JPH10244734A - Printer, external function-expanding apparatus, and system using computer, printer, and external function-expanding apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent operator's confusion and operational errors from developing and reduce the manufacturing cost of a system as a whole. SOLUTION: A facsimile 14B is connected to a printer 10B having a control panel 13 by a centro-I/F cable 22A and also connected to a computer 20 by a centro-I/F cable 22B. The state display and every kind of operation for both the facsimile 14B and the printer 10B are performed by using the control panel 13 provided to the printer 10B.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a printer, an external function expansion device, and a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device. The present invention relates to a printer having a control panel for performing the operation, an external function expansion device, and a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a personal computer, a workstation or the like is connected to a computer and performs predetermined processing in accordance with an instruction from the computer.
2. Description of the Related Art External function expansion devices such as facsimile machines that connect a printer to use a printing function of the printer as an expansion function are known.

When a conventional printer 10 is used as a printing terminal of a computer 20, as shown in FIG. 19, the printer 10 is connected to a computer 20, for example, a Centronics interface (hereinafter, referred to as a Centronics I / F).
Is directly connected by the Centro I / F cable 22A.

[0004] Further, as shown in FIG.
Is provided with a printer system control unit 50 for controlling the overall operation of the printer 10. The printer system control unit 50 includes a communication control unit 52 for controlling communication with an external device, and a Centro I / F specification. The above-mentioned Centro I / F cable 22A is connected via a Centro I / F unit 54 which performs mutual conversion between the printer and the internal specifications of the printer 10.

[0005] The printer system control unit 50 includes:
A reception buffer memory 56 for temporarily storing print data and the like received from an external device, a command control unit 58 for performing processing according to a command included in the print data received from the external device, and font pattern data of various characters are stored in advance. The font ROM 60, the recording paper printing unit 62 for printing on recording paper using the input print image, and the control panel 12 are connected.

As shown in FIG. 21, the control panel 12 includes a liquid crystal panel 12A for displaying a state of the printer 10 such as an error state such as a paper jam or an out of paper, and a mode switch for setting various modes of the printer 10. The operation switch 12B includes a set switch for forcibly discharging the paper, a line switch for performing a so-called off-line setting for temporarily releasing the connection with the computer 20, and the like.

In the above configuration, when the computer 20 causes the printer 10 to perform a printing process, the printer system control unit 50 sends the computer 20 a centro I / F cable 22A, a centro I / F unit 54,
Print data including various commands is input via the communication control unit 52, and the printer system control unit 50 sequentially stores the input print data in the reception buffer memory 56.

Further, in the printer system control unit 50,
The print data stored in the reception buffer memory 56 is read out, and a process according to a command included in the print data is executed by the command control unit 58, so that the print data is developed into a print image and output to the recording paper printing unit 62. Thus, printing on recording paper is performed. When the print data input from the computer 20 includes character code data, a print image is created with reference to font pattern data corresponding to each character code stored in the font ROM 60.

FIG. 22 shows an example of a conventional system in which the above-described printer 10 is connected to a facsimile machine 14 as an external function expansion device connected to a computer 20 and used as a printing terminal of the facsimile machine 14. Have been. As shown in FIG. 1, the facsimile 14 is connected to the printer 10 by a Centro I / F cable 22A, and is connected to the computer 20 and the Centro I / F cable 2A.
2B. Facsimile 14
Is connected to a telephone line by a telephone line cable 24 and receives image information transmitted by the telephone line.

As shown in FIG. 23, the facsimile 14 is provided with a facsimile system control unit 70 for controlling the operation of the facsimile 14 as a whole. The facsimile system control unit 70 controls communication with an external device. A communication control unit 72 is connected.

The B terminal of the changeover switch 74 is connected to the communication control section 72. The A terminal and the C terminal of the changeover switch 74 are connected to the Centro I / F specification and the facsimile machine 14.
Centro I / F unit 76 that performs mutual conversion with the internal specifications of
A and 76B are respectively connected.

The Centro I / F section 76A is further connected to the computer 20 by a Centro I / F cable 22B, and the Centro I / F section 76B is further connected to the Centro I / F of the printer 10 by a Centro I / F cable 22A. Section 54 (see FIG. 20).

The changeover switch 74 connects the A terminal and the C terminal when the computer 20 uses the printer 10 directly, and connects the B terminal and the C terminal when the facsimile 14 uses the printer 10. Communication control unit 72
The switching is performed according to the signal input from.

The facsimile system control unit 70 includes a document reading unit 78 for reading image information of a document to be transmitted by facsimile, a command control unit 86 for performing processing according to a command included in data received from an external device, and a facsimile. A fax modem 80 which is a modem having a transmission / reception function, a reception buffer memory 84 for temporarily storing image information and the like received via the fax modem 80,
And a control panel 16 are connected.

Note that the fax modem 80 has an NCU
A line interface unit (hereinafter, referred to as an NCU line I / F unit) is included.
It is connected to a telephone line by a telephone line cable 24 via a line I / F unit.

The control panel 16 is, for example, shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), a liquid crystal panel 16A for displaying a state such as an error state such as a communication error of the facsimile machine 14, and a telephone number of a transmission partner when performing facsimile transmission to the facsimile machine 14 (hereinafter, referred to as a destination number). And the like, a start key for instructing the start of facsimile transmission, a stop key for instructing to stop facsimile transmission, and the like, and an information input key 16B.

When image information is received from the telephone line via the telephone line cable 24 and the fax modem 80,
The facsimile system control unit 70 switches the contact of the changeover switch 74 to connect the B terminal and the C terminal via the communication control unit 72, and stores the received image information in the reception buffer memory 84 sequentially.

Further, the facsimile system control unit 70
Reads the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84 by a predetermined amount, and stores the read image information in the command control unit 8.
6, the print data is converted into print data that can be printed by the printer 10, and the communication control unit 72, the changeover switch 74,
The data is transmitted to the printer 10 via the centro I / F section 76B and the centro I / F cable 22A.

In the printer 10, the recording paper printing section 62 performs a printing process on recording paper based on the print data received from the facsimile machine 14.

[0020]

However, in a conventional system using a computer, a printer and a facsimile, a control panel is provided for each of the printer and the facsimile. For example, image information received from a telephone line in a facsimile is used. When an error such as a paper jam or a paper break occurs on the printer side when executing a print process by the printer based on the error message such as a paper jam or a paper break is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the control panel of the printer, When an error such as a facsimile reception error occurs in a facsimile, an error message such as a facsimile reception error is displayed on a liquid crystal panel of a facsimile control panel. There was a need to be sure.

A recovery operation at the time of occurrence of an error or the like, for example, an operation of forcibly discharging print data stored in a reception buffer memory of a printer, and printing of image information stored in a reception buffer memory of a facsimile by a printer again. When an operation for instructing whether or not to perform the operation is performed by operating various switches arranged on the control panel, it is necessary to operate switches on the control panel of both the printer and the facsimile.

Further, when a printer is used as a printing terminal of a computer, a control panel of the printer is used. When a facsimile is used, a control panel of the facsimile is used. Needed.

As described above, in a conventional system using a computer, a printer, and a facsimile, since a control panel is provided for each device, there has been a problem that operator confusion and operation errors are likely to occur.

Also, since a control panel is provided for each device, there is a problem that the manufacturing cost of the entire system is high.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and it is possible to prevent a confusion of an operator and an operation error from occurring, and to reduce a manufacturing cost in an entire system. It is an object to provide a function expansion device and a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device.

[0026]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printer which is selectively connected to a computer and an external function expansion device whose functions can be expanded by connecting an external device. And a control panel for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device.

The printer according to the first aspect is selectively connected to a computer and an external function expansion device,
A control panel for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device is provided.

Therefore, when the printer according to the first aspect is connected to the external function expansion device, at least the status display of both the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of both the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. Since one of the operations can be performed using only the control panel provided in the printer, it is possible to prevent confusion of the operator and occurrence of an operation error.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an external function expansion device capable of expanding functions by being selectively connected to a computer and a printer. A control panel is provided for performing at least one of display and operation of the printer and the external function expansion device.

The function of the external function expansion device according to the second aspect can be expanded by being selectively connected to a computer and a printer, the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device, and the printer and the external function expansion device. A control panel is provided for performing at least one of the operations of the expansion device.

Therefore, when the external function expansion device is connected to a printer, at least the status display of both the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of both the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. One of the operations can be performed using only the control panel provided in the external function expansion device, so that confusion of the operator and occurrence of an operation error can be prevented.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, the functions of which can be expanded by being selectively connected to the computer, the printer, and the computer and the printer. A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, which is provided with an expansion device and one of which is selectively connected to each other, wherein a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device, a printer and an external function expansion are provided. A control panel for performing at least one of the operations of the apparatus is provided in one of the printer and the external function expansion apparatus.

According to the system using the computer, the printer, and the external function expansion device, at least one of the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. Control panel is provided in one of the printer and the external function expansion device.

Therefore, according to the system using the computer, the printer and the external function expansion device according to the third aspect, the status display of both the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of both the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. Can be performed using a control panel provided in one of the printer and the external function expansion device, so that confusion of the operator and operation errors can be prevented, and the manufacturing of the entire system can be prevented. Cost can be reduced.

A system using a computer, a printer and an external function expansion device according to claim 4 is a system using a computer, a printer and an external function expansion device according to claim 3. To
It can be controlled directly from the computer.

According to the system using the computer, the printer and the external function expansion device according to the fourth aspect, the computer can directly control the external function expansion device. When a control panel for operation is provided, the external function expansion device can be controlled without operating the control panel, and confusion of the operator and occurrence of operation error can be prevented.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, wherein the external function whose functions can be expanded by being selectively connected to the computer, the printer, and the computer and the printer. A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, which includes an expansion device and any one of which is selectively connected to each other, provided in the printer,
A control panel for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device; and a control panel provided in the external function expansion device and for displaying the status of the external function expansion device. First control means for performing at least one of transmission of a display command to be displayed on the printer to the printer and processing in accordance with the operation command received from the printer, and a display command provided in the printer and received from the external function expansion device. Display of the state of the external function expansion device on the control panel based on the control function, and transmission of an operation command corresponding to the operation to the external function expansion device when the external function expansion device is operated by the control panel. Second control means for performing at least one of them.

According to the system using the computer, the printer and the external function expansion device, at least one of the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. Control panel is provided in the printer.

At this time, if a control panel for displaying the status of the printer and the external function expansion device is provided in the printer, the external function expansion device issues a display command for displaying the status of the external function expansion device on the control panel. Is transmitted to the printer by the first control means.
When the printer receives the display command from the external function expansion device, the second control means displays the status of the external function expansion device on the control panel based on the received display command.

On the other hand, when the printer is provided with a control panel for operating the printer and the external function expansion device, the printer performs the operation when the control panel operates the external function expansion device. The corresponding operation command is transmitted to the external function expansion device by the second control means. Upon receiving the operation command from the printer, the external function expansion device performs a process according to the received operation command by the first control unit.

Thus, according to the system using the computer, the printer, and the external function expansion device according to the fifth aspect, the first control means is provided to the external function expansion device, and the second control means is provided to the printer. Only by providing
At least one of the status display and operation of the external function expansion device can be performed using a control panel provided in the printer.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, wherein the external functions whose functions can be expanded by being selectively connected to the computer, the printer, and the computer and the printer. A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, the system including an expansion device and any one of which is selectively connected to each other. Status display,
A control panel for performing at least one of operation of the printer and the external function expansion device; transmission of a display command provided to the printer and displaying the status of the printer on the control panel to the external function expansion device; Third control means for performing at least one of a process corresponding to an operation command received from the expansion device, and a printer status provided to the external function expansion device and transmitted to the control panel based on a display command received from the printer. And a fourth control means for performing at least one of display and transmission of an operation command corresponding to the operation of the printer to the printer when the operation is performed by the control panel.

According to the system using the computer, the printer and the external function expansion device, at least one of the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. Control panel is provided in the external function expansion device.

At this time, if a control panel for displaying the status of the printer and the external function expansion device is provided in the external function expansion device, the printer issues a display command for displaying the status of the printer on the control panel in the third mode. Is transmitted to the external function expansion device by the control means.
When the external function expansion device receives the display command from the printer, the fourth control means displays the status of the printer on the control panel based on the received display command.

On the other hand, when a control panel for operating the printer and the external function expansion device is provided in the external function expansion device, the external function expansion device operates when the printer is operated by the control panel. An operation command corresponding to the operation is transmitted to the printer by the fourth control unit. When the printer receives the operation command from the external function expansion device, the printer performs a process corresponding to the received operation command by the third control unit.

As described above, according to the system using the computer, the printer and the external function expansion device according to the sixth aspect, the printer has the third control means and the external function expansion device has the fourth control means. Only by providing
At least one of the status display and the operation of the printer can be performed using a control panel provided in the external function expansion device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, wherein the external functions whose functions can be expanded by being selectively connected to the computer, the printer, and the computer and the printer. A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, which includes an expansion device and any one of which is selectively connected to each other, provided in the printer,
A control panel for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device; and the control panel provided in the external function expansion device and in a state of the external function expansion device. And a fifth control means for performing at least one of a display on the control panel and a process corresponding to the operation when the external function expansion device is operated by the control panel;
It has.

According to the system using the computer, the printer and the external function expansion device, at least one of the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. Control panel is provided in the printer.

At this time, if the printer is provided with a control panel for displaying the status of the printer and the external function expansion device, the external function expansion device controls the status of the external function expansion device by the fifth control means. Display on the panel.

On the other hand, when a control panel for operating the printer and the external function expansion device is provided in the printer, the external function expansion device operates when the external function expansion device is operated by the control panel. The processing according to the operation is performed by the fifth control means.

As described above, according to the system using the computer, the printer, and the external function expansion device according to the seventh aspect, the external function expansion device is provided only by providing the fifth control means in the external function expansion device. At least one of the status display and operation can be performed directly using the control panel provided in the printer.

A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device according to claim 8 provides a computer, a printer, and an external function whose functions can be expanded by being selectively connected to the computer and the printer. A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device, the system including an expansion device and any one of which is selectively connected to each other. Status display,
A control panel for performing at least one of the operation of the printer and the external function expansion device, a display provided on the printer, a status of the printer being displayed on the control panel, and an operation of the printer being performed by the control panel. And a sixth control means for performing at least one of the processing according to the operation.

According to the system using the computer, the printer, and the external function expansion device, at least one of the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. Control panel is provided in the external function expansion device.

At this time, if a control panel for displaying the status of the printer and the external function expansion device is provided in the external function expansion device, the printer displays the status of the printer on the control panel by the sixth control means. Let it.

On the other hand, when a control panel for operating the printer and the external function expansion device is provided in the external function expansion device, the printer performs the operation when the printer is operated by the control panel. The corresponding processing is performed by the sixth control means.

As described above, according to the system using the computer, the printer, and the external function expansion device according to the eighth aspect, only by providing the sixth control means in the printer, the status display and operation of the printer can be performed. At least one of them can be performed directly using the control panel provided in the external function expansion device.

Note that a facsimile, a copying machine, a scanner, or the like can be applied as the external function expansion device.

[0058]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a system using a computer 20, a printer 10B, and a facsimile 14B as an external function expansion device. In FIG. 1, the same components as those of the conventional system shown in FIG. 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

In the facsimile machine 14B in the system according to the first embodiment, there is no control panel 16 provided in the conventional facsimile machine 14, and the control panel 12 provided in the conventional printer 10 is replaced with a control panel shown in FIG. 13 is different from the conventional system shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, a control panel 13 provided in the printer 10B has a liquid crystal panel for displaying an error state of the printer 10B such as a paper jam or running out of paper and an error state of the facsimile 14B such as a communication error. 13A, a mode switch for setting various modes of the printer 10B, a set switch for forcibly discharging paper, a line switch for so-called off-line setting for temporarily canceling connection with the computer 20, and the like. The operation switch 13B includes a numeric keypad for inputting a destination number or the like to the facsimile machine 14B, a start key for instructing start of facsimile transmission, a stop key for instructing stop of facsimile transmission, and the like. It is configured to include the input information key 13C.

That is, the control panel 13 provided in the printer 10B according to the first embodiment includes:
An operation switch 12B included in the control panel 12 of the conventional printer 10 shown in FIG. 21 and a control panel 16 of the conventional facsimile 14 shown in FIG.
And the liquid crystal panel included in the control panel of both the conventional printer 10 and the conventional facsimile machine 14.

FIG. 2 shows a printer 10 according to the first embodiment.
2 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of B. In addition,
In FIG. 2, the same parts as those of the conventional printer 10 shown in FIG.

The printer 10B of the first embodiment is similar to the printer 10B of FIG.
0 except that the configuration of the control panel is different as described above, except that an extended command section 58B is added to the command control section 58.

The extension command section 58B is a facsimile 1
When an error occurs in 4B, a message corresponding to the generated error is sent to the control panel 1.
A function of performing display processing on the liquid crystal panel 13A in accordance with the received facsimile error display command when a command for displaying on the liquid crystal panel 13A (hereinafter, referred to as a facsimile error display command) is received from the facsimile 14B; When any one of the information input keys 13C of the control panel 13 is pressed by the operator, a function for transmitting a command (hereinafter, referred to as a facsimile operation command) corresponding to the pressed key to the facsimile 14B is provided. Have. In addition,
The extended command section 58B corresponds to the second control means of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the facsimile 14B of the first embodiment. In FIG. 3, the same parts as those of the conventional facsimile machine 14 shown in FIG.

The facsimile 14B of the first embodiment is
The conventional facsimile machine 14 shown in FIG. 23 is different from the conventional facsimile machine 14 only in that an extended command section 86B is added to the command control section 86 except that the control panel is not provided as described above.

The extension command unit 86B has a function of generating the facsimile error display command and transmitting it to the printer 10B, and a function of transmitting the facsimile operation command to the printer 1B.
It has a function of performing processing according to the received facsimile operation command when it is received from 0B. In addition,
The extended command section 86B corresponds to the first control means of the present invention.

Next, the operation of the first embodiment will be described. First, the operation of the facsimile 14B will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main control program executed at predetermined intervals in the facsimile system control unit 70 of the facsimile 14B.

In step 200 in FIG. 5, it is determined whether or not facsimile reception has been performed from the telephone line. If there is facsimile reception, the process proceeds to step 202, where the B contact of the changeover switch 74 and the C After switching to connect the contacts (see FIG. 3), the process proceeds to step 204, and after executing a facsimile reception processing routine shown in FIG. 6, which will be described later, the control program ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 200 that there is no facsimile reception, the process proceeds to step 206 so that the A contact and the B contact of the changeover switch 74 are connected via the communication control unit 72. After the switching, the process proceeds to step 208 to determine the presence or absence of a connection request from the computer 20 to the printer 10B. If there is a connection request, the process proceeds to step 210 and the communication control unit 72
The control program is terminated after the switching is performed so that the A contact and the C contact of the changeover switch 74 are connected via the switch. The determination of the presence or absence of the connection request in step 208 can be performed by determining the presence or absence of the reception of the connection request signal transmitted when the printer 20 is directly used from the computer 20.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 208 that there is no connection request from the computer 20 to the printer 10B, the process proceeds to step 212 to determine whether there is a connection request from the computer 20 to the facsimile 14B. If there is a connection request, the flow shifts to step 214 to determine the presence or absence of a facsimile transmission request from the computer 20, and if there is a facsimile transmission request, the flow shifts to step 216 to execute a facsimile transmission process described later shown in FIG. After executing one routine, the present control program is terminated. If there is no facsimile transmission request, the process proceeds to step 218, where processing other than facsimile transmission processing is executed, and then the present control program is terminated.

The processing other than the facsimile transmission processing in step 218 is performed by using the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84 of the facsimile machine 14B.
For example, there is a process of transmitting to 0. The determination of the presence or absence of a connection request in step 212 can be made by determining the presence or absence of a connection request signal transmitted from the computer 20 when the user wants to use the facsimile 14B. The presence / absence determination can be made by determining whether or not a facsimile transmission request signal transmitted when facsimile transmission is desired from the computer 20 is received.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 212 that there is no connection request from the computer 20 to the facsimile machine 14B, the process proceeds to step 220, where the B contact of the changeover switch 74 and the C After switching to connect the contacts, the process proceeds to step 222 to determine the presence or absence of a connection request from the printer 10B to the facsimile machine 14B. If there is a connection request, the process proceeds to step 224, and FIG. After executing the facsimile transmission process 2 routine to be described later, the control program ends. If it is determined in step 222 that there is no connection request from the printer 10B to the facsimile machine 14B, the control program ends.

The determination of the presence or absence of the connection request in step 222 is transmitted from the printer 10B when the operator inputs the destination number by the information input key 13C on the control panel 13 of the printer 10B and presses the start key. This can be done by determining whether a connection request signal has been received.

Next, referring to FIG. 6, step 2 in FIG.
A facsimile reception processing routine executed in step 04 will be described.

First, in step 230, image information received from the telephone line via the fax modem 80 is sequentially stored in the reception buffer memory 84. In the next step 232, a reception error such as a communication protocol or image information has occurred. It is determined whether a reception error has occurred. If a reception error has occurred, the flow shifts to step 234 to stop the image information reception process, and then shifts to step 236 where the extended command unit 86B added to the command control unit 86 Accordingly, a facsimile error display command for displaying a message indicating that a reception error has occurred on the liquid crystal panel 13A is generated and transmitted to the printer 10B.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 232 that no reception error has occurred, step 23
8 to determine whether the reception of all the image information and the communication protocol has been completed. If the reception has not been completed, the processing of steps 230 and 232 is repeated until the processing is completed. Move to.

In step 242, one page of the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84 is read out, converted into print data that can be printed by the printer 10B, and then transmitted to the printer 10B. I do.

In the next step 244, it is determined whether or not the transmission of the print data corresponding to all the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84 to the printer 10B has been completed.
If not completed, the above step 24 is performed until the process is completed.
Step 2 is repeated.

Next, referring to FIG. 7, step 2 in FIG.
A facsimile transmission process 1 routine executed in step 16 will be described.

First, at step 250, the computer 2
The destination number transmitted from 0 is received and stored in a predetermined area of the reception buffer memory 84. Next Step 25
In step 2, image information transmitted from the computer 20 following the destination number is received and sequentially stored in the reception buffer memory 84. In the next step 254, it is determined whether or not an image information reception error has occurred. If this occurs, the process proceeds to step 255 to stop the image information receiving process, and then, in step 256, the switch B is switched via the communication control unit 72 so that the B contact and the C contact are connected. Then, in step 258, the extension command unit 86B generates a facsimile error display command for displaying a message indicating that an image information reception error has occurred on the liquid crystal panel 13A, and
0B.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 254 that no image information reception error has occurred, the flow shifts to step 260 to determine whether or not all image information has been received. If not, the processing of steps 252 and 254 is repeated until the processing is completed.

In the next step 262, one page of image information is read out from the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84, compressed by a predetermined method, and then a communication protocol is executed. Fax modem 80
In step 250 through the receiving buffer memory 8
4 is transmitted to the destination number stored in the predetermined area.

In the next step 264, step 262
It is determined whether or not a transmission error has occurred during the transmission of the communication protocol and the image information.
Then, the process proceeds to step 268, and the process proceeds to step 268 to switch to the extension command unit 86B.
Accordingly, a facsimile error display command for displaying a message indicating that a transmission error has occurred on the liquid crystal panel 13A is generated and transmitted to the printer 10B.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 264 that no transmission error has occurred, step 27
Then, it is determined whether or not the transmission of all the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84 has been completed. If the transmission has not been completed, the processes of steps 262 and 264 are repeated until the transmission is completed.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, step 2 in FIG.
The facsimile transmission processing 2 routine executed in 24 will be described. Prior to the execution of this routine, a document to be transmitted is set in the document reading unit 78 of the facsimile 14B. When this routine is executed, a stop key interrupt process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 9 is executed.

First, at step 280, the printer 10B
, And stores the destination number in a predetermined area of the reception buffer memory 84.

In the next step 282, the original reading section 78
In step 284, it is determined whether the reading of the image information of all the documents set in the document reading unit 78 has been completed. If not, go to step 28
Step 2 is repeated.

When reading of the image information of all the originals and storage of the image information in the reception buffer memory 84 are completed, in the next step 286, the image information of one page is read out from the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84 and a predetermined page is read. After compression by the method, the compressed image information is transmitted to the destination number stored in the predetermined area of the reception buffer memory 84 in step 280, and in the next step 288, the transmission of the image information in step 286 is performed. At this time, it is determined whether or not a transmission error has occurred. If a transmission error has occurred, the process proceeds to step 290, and a message indicating that a transmission error has occurred is sent from the extended command unit 86B to the liquid crystal panel 1.
A facsimile error display command to be displayed on 3A is generated and transmitted to the printer 10B.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 288 that no transmission error has occurred, step 29
Then, it is determined whether or not transmission of all the image information stored in the reception buffer memory 84 has been completed, and if not completed, the processing of the above steps 286 and 288 is repeated until the transmission is completed. Step 2 after doing
The process proceeds to 94, where a transmission end signal indicating that transmission of all image information has been completed is transmitted to the printer 10B.

Next, the stop key interrupt processing executed when the facsimile transmission processing 2 routine is executed will be described with reference to FIG.

Information input key 1 on control panel 13
When the facsimile operation command transmitted from the printer 10B is received when the stop key in 3C is pressed, in step 300, the processing currently executed in the facsimile transmission processing 2 routine reads image information. It is determined whether or not reading is being performed, and if reading of image information is being performed, the process proceeds to step 302, and after interrupting reading of image information, the present interrupt processing is terminated. If the image information is not being read, the facsimile transmission processing 2 routine assumes that the transmission is being performed, and proceeds to step 304 to stop the transmission of the communication protocol and the image information and then execute the main control. Return to the program.

Next, the operation of the printer 10B will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main control program executed at predetermined time intervals in the printer system control unit 50 of the printer 10B.

At step 310 in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not a facsimile error display command has been received from the facsimile machine 14B.
Then, the process proceeds to step S12, where the extended command section 58B added to the command control section 58 performs display on the liquid crystal panel 13A of the control panel 13 in accordance with the received facsimile error display command.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 310 that the facsimile error display command has not been received, the flow shifts to step 314 to determine whether or not print data has been received from the computer 20 or the facsimile 14B. If so, the process proceeds to step 316 to execute a print processing routine described later and shown in FIG.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 314 that print data has not been received, step 31
8 and the operator enters the control panel 13
It is determined whether or not the input of the destination number using the information input key 13C and the pressing of the start key have been performed, and if it has been performed, the process proceeds to step 320 to transmit the facsimile information described later shown in FIG. Execute the processing routine.

If it is determined in step 318 that the destination number has not been entered and the start key has not been pressed, the control program ends.

Next, a print processing routine executed in step 316 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, at step 330, the computer 2
0 or the print data received from the facsimile machine 14B is sequentially stored in the reception buffer memory 56.
In S 32, it is determined whether or not a print data reception error has occurred.
A message indicating a print data reception error is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 13A of the control panel 13.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 332 that no print data reception error has occurred, the flow shifts to step 336 to determine whether or not all print data has been received. If not, the process of steps 330 and 332 is repeated until the process is completed, and then the process proceeds to step 338.

In step 338, one page of print data is read from the print data stored in the reception buffer memory 56, and the printing process is performed by the recording paper printing unit 62. Then, the process proceeds to step 340.

In step 340, it is determined whether or not a paper jam has occurred during the execution of the printing process in step 338. If a paper jam has occurred, the process proceeds to step 342, and a message indicating that a paper jam has occurred has been made. Is displayed on the liquid crystal panel 13A.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 340 that no paper jam has occurred, step 344 is executed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the print processing of the print data for all pages stored in the reception buffer memory 56 has been completed. If not completed, the processing of the steps 338 and 340 is performed until the processing is completed. repeat.

Next, a facsimile information transmission processing routine executed in step 320 of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, in step 350, facsimile 1
A connection request signal is transmitted to 4B. Facsimile 1
In 4B, when the connection request signal is received from the printer 10B, the determination in step 222 in FIG. 5 is affirmed, and the facsimile transmission process 2 routine is executed.

In the next step 352, the facsimile 14B transmits a destination number input from the information input key 13C of the control panel 13 in step 318 of FIG. 10 and a start signal for instructing start of facsimile transmission.
Send to

In the next step 354, facsimile 1
It is determined whether or not a facsimile error display command has been received from 4B. If it has been received, the process proceeds to step 356, where the extended command unit 58B displays the received facsimile error display command on the liquid crystal panel 13A of the control panel 13. The corresponding display is performed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 354 that the facsimile error display command has not been received, the flow shifts to step 360 to determine whether or not the operator has pressed the stop key of the information input key 13C on the control panel 13. Is determined, and if the button is pressed, the flow shifts to step 362 and the facsimile 14B
A facsimile operation command for canceling the image information reading processing or the facsimile transmission processing of the read image information is transmitted to the image processing apparatus.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step 360 that the stop key has not been pressed, step 3
The process proceeds to 64 to determine whether or not a transmission end signal has been received from the facsimile machine 14B. If not, the processes of steps 354 and 360 are repeated until the reception is completed.

Next, the operation of the computer 20 when the computer 20 directly uses the printer 10B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, at step 380, a connection request signal to the printer 10B is transmitted to the facsimile 14B. Upon receiving the connection request signal from the computer 20 to the printer 10B, the facsimile 14B makes an affirmative determination in step 208 of FIG. 5 and proceeds to step 210, where the A terminal and the C terminal of the switch 74 are connected. Switch to be connected. By this operation,
The computer 20 can directly use the printer 10B.

Next, in Steps 382 and 384, after transmitting the print data for all pages for each page, the present control program ends.

Next, the operation of the computer 20 when the computer 20 performs facsimile transmission using the facsimile 14B will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, steps 390 and 392
In the facsimile 14B, the facsimile 1
After transmitting the connection request signal to 4B, a facsimile transmission request signal is transmitted. When the facsimile machine 14B receives the connection request signal and the facsimile transmission request signal from the computer 20 to the facsimile machine 14B, as described above, both the determinations in step 212 and step 214 in FIG. Processing 1 routine is executed.

After transmitting the destination number in the next step 394, image information to be transmitted by facsimile is transmitted in a step 396.

As described in detail above, in the system using the computer, the printer, and the facsimile according to the first embodiment, the error display and various operations in both the facsimile and the printer are performed by one printer provided in the printer. Since it can be performed using the control panel, it is possible to provide a control panel for both the facsimile and the printer, and to prevent operator confusion and operation mistakes compared to when error display and various operations are performed for each device. In addition, a user-friendly system can be configured, and since only one control panel is required, the product cost of the entire system can be reduced.

[Second Embodiment] Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a state display such as an error state and various operations are performed on the facsimile side.

As shown in FIG. 15, the printer 10C of the second embodiment differs from the printer 10B of the first embodiment shown in FIG. The difference is that a portion 58C is provided.

The extended command section 58C is provided for the printer 10C.
In the event that any error has occurred in the facsimile machine 14, a message corresponding to the error that has occurred will be described later.
The liquid crystal panel 1 of the control panel 13 provided in C
3A, a command (hereinafter, referred to as a printer error display command) to be displayed on the facsimile machine 14 is generated.
C, a function for receiving a command transmitted from the facsimile machine 14C (hereinafter referred to as a printer operation command) when any one of the operation switches 13B of the control panel 13 is pressed by the operator. And a function of performing a process according to the printer operation command. Note that the extension command unit 58C corresponds to a third control unit of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 16, the facsimile machine 14C of the second embodiment differs from the facsimile machine 14B of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3 in that the control panel 13 is connected to the facsimile system control unit 70. This is different from the first embodiment in that the extension command unit 86B is an extension command unit 86C.

The extension command section 86C, upon receiving the printer error display command from the printer 10C,
It has a function of performing display processing on the liquid crystal panel 13A in accordance with the received printer error display command, a function of transmitting the printer operation command to the printer 10C, and the like. Note that the extension command unit 86C is the fourth command of the present invention.
Control means.

Therefore, in the second embodiment, the display of the error state of the facsimile machine 14C and the printer 10C and various operations are performed using the control panel 13 provided in the facsimile machine 14C.

As described above, in the system using the computer, the printer, and the facsimile according to the second embodiment, error display and various operations in both the facsimile and the printer are performed by one control panel provided in the facsimile. Therefore, similarly to the system configuration according to the first embodiment, the control panel is provided in both the facsimile and the printer, and the confusion of the operator and the confusion of the operator are reduced as compared with the case where error display and various operations are performed for each device. An operation error can be prevented, a user-friendly system can be configured, and only one control panel is required, so that the product cost of the entire system can be reduced.

[Third Embodiment] Next, a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a control panel is provided in both the printer and the facsimile, and one of the control panels is selected for use.

The printer of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the printer 10B of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
The facsimile of the third embodiment is similar to the facsimile of FIG.
The configuration is similar to that of the facsimile 14C of the embodiment.

That is, in the third embodiment, both the printer and the facsimile have the control panel 13 so that the operator can select and use one of the control panels.

In this case, the control panel can be selected by asking the operator to select a control panel that is easier for the operator to use when installing each device, and to use the selected control panel. For example, there is a method set by a service person.

As described above, in the system using the computer, the printer, and the facsimile according to the third embodiment, the error display and various operations in both the facsimile and the printer are controlled by the control panel provided in both the facsimile and the printer. Therefore, similar to the systems according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment, the confusion of the operator and the operation error can be reduced as compared with the case where an error display or various operations are performed for each device. Can be prevented, and a convenient system can be configured.

Further, in the system according to the third embodiment, since a control panel is provided in each device, it is not possible to reduce the product cost of the entire system, but depending on the installation state of the printer and the facsimile,
Since the control panel of the device installed at a position that is easy for the operator to use can be selected and used, a more convenient system can be provided.

[Fourth Embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 17, a printer 10D according to the fourth embodiment is different from the conventional printer 10 shown in FIG. 20 in that an extended interface unit for directly connecting a facsimile to a control panel 17 is provided. (Less than,
The only difference is that an extended I / F unit 64 is connected.

As shown in FIG. 18, a facsimile machine 14D according to the fourth embodiment differs from the conventional facsimile machine 14 shown in FIG.
And an extended I / F unit 88 for connecting to a printer
Is connected to the facsimile system control unit 70.

The extension I / F unit 64 of the printer 10D and the extension I / F unit 88 of the facsimile 14D are connected by the extension interface cable 26. Therefore,
The status display in the printer 10D and various operations by the operator can be performed by the control panel 17 provided in the printer 10D in the same manner as in the related art. The status display in the facsimile machine 14D and various operations by the operator are performed by the printer system control unit 50. This can be performed directly using the control panel 13 provided in the printer 10D without any intervention. Note that the command control unit 86 corresponds to a fifth control unit of the present invention.

As described above, the system using the computer, the printer, and the facsimile according to the fourth embodiment has the same effects as the system according to the first embodiment, and the facsimile is directly provided in the printer. You can use the control panel
In the first embodiment, it is not necessary to add an extended command unit added to each of the command control units of the facsimile and the printer.

In each of the above embodiments, a case where a facsimile is used as an external function expansion device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be used as a device.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, a case has been described in which, when an error occurs in either the facsimile or the printer, an error is displayed on the liquid crystal panel of the control panel, and then all the processing is terminated. The present invention is not limited to this. For example, after displaying an error, a recovery process corresponding to the error may be performed.

[0138]

As described above, the printer according to the present invention,
According to the external function expansion device and the system using the computer, the printer, and the external function expansion device, at least one of the status display of both the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of both the printer and the external function expansion device is performed. Can be performed using a control panel provided on one of the printer and the external function expansion device.
It is possible to prevent the confusion of the operator and the occurrence of an operation error, and to reduce the manufacturing cost of the entire system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a system using a computer, a printer, and a facsimile according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control panel according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a main control program executed in the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a facsimile reception processing routine executed in the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a facsimile transmission process 1 routine executed in the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a facsimile transmission process 2 routine executed in the facsimile according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a stop key interrupt process executed in the facsimile when the facsimile transmission process 2 routine is executed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a main control program executed in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a print processing routine executed in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a facsimile information transmission processing routine executed in the printer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a control program executed when directly using a printer in the computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a control program executed when performing facsimile transmission processing by facsimile in the computer according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a printer according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a facsimile according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

And FIG. 19 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a conventional system using a printer and a computer.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional printer.

And FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of a control panel of a conventional printer.

FIG. 22 is a configuration diagram illustrating an example of a conventional system using a computer, a printer, and a facsimile.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional facsimile.

FIG. 24 is a schematic view showing a configuration example of a control panel of a conventional facsimile.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10B Printer 10C {10D} 13 Control Panel 14B Facsimile (External Function Expansion Device) 14C $ 14D $ 20 Computer 58B Extended Command Unit (Second Control Unit) 58C Extended Command Unit (Third Control Unit) 86B Extended Command Unit ( 86C extended command section (fourth control means)

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A printer selectively connected to a computer and an external function expansion device whose function can be expanded by connecting an external device, the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device, A printer having a control panel for performing at least one of operation of an external function expansion device. 2. An external function expansion device whose function can be expanded by being selectively connected to a computer and a printer, wherein the status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and the operation of the printer and the external function expansion device are performed. An external function expansion device including a control panel for performing at least one of the following. 3. A computer and a printer, comprising: a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device whose function can be expanded by being selectively connected to the computer and the printer, any one of which is selectively connected to each other. And a control panel for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device. A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device provided in any one of the above. 4. The external function expansion device can be directly controlled from the computer.
A system using the computer, the printer, and the external function expansion device according to the embodiment. 5. A computer and a printer, comprising: a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device capable of expanding functions by being selectively connected to the computer and the printer, any one of which is selectively connected to each other. And a control panel provided in the printer, for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device, and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device. A first function that is provided in the external function expansion device and performs at least one of transmission of a display command for displaying the state of the external function expansion device on the control panel to the printer and processing according to an operation command received from the printer; Control means, provided in the printer and received from an external function expansion device Display of the status of the external function expansion device on the control panel based on the displayed display command, and transmitting, to the external function expansion device, an operation command corresponding to the operation when the external function expansion device is operated by the control panel. And a second control means for performing at least one of transmission and a system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device. 6. A computer and a printer, comprising a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device capable of expanding functions by being selectively connected to the computer and the printer, any one of which is selectively connected to each other. A system provided with the external function expansion device, for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device. A control panel, provided in the printer, and transmitting at least one of a display command for displaying the status of the printer on the control panel to the external function expansion device and a process corresponding to an operation command received from the external function expansion device. A third control unit for performing the operation, a printer provided in the external function expansion device, At least one of displaying the status of the printer on the control panel based on the display command received from the printer, and transmitting an operation command corresponding to the operation to the printer when the operation of the printer is performed by the control panel. A system using a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device comprising: a fourth control unit. 7. A computer and a printer, comprising: a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device capable of expanding functions by being selectively connected to the computer and the printer, any one of which is selectively connected to each other. And a control panel provided in the printer, for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device, and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device. And at least one of a display provided on the external function expansion device, a display of the state of the external function expansion device on the control panel, and a process corresponding to the operation when the external function expansion device is operated by the control panel. A computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device having: And the system using. 8. A computer and a printer, comprising: a computer, a printer, and an external function expansion device whose functions can be expanded by being selectively connected to the computer and the printer, any one of which is selectively connected to each other. A system provided with the external function expansion device, for performing at least one of a status display of the printer and the external function expansion device and an operation of the printer and the external function expansion device. A control panel, provided in the printer, for performing at least one of a display of the status of the printer on the control panel and a process corresponding to the operation of the printer when the printer is operated by the control panel; Control means; and a system using a computer having a M