response signal to the restore request source device. Then, the control unit of the restore request destination apparatus reads the charge counter value of the restore request source apparatus from the HDD backup area, transmits the read charge counter value to the restore request source apparatus (step S85), and the charge counter value is The stored backup area is reset (step S86), and the restore process is terminated.

  The control unit of the restore request source apparatus receives the charge counter value transmitted from the restore request destination apparatus (step S87), stores the received charge counter value in the own apparatus charge memory area of the HDD (step S88), and restores The process ends.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, when a paper discharge notification signal is received from an image forming apparatus connected to the downstream side of the own apparatus in the paper conveyance direction, the image forming operation of the own apparatus is performed. Since the accounting counter value can be updated, it is possible to prevent an unreasonable situation in which the accounting counter value is updated even when the image-formed paper is not discharged from the image forming system. Therefore, in a series tandem image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses having a charging function are connected in series, the charging performance of the entire image forming system can be improved.

  Each image forming apparatus can store and hold the charging counter value of its own apparatus in its own apparatus charging memory area in the HDD. Further, the first image forming apparatus, which is the main device installed on the most upstream side in the paper conveyance direction, stores the charging counter value of each image forming apparatus connected downstream in the paper conveyance direction in the second and third charging memory areas. Each can be stored and retained. Therefore, the main apparatus (first image forming apparatus) installed on the most upstream side in the paper conveyance direction can hold the charging counter values of all the image forming apparatuses that constitute the image forming system.

Further, the main apparatus (first image forming apparatus) can calculate the total value of the charging counter values of all the image forming apparatuses constituting the image forming system, and the total value can be calculated for all of the linked values downstream in the sheet conveying direction. It can be transmitted to the image forming apparatus.
Therefore, each image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system can obtain the charging counter value of the own apparatus and the total value of the charging counter value of the entire image forming system.

  Further, an image forming apparatus having an operation display unit among a plurality of image forming apparatuses can display the total charge counter value stored in the total charge memory area of the HDD on the LCD of the operation display unit.

  Further, the charging counter value of the own apparatus can be stored and backed up in another image forming apparatus. Therefore, even when the own apparatus is disconnected from the image forming system, the charging counter value until immediately before being disconnected can be backed up and held in another image forming apparatus, It is possible to prevent billing collection loss for the billing counter value of the device.

  Furthermore, it is possible to restore the charging counter value of the own apparatus that has been backed up to another image forming apparatus. Therefore, even when the own apparatus is disconnected from the image forming system and then reconnected, the charging counter value immediately before the disconnection can be restored as the charging counter value of the own apparatus. It is possible to prevent charge collection omission for the charge counter value of the own device.

  In the above description, an example in which a nonvolatile memory is used as a computer-readable medium of the program according to the present invention is disclosed, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory and a portable recording medium such as a CD-ROM can be applied. A carrier wave is also applied to the present invention as a medium for providing program data according to the present invention via a communication line.

  Further, the present invention is not limited to the contents of the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 2 External apparatus 3 Network 10 Paper feeder 20 1st image forming apparatus 21 Image reading part 22 Operation display part 23 Print part 24 Controller 25 Image control board 26 HDD
27 Communication unit 30 First reversing device 40 Second image forming device 42 Operation display unit 43 Print unit 44 Controller 45 Image control board 46 HDD
47 Communication unit 50 Second reversing device 60 Third image forming device 62 Operation display unit 63 Printing unit 64 Controller 65 Image control board 66 HDD
67 Communication unit 70 Post-processing device 210 Image reading control unit 211 CCD
220 Operation display controller 221 LCD
230 Print Control Unit 231 Paper Feed Unit 232 Paper Transport Unit 232a Reverse Transport Unit 232b Paper Discharge Sensor 233 Image Forming Unit 233a Intermediate Transfer Belt 234 Fixing Unit 241 Controller Control Unit 242 DRAM Control IC
243 Image memory 244 LANIF
250 Control unit 251 Non-volatile memory 252 RAM
253 Reading processing unit 254 Compression IC
255 DRAM control IC
256 Image memory 256a Compression memory 256b Page memory 257 Expansion IC
258 Write processing unit 261 Own device charging memory area 262 Second charging memory area 263 Third charging memory area 264 Total charging memory area 265 Backup area 450 Control unit 451 Non-volatile memory 452 RAM
454 compression IC
455 DRAM control IC
456 Image memory 456a Compression memory 456b Page memory 457 Expansion IC
458 Write processing unit 461 Own device charging memory area 462 Total charging memory area 463 Backup area 630 Print control unit 632b Paper discharge sensor 633 Image forming unit 650 Control unit 651 Non-volatile memory 652 RAM
654 compression IC
655 DRAM control IC
656 Image memory 656a Compression memory 656b Page memory 657 Decompression IC
658 Write processing unit 661 Own apparatus charging memory area 662 Total charging memory area 663 Backup area

Claims (9)

In a series tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series and a sheet passes through the plurality of image forming apparatuses.
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes
A charging count unit that updates a charging counter value based on an image forming operation;
Among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, an image forming apparatus having an image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side of the own apparatus in the sheet conveying direction is:
A paper discharge notification control unit for transmitting a paper discharge notification signal indicating that the paper has been discharged from the apparatus itself to the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side;
The accounting count unit, in the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the downstream side of the apparatus in the conveyance direction among the plurality of image forming apparatus, wherein the image forming apparatus which is connected to the downstream when receiving the sheet discharge notification signal, it updates the based Ku Division gold counter value to the image forming operation of the own apparatus on a sheet corresponding to the sheet discharge notification signal,
The sheet discharge notification control unit, in the image forming apparatus an image forming apparatus that is connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the apparatus in the conveyance direction among the plurality of image forming apparatus is connected to the downstream and when receiving the sheet discharge notification signal from the image forming apparatus, Rukoto to send the sheet discharge notification signal to the image forming apparatus which is connected to the upstream side,
An image forming system. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes
A first storage unit for storing the charging counter value of the own device;
The image forming system according to claim 1. The paper discharge notification control unit
The charging counter value of the own apparatus is transmitted to the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction together with the discharge notification signal.
Among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus installed on the most upstream side in the paper conveyance direction is:
A second storage unit that stores the count value received together with the paper discharge notification signal for each image forming apparatus connected downstream in the paper conveyance direction;
The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. Among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, the image forming apparatus installed on the most upstream side in the paper conveyance direction is:
The charging counter value is acquired from the second storage unit, a total value of the acquired charging counter value and the charging counter value of the own apparatus is calculated, and the total value of the charging counter value is set downstream in the sheet conveying direction. A total value notification control unit that transmits to all connected image forming apparatuses;
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes
A third storage unit for storing a total value of the billing counter values;
The image forming system according to claim 3. At least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is an image forming apparatus,
A display unit for displaying a total value of the billing counter values stored in the third storage unit;
The image forming system according to claim 4. Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes
A backup control unit that transmits the charging counter value of the own apparatus stored in the first storage unit to another image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side or the downstream side of the own apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction;
The other image forming apparatus includes:
A backup storage unit for storing the received billing counter value;
The image forming system according to claim 2. The other image forming apparatus includes:
A first restore control unit that transmits the charging counter value stored in the backup storage unit to the image forming apparatus that has transmitted the charging counter value;
Each of the plurality of image forming apparatuses includes
A second restore control unit that stores the charging counter value received from the other image forming apparatus in the first storage unit and restores the charging counter value;
The image forming system according to claim 6. The billing counting unit
Updating the charging counter value based on the number of sheets of the image formed by the image forming operation and a charging coefficient set in advance in the device;
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein: In a billing counting method in a series tandem type image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected in series and a sheet passes through the plurality of image forming apparatuses.
Among the plurality of image forming apparatuses, in the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side of the apparatus in the sheet conveyance direction, a discharge notification signal indicating that the sheet is discharged from the apparatus is sent upstream. In the image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the upstream side and the downstream side of the own apparatus in the paper transport direction among the plurality of image forming apparatuses. A paper discharge notification step for transmitting the paper discharge notification signal to the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side when the paper discharge notification signal is received from the image forming apparatus connected to the upstream side ;
In the above image forming apparatus in which the image forming apparatus is connected to the downstream side of the apparatus in the conveyance direction among the plurality of image forming apparatus, receiving the sheet discharge notification signal from the image forming apparatus which is connected to the downstream A charging counter update step of updating a charging counter value based on an image forming operation in the apparatus for the paper corresponding to the paper discharge notification signal ,
Including,
A charge counting method for an image forming system.

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