JPS60123151A - Picture processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To improve the efficiency of copying operation and to form plural pictures at the same time by allowing a picture information output section and a picture signal storage section to form a picture designated by the said output section while changing over sequentially the control. CONSTITUTION:Readers 1, 2 read the picture of an original and a respective signal line is connected to a multi-input/multi-output controller (MIMOU)3. Printers 5, 6 record the picture through the signal lines from the MINOU3. A retention memory unit (RMU)4 stores/outputs picture information. Then the picture designated by the readers 1, 2 is formed by the readers 1, 2 and the RMU4 while changing over the control by means of the MIMOU3 sequentially.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Technical Field] The present invention relates to an image processing system that forms an image using one or more image forming devices based on an image signal output from an image output unit such as an image reading device. .

[Prior art]

Conventionally, this type of image processing device has been proposed for an image processing system that forms an image based on an image information signal obtained by optically reading a document. Since there is now a one-to-one correspondence between the printing unit and the printing unit, it is rare to have to read the original document every time the image is formed, so improvements in the efficiency of copying operations and operator operability are desired. It had been.

〔the purpose〕

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and it is possible to completely improve the efficiency of copying operations and to perform multiple image formations simultaneously by providing a multi-input multi-output device to the image information storage section. The aim is to provide a complete image system that is easier for operators to operate.

〔Example〕

The present invention will be explained below based on the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an overall layout of an embodiment of a processing system according to the present invention. 1 and 2 are readers for reading original images, and their respective signal lines are connected to the multi-input multi-output control device 3 (
(hereinafter referred to as MIMOU). Also, 5,
Reference numeral 6 denotes a printer, which records an image on a recording material such as paper through a signal line from the MIMOU 3 mentioned above. 4 is connected to the MIMOTJ3 and stores image information/
Retrieval/memory unit that can output (hereinafter referred to as tJU)
). Unlike the other devices described above, this ratio MtJ4 is connected to MIMOU3 through two signal line couples. The MIMOU 3 has a reader side connector section and a printer side connector section, which will be described later, and the RMU 4
In this case, one cable is connected to each of the above connector parts.

In FIG. 1, MIM (HI3 is reader 1°22
5 and 62 printers are connected respectively.
Combinations with more or less than the above numbers are also possible.
A maximum of 4 readers (I-1) and 8 printers can be connected.

Next, K, using all of FIGS. 2 to 6, the reader,
Retention Memory Unit (RMU).

A detailed explanation of the internals of multiple input/output devices (MIMOU), printers, etc. will be provided.

Fig. 2 fat and (bl) are block diagrams showing an example of the internal configuration of the reader 1. Read by COD, this?l in succession to one signal
The method is to generate it as a line image signal.

First, the description of FIG. 2(a) will be given.

The optical lens 10.11 is used to form an image of a document directly onto a document table (not shown) onto the C0D 12.13. Manuscript 1#! are sequentially scanned by an optical system (not shown), but since such reading technology is well-known,
A detailed explanation will be omitted.

C0D12.1'4 converts the shading of the original image into an electrical signal. This electric signal is amplified by an amplifier circuit 14.15 and converted into a multi-value digital signal for each pixel by an analog/digital converter (A/l) converter 14.15.

Furthermore, the digital signal is transmitted to the shading correction circuit 18.
19: uneven light emission of the light source, uneven luminous intensity distribution of the optical system, CC
After removing shading caused by uneven sensitivity of D, the ternary conversion circuit 20°21 outputs ternary digital image signals vo1-A, VL11-Bfi, and VD.
2-As and VD2-8 signals, respectively.

Ternarization is performed by binarizing at two stages of binarization levels, but there is a method using a constant binarization level given by the latch circuit 26, and dither B, 0M24.

At 25, selectors 22 and 23 select two types of ternarization processing using the so-called dither method, which is a method using binarized novel metal periodically changed within a predetermined matrix size. The dither method uses all binary signals to reproduce halftones in a pseudo manner, and is widely used in facsimiles and the like.

In this embodiment 2, it is possible to obtain an optimal copy image 8 by selecting the method of applying a constant level of gradation for text manuscripts, etc., and the dithering method for manuscripts requiring gradation such as photographs. is now possible.

Furthermore, even if you choose the method of giving a fixed level, you can also choose to make the two levels of ternarization the same value.

The dither l'LOM24 and 25VC are the dither patterns stored in the addresses given by 27 for counting the number of lines in the sub-scanning direction and 2B and 29 for counting the total number of pixels in the main scanning direction. Read out sequentially. In addition, in order to prevent the dither pattern from being disturbed at the joint when combining it with the electric signal 6t read/read by the CCD 12 and CCD 13, a latch circuit 3 is provided to provide the counter 29 with preset data of the optimum count.
G is connected.

This latch circuit 30 and other latch circuits in FIG. 2 are connected to the CPU bus of the CPU 3f3.
All data is latched by U38. CPO38 is
13. Executes the control program written in the ROM 39; AM4Q, I/, (J port 41, timer circuit 42, serial circuit 43, key display drive circuit 44') is used to control the entire reader.

The CPO 38 performs control for adjustment and operation confirmation based on the value set by the dip switch 46.

The key display drive circuit 44 is a circuit for scanning the key matrix of the operation section 45 and driving the display devices such as LEDs. Further, the serial circuit 43 is a circuit used for giving control commands to a printer or a multi-input multi-output device, and conversely receiving information.

The oscillation circuit 32 provides timing to a CCD drive tIb(b) path 31 for fully driving the CCDs 12 and 13, and other parts that handle image signals. The oscillation signal is color/ri3
3, and the count value is further counted by decoder 3.
4, and various timings are generated.

In the decoder 34, internal synchronization H for each l line in the sub-scanning direction
The number 8 is generated and input to the selector 35 manually. The selector 35 contains the same synchronization information BLJ (described later) that is sent from the printer when the printer is connected. + Entered: s! 1ll, cPu3ahAccording to the procedure shown in the flowchart of Fig. 9, select the 8D signal when the pre/li is directly connected to the reader (step S9-3).
, H when a multi-input multi-output device is connected to the reader.
The S signal is automatically selected (S9-4). The selected signal is used as a synchronization signal in the sub-traverse direction as an H3BD signal. The H3BD signal is also input to the counter 33 and used as a count reset signal.

The original clock of the write clock when writing the VD1 signal and VL)2 signal of both signals to the memories 60 to 63, which will be described later, is output from the color controller 33, and the write clock of the memory is outputted via the rate multiplier 36. W
It became CL K 4H. rate multiplier 3
Reference numeral 6 is for dividing the frequency of the input clock according to the value of a control signal (in this embodiment, the latch circuit 37) given from the outside and outputting it. 2 in this example,
It is used to change the magnification of an image in the main scanning direction.

Next, FIG. 2(b) will be explained.

Latch circuits 50, 51, and 52 are connected to light/color/respectively 53. Lead color/re54,55 presets
Data 't-give. Light color/li53 is 1. >1
-T-IJ60~63KVD1 (1, set the memory address when inputting the VD2 signal to the rate multiplier 3
Generated by the WCLK signal from 6. Conversely, the read counters 54 and 55 generate memory addresses for reading the committed vD1 and VD2 signals from the memories 60 to 63 using the RCLK signal (described later).

The memory address signals output from the write counter 53 and read counters 54 and 55 are sent to the selectors 56 to 55.
Select either the n write counter 53 or the read color/re 54, 55 signal input to the memory 60 to 59.
Give to 63.

The memories are a pair of memories 60, 61 and memories 62, 63, and when one is making a write operation sound, the other one is doing a read operation, thereby achieving signal speed/anonymity conversion.

A set of memories repeatedly performs a write operation and a read operation, and during a write operation, a signal from a write counter 53 is applied, and during a read operation, a signal from a read counter 54.55J is applied from selectors 56 to 59. It works. The repetition control of the write operation and read operation is performed by the H8BD signal described above.

The VD1-A signal, the VDl-B signal, the VD2-A48 signal, and the VL)2-8 signal read out from the memories 60 to 63 are input to the selector γ0, where they are synthesized and further processed such as image inversion and trimming processing. Image processing circuit 71 performs editing processing.
and sent to a printer or multiple input/multiple output device.

The oscillation circuit 'Nl66 generates all oscillation signals that serve as reference timing during a read operation. The oscillation signal is output to a printer or the like as a video clock VCLK. Control circuit 6
1 is a circuit for performing pledge control 141 using the HSl=ID signal from the selector 35, and controls the left margin counter 68 at a predetermined timing (described later).
．． Controls the operation of the bit color/reader 69.

Rate multiplier 64. , latch circuit 65, like the rate multiplier 36 and latch circuit 31 described above, generates all signals as the read clock RCL. Also,
A video enable signal VE (output to i-BR/RE, etc.) explained in FIG. 7.

Next, a control circuit diagram of the retention memory unit will be explained with reference to FIG. 75 is a microcomputer, which has a ROM76°RA Mγ7. I1
0 boats 78. Timer circuit 79° Serial communication circuit 80
The operation of each part is the same as that of the reader part, and the I10 port 78 is connected to each selector of the memory part.

The serial communication circuit 80 is a Maezaki multiple input multiple output device (MI
MOU) 3 reader side interface.

It can be connected in parallel to the printer side interface.

The memory section consists of memory A85 and memory B86.
Each one can contain image information for one fiA3. The image signal is the original signal of the ternary signal A and B.
Since this occurs, selector 97.98 selects memory A85.
Memo ν886 can be written in either direction. The image signal A is written into the shift register 1A32 using the video clock, and then written into the memory 1JAg5 in synchronization with the address generation circuit 83. Image signal B is similarly written to memory 886 through shift register 181. Writing of the two image signals is performed using a common video clock. Further, the memory address generation circuit 83 is synchronized with the video clock and the video enable signal. The video clock input to this address generation circuit 83 is selected by the selector 81 from the MIMOU
3 and the one generated by the internal generation circuit 91 are selected. Further, as the video enable signal inputted to the address generation circuit 83, the one communicated from the MIMOU 3 and the one generated by the internal generation circuit 87 are selected by the selector 88. Also, the H3 signal generated by the VE generation circuit 87 is sent to the selector 74! The BD double signal is sent to VcM MOU3 instead. This address generation circuit is also used when reading from memory. In addition, memory A
, to start writing or reading to B35°86,
The CPU 75 outputs the data through the entire I10 port 78.

For the image information of the memo IJA, B85.86, the address is generated by the address generation circuit 83, and the image information is generated as serial data by the shift registers 2A, 2B89.90, and is generated by the internal generation circuit 91 in synchronization with the deo clock. Output.

The video enable generation circuit 87 outputs an H signal to the reader section.
The circuit is similar to the 88D generation u path, and is generated at the timing shown in FIG. The generated image signal is sent to the selector 9
2 and 93 select whether to output to either the A or B line, and the clear image signal and OR circuit 94 and 95 select O
B is taken and output. In addition, a gate 72° γ3 is provided so that the output of both memo IJA and B and the transparent signal 01 () are taken. ,
The one generated by the internal generation circuit 91 is selected.

Next, the constituent block base of the multiple input multiple output device (MIMOU) shown in FIG. 4 will be explained.

MIMOUloo has four readers 101 to 104 and 8.
It shows how the printers 111 to 11B are connected and also illustrates the internal configuration.

MIMOUloo is a multi-input multi-output controller (Mu
lti Input Mufti 0output Co
A synchronous memory board (hereinafter referred to as MIMOC) 120 and a synchronous memory board (hereinafter referred to as MIMOC) used in one-to-one correspondence with the printers 111 to 118
(hereinafter referred to as SBD) 121 to 128, operation section 14γ
It is composed of three types of units:

The MIMOC 120 is a unit to which the readers 101 to 104 are connected, and includes serial circuits 131 to 134 connected to the serial circuit 43 of each reader and printers 112 to 1.
It has a serial circuit 135 connected to 28. The operation of these circuits is controlled by the CPU 140. still,
The CPU 14Q operates according to the control program written in the aoMl 41, and the R,
AM '142, I10 port) 143, interrupt controller 144. The entire MIMOU 100 is fully controlled using a timer circuit 145 and a key/display drive circuit 146.

The MIMOC 120 outputs a control bus CB and an image bus IB to 5BDs 121 to 128 as shown in the figure.

The image bus IB is a signal bus that transmits image signals sent from the readers 101 to 104, respectively, and control signals t to t of the image signals.

The control bus CB is a serial signal between the printers 111 to 118 (the printers 111 to 118 are connected to the serial circuit 1
MIMOUlo by the serial signal generated by 35
o) and SBD of I10 boat 143
This is a signal bus for control signals.

In this embodiment, the reader issues the command to start copying, and MIMOUloo is in a slave relationship with the reader. For this reason, since it is not known when a serial signal will arrive from a reader, MIM (JUloo is configured to allocate one serial circuit to one reader and use the CPU 140 to handle serial signals from all readers.

On the other hand, since MIMOUloo is in a master relationship with printers, by sequentially exchanging serial signals for each print, it is possible to exchange serial signals with multiple printers using one serial circuit 135. .

The operation unit 147Fi and the key/display drive circuit 146,
Key/Mater) Scans the IJ and drives the display. Details of the operation unit 147 will be described later.

The 5BDs 121 to 128 are used to synchronize the output of image signals sent from the reader and the operation of the printer. This 8BD will be further explained using FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 is a circuit block diagram showing a specific example of the circuit configuration of the synchronous memory boards 8BD121-128.

In FIG. 5, a selector 150 is a switching circuit that selects the control signal of the reader assigned to the CPU 140 from among the image control signals sent from a plurality of readers. The selected control signal is sent to the write color/receiver 151 and the VB counter 152 and stored in the memory 17.
It generates an address signal for writing an image signal to 1 to 178, a select signal for memory writing, and the like.

The selector 182 is a switching circuit for similarly selecting the image signal of the selected reader, and the selected image signal is input in parallel to the memories 171 to 178, and is written into the selected memory by the selectors 161 to 168. be remembered.

The write counter 151 generates an address signal for writing the image signal into the memories 171-178, and this address signal is input to the selectors 161-168.

The VE counter 152 has one control signal line (VE multiplication signal line) indicating one line of the image, and the count value is input to the decoder 153, and the count value is input to the eight memories 171 to 178.
A write select signal indicating which memory is to be written is generated and input to selectors 161 to 168.

These circuits are initialized by a control signal line (VSYNC signal) indicating the start of an image sent from a connected reader. Writing to memory is performed using memory 171. Memory 172. Memory 173...Memory 177, Memory 178. Memory 171...
This is done in order like...

On the other hand, reading of image signals from the memories 171 to 178 is started when the image signals are written into half of the entire memory, that is, when they are written into the memo I 7174 in this embodiment. This read start control signal is generated by the decoder 153 and input to the BD control circuit 154.

After the BD control circuit 154 is initialized with the VSYNC signal described above, the BD control circuit 154 receives the BD data sent from the connected printer until a control signal to start reading is received from the decoder 153.
Prohibits double signal output (BD' signal). When the inhibition of the output of the BD' signal is lifted, the BD' signal drives the control circuit 158, and the reading from the memory is performed in the same way as when writing to the memory 171, the memory 17j, the memory 173, and so on.
...Memory 177°Memory 178. Memory 171...
Do it in order like...

Oscillation circuit 155. Control circuit 15B, left margin
The counter 156 and the bit counter 15γ correspond to the oscillation circuit 66, the control circuit 67, the left margin counter 68, and the bit counter 69 of the reader shown in the second figure, and have almost the same functions. The difference is that the control circuit 158 generates a VE' signal similar to the VE multiplied signal;
This point is input to the E counter 180.

The VE counter 180 counts the VE' signals, and the count value is input to the decoder 181, which generates a read select signal indicating which memory is to be read, and input to the selectors 161 to 168, respectively.

In the selectors 161 to 168, the write counter 151
Using the signals from the and decoder 153 or the bit counter 157 and decoder 181, the memories 171-
Controls writing and reading to and from 178.

From the image signals read out from the memories 171 to 178, a selector 185 selects only the image signal from the memory being read out and sends it to the printer as a VD signal.

Control bus CB is connected to latch circuit 183. It is input to an interface circuit 184 and a control circuit 185.

The latch circuit 183 latches the select control signal to the selectors 150 and 182. This latch is configured so that control circuit 185 monitors the control bus signal and dip switch 1
The value set in 86 and the SBD specified by control bus CB
This is done when the numbers match. Control between the MIMOC 120 and the SBD is performed using the dip switch 186 in this way.
This is done using the value set in .

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the printer. The explanation will be given using FIG.

A serial signal line from MIMOUI 00 or the reader is input to the serial circuit 201 and processed by the CPU 200. The CPU 200 operates according to the control program stored in the R,0M 203, and the RAM 204. Timer circuit 202. A 205ft I10 boat is used to control the entire printer.

An input interface 207H performs input processing of sensor signals such as paper detection in the printer.

The drive circuit 208 is a circuit for driving a motor, a high voltage transformer, etc. (not shown). The display circuit 206 is used to display printer status such as no printing paper or occurrence of paper jam.

The VDA signal and VOO signal (image signal) sent from MIMOUloo or the reader are synthesized in a ternary ('VDVD signal) by a synthesis circuit 217, input to a laser driver 209, and a semiconductor laser 210 generates a laser beam based on the VD signal. converted into light.

The laser beam is focused by a collimator lens 210, and the photosensitive drum 2 is rotated at a predetermined rate by a borigo/mirror 212.
Scanning is performed in a direction substantially parallel to the rotation axis of No. 14. The scanned laser beam undergoes complete light intensity correction by the f-theta lens 213, and is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 214 to form a latent image based on the VD signal.

The printer uses a so-called electrostatic recording method to form an image.In seconds, the entire charge applied to the photosensitive drum 214 is removed by laser light, and this is then developed using a developer to print on the printing paper. Transcribed to.

This is done by getting established. Since the electrostatic recording method is a well-known technique, detailed explanation will be omitted.

Now, the laser beam scanned by the polygon mirror 212 is incident on the optical fiber 215 before being irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 214, and when the photodetector 216 detects the incident, it outputs an electric signal (BD multiplied signal. As can be seen from Figure 5, from the reader or MIMOUloo,
If the VD signal is output after waiting for the time from when the BD double signal is generated until the laser beam reaches the photosensitive drum 214,
A latent image is formed at an appropriate position on the photosensitive drum 214.

The seventh section specifically shows the output timing of this VD signal.
FIG.

In FIG. 7, an example of a reader is shown, but M
The same applies to IMOU.

In FIG. 2(b), from the generation of the H8BD signal due to the generation of the BD signal, the left margin counter 68 starts counting, and when the count up corresponds to the above-mentioned time, the bit color/return 69 is operated, and the memory 60 .61
Alternatively, reading of the VD signal from the memories 62 and 63 is started. The bit counter 69 stops operating after outputting the VD signal over the image forming area of the photosensitive drum 214, and prepares for the input of the H5BD signal based on the next BD double signal input.

V E signal H is a period signal indicating the period during which the bit counter 69 is operating. VE multiplication signal, MIMOU operation, vE counter 152 operation, write counter 1
It is used to control the operation of 51.

In MIMOU, the VE generated by the control circuit 158
'The signal is also similar to the VE multiplied signal.

FIG. 13 shows a complete timing chart of the image signals in the image signal synthesis circuit 217 of FIG. 6.

The image signal VDA is synchronized with the video clock VCL.
, VDB are sent, so the synthesis circuit outputs ■OO synthesized at twice the frequency of the video clock.

FIG. 8 shows the external appearance of the operating section provided on the reader connected to the present system in this embodiment.

Further, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing timing signals of the reader.The operating section includes a standard operating section 252, a preset operating section 251, a liquid crystal display section 256, and a special operating section 250 including soft keys 257. Standard operation section 252
There is a numeric keypad 254 for setting the number of sheets. Set number of sheets display section 25
5. It is equipped with a copy start key 253 and the like, and is used in the same manner as a commonly used copying machine.

The special operation section 250 is for the user to create any copy mode, and is equipped with a liquid crystal display section 256 that can display labels corresponding to the soft keys, copy mode, data, and various messages, and six soft keys 257. ,
When it is desired to select the content displayed on the liquid crystal display section 256, a copy mode or the like can be created by pressing the corresponding soft key below the display as soon as the content is selected.

For example, among the paper sizes displayed sequentially on the LCD.

The required paper size can be selected using the soft keys below the size display. Further, the liquid crystal display section 256 can display information that cannot be displayed on the standard operation section 252, such as information on how many printers are in use during copying using multiple printers simultaneously. .

The preset operation section 251 is capable of registering copy modes (conditions) set by the standard operation section 252 or the special operation section 250. That is, the frequently used copy mode 2 is registered in advance in the RAM 40, and the copy mode is read out from the memory with a single key operation without using the special operation section 250, so that copying in the desired mode can be easily performed. It is.

There are two ways to connect each device: connecting to a printer via a reader and a multi-input, multiple-output device, and connecting only a reader and printer, but you can determine this by checking the application/status described below. conduct. As mentioned above, the reader and the multi-input multi-output device are connected via a serial circuit to which a unique number is assigned, so the multi-input multi-output device treats that number as a unique number of the reader.

As mentioned above, the connection between the multi-input multi-output device and the printer is as follows.
Since they are connected via each synchronous memory board, the multi-input multi-output device treats the dip switch 186 on the synchronous memory as a unique number for the printer.

Furthermore, the Lite/Storage/Memory unit has two connection lines coming out, one of which is connected to the connector on the reader side and the other to the connector on the printer side.

When a reader is connected to a printer via a multi-input/multi-output device, the reader can select either a single mode or a multi-mode print mode.

Single mode is the same mode as when all readers and printers are connected, and is a mode in which a multi-dynamic output device connects a printer with the same number as the unique number assigned to the reader.In this case, each status is as follows. This is a mode in which the reader receives information from a single printer via a multiple-input multiple-output device.

On the other hand, the multi-mode is a mode in which one reader can connect to a plurality of unspecified printers via a multiple-input multiple-output device, and the printer is designated by the operation section of the reader. In addition, there is also a mode in which the printer specification is left to the multi-input multi-output device in the multi-mode, but in this case, the multi-input multi-output device selects the necessary number of printers that can operate according to the set number of prints. make it work. Furthermore, for each status in the multi-mode, the multiple-input multiple-output device assembles the information of each printer into a required format and transmits it to the reader.

Since the control when the reader and printer are directly connected on a one-to-one basis is the same as the single-mode control using a multiple-input multiple-output device, we will explain the communication in the system via the multiple-input multiple-output device below. conduct.

Retention memory unit = (RMU) 4 (Figure 1) f: There are three operating modes used.
For the second and subsequent images, there is a retention mode in which images are played back using the output from the retention unit 4, a store mode in which image signals from the reader are simply stored in the retention memory unit 4, and a retention memory unit 4.
In the monitor mode, all the image information stored in the printer is output and the image is reproduced on the printer.These modes can be specified in the reader 20, and this retention memory 4 operates according to instructions from the reader.

An example of setting the R, MU 4 store mode in the special operation section 250 of the reader in FIG. 8 will be described below with reference to FIG. 16. 2 in Fig. 8, 256 is a liquid crystal display, 257 is 6 soft keys (hereinafter referred to as SK or S).
Ki to SK6). The liquid crystal display section 256 displays displays corresponding to SK1 to SK6.

When the power is turned on, as shown in FIG. 16 (1), the portion corresponding to key S and 6 on the liquid crystal display section 256 displays E
Rt Cetra) is displayed. key 5K6t-
Each time the key is pressed, the contents of the display section corresponding to the keys SK1 to SK5 change in a circular manner, so that the input mode can be changed 9 and selected depending on the configuration of the system.

In other words, the reader can know what is connected to the system based on signals from the printer, and can allow the user to select an input mode according to the system configuration.

If RMU4 is connected to the system, 1&
E T (:, //vcBy pressing the corresponding key 5K5=i, the state can be set to 1 (, MU 4-person mode. 16th + 2), but in that state, 1 display X'RMU〃 Key corresponding to SK2=
RMU mode can be selected by pressing i. In addition, if the RMU mode is not selected, by pressing the key SK5 corresponding to the display "ETC",
Move to next input mode.

If the key SK2 is pressed while the display is in the state shown in FIG. 16 (2), the RMU mode is selected and the display is in the first
The scene changes as shown in Figure 6 (3). Here, key SK
1 to SK4 respectively correspond to a retention operation (high-speed retention using memory), a store operation (storage of document in memory), and a monitor operation (flushing out from memory 7).

Note that when the key SK5 corresponding to the display "BACK" is pressed, the input mode can be returned to the state shown in FIG. 16(2).

Here, three actions of RMU4 are selected,
For example, display retention? Key 5Kl corresponding to
When i is pressed, the retention operation is selected, and the display section corresponding to 1 for key S will show "retention?" as shown in FIG. 16 (4). 〃 changes to 1\Lite/Jiyon, /, /''. Here, the east?〃 mark indicates that the mode is not selected, and the corresponding key S
When K is pressed, V'i, indicates that mode is selected. On the other hand, the NIL (1// mark) indicates that the mode has already been selected.

After selecting the retention operation, you can perform a high-speed retention operation using memory by setting the number of copies and pressing the start key, similar to the operation of conventional multi-military aircraft.

As in the case of retention operation, if store operation is not selected in RMU input mode, is the display section stored? By pressing the key 5K3-i corresponding to ", you can select the store operation. At this time, the display section shows
After passing through the state shown in FIG. 16(5), the key is placed in the state shown in FIG. 16(6), where the key is waiting for human power. This is the selection of which memory to store data in, and sK1 to SK3 correspond to storing in memory A, memory B, memory 2, and memory B, respectively.

In other words, the key S corresponding to the memory stored here
By pressing Ki, a memory is selected. After selecting the memory, the operator can store the original in the memory by pressing the start key, which is a preparatory operation for the overlay operation and the monitor operation.

In the case of monitor operation, in the same way, when monitor operation is not selected in MU input mode, display 1 monitor? When the key SK4 corresponding to
8), and the system waits for input as to which memory should be output. Keys SK1-SK3 correspond to memory A, memory B, and outputs from memories A and B, respectively.

The operator presses the key SKi corresponding to the memory to be output.
After pressing the button, the required number of copies can be set and the monitor operation can be performed by pressing the start key.

The output in the retention operation monitoring operation is output to a specified printer according to a multi instruction or a single instruction.

Note that the above-mentioned multi-mode instruction is given by the special operation section 250 in the same way as the setting of the above-mentioned tension memory unit 4.
Since the number of the printer connected to the printer is displayed and selected using soft keys, a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

In the implementation system, between each device (league and MIMO
U, MTMOU and b+)p, MIMOU and RMU
) Information exchange other than image information is mainly performed by serial signal communication.

For serial communication, between the league and MIMOU, the league
Between the multiple-input multiple-output device and the flash/receiver, the multiple-input multiple-output device has the initiative.

Among MIMOU and MU, RMU takes initiative in the interface connected to the league side, and MIMOU takes initiative in the interface connected to the printer side.

The person with the initiative detects whether the other party can receive serial signals (depending on the other party's power-on signal, receivable signal, etc.), and if communication is possible, outputs various commands in full serial code, The receiving side receives the above command and executes 7
, High IJ Tier error, etc. are checked, and if the command is valid, information corresponding to the command is sent back. If the command requires the receiving side to take any action, the corresponding action is performed.

In communication, the person with the initiative outputs an instruction code (called a command), and the receiving side outputs information corresponding to that instruction code (
This is done on a one-to-one basis, in which the status (called status) is always sent back.

Table 1 shows the status request command for requesting information about the status. When the multiple-input multiple-output device or printer receives all the status request commands, it returns a status signal corresponding to each status request command shown in Tables 2 to 11 to the league.

Table 2 shows the command error status returned when the received command is invalid. In the case of a parity error,
Bit 6 is set.

Table 1 shows the status of the corresponding printer in single mode for each reader, and shows the overall status of available printers and printers in use in multimode. A pre/t request, which is a paper feeding enable signal, is set when all printers in use become capable of paper feeding. Bit 5, Paper conveyance, is set if any printer in use is conveying paper. Bits 4, 3, and 2.1 for misprint, waiting (fuser temperature rising), pause (shutoff and power saving), call error, 1 (operator call t*a service machine/call error) is set when an error occurs in all printers in use.

Tables 3, 4, and 5 show details of operator call errors and serviceman call errors, respectively, and the bits corresponding to each error in each drive unit and process unit are set when the error occurs.

Table 4, Table 5, Table 6 shows paper sizes that occur due to jams and misprints, Tables 7 and 8 show paper sizes for printers that are compatible with single mode, Table 8 shows application The status indicates to the reader whether the duplex unit and retention memory unit are connected using bits 2 and 1. If the printer is directly connected to the reader, bit 2 of the duplex unit Yes has been reset.

tfc, IJ77/When a memory unit is connected, bit 1, retention memory unit present, is set.

Tables 9 and 10 show the status of the printer as indicated by the printer information request status. Bit 6, printer ready, indicates that the corresponding printer is capable of copying, and bit 5, my printer, indicates that the printer has the same number as the reader that requested information. Bit 4.3.2.
1 indicates the respective cassette size.

Table 11 shows the number of sheets fed in one copy. The final paper feed indicates that printing of all the specified number of copies has been completed. Bit 5, retransmission request present, indicates that a jam or misprint has occurred in one of the printers in use, and a retransmission request for image information has occurred. The number of sheets is requested by a retransmission request number of sheets request.

Tables 11 and 12 show execution commands that prompt the printer to execute. When an execution command is output, the MIMOtJ4 or BRIDGE and retention memory unit
The overall status shown in the table will be returned.

1 is a copy start command that requests the printer to start a copy operation, 2 is a printer stop command that requests all copy operations to be stopped, and 3 and 4 are paper feed instruction commands that instruct the paper feed cassette direction in single mode. 5 is a number-of-copies instruction command, which indicates the number of copies of one original. 6 is a multi-instruction command, which sets the number of the printer to be used in the second byte corresponding to each bit of one byte (printer 1 is set to the 1st bit, printer 2 is set to the 2nd bit). This is an instruction command indicating that the 7Vi reader operates in single mode. 8 is a command for instructing the paper size, which is output from the reader in the multi-mode.

Table 12 (9) is a command indicating an instruction to the retention memory unit, which is output from the reader when the reader is set to use the retention memory unit.

Table 13 specifically shows the Lite/John memory unit instructions in 9 of Table 12.
Bit 5 and bit 6 instruct which memory to store data into, and bit 4, which is set by the store mode instruction in the reader, is a pit that instructs the retention copy mode, and when the reader is set to the retention mode. Set.

Bit 3 and bit 2 instruct which memory to output from, and are set by a monitor mode instruction from the operation unit of the reader.

Table 13 (IJ Text/Jon memory unit instruction commands/codes) 1st byte OB 2nd byte The reader's microcomputer is not in the process of executing a copy sequence, and in a state where there is no key human power, The communication as shown is performed before the communication shown in Table 13. Further, the selection of the H8BD signal is also performed according to the flowchart of FIG. 9 described above.

First, the reader obtains information as to whether the MIMOU is connected by outputting an application status request command and inputting the application status (step 515-1). Also, learn how to connect the memory unit. Copy start check (S15-2
), when MIMOU is connected, the printer information request command 6M is output 8 times corresponding to the number of printers that can be connected to I MOU, and the number of printers that are ready to print and the number of single mode printers are Furthermore, information is obtained as to what number printer has what size paper in the upper/lower tier (S15-4.5).

Also, when the MIMOU is not connected, it is a stand-alone type, and the reader and printer are directly connected without going through the MIMOU, so the upper cassette status request command and lower cassette status request command in Table 1. The upper/lower cassette size is known from the output (S15-6).

After obtaining the paper size information and the like when the MIMOU is connected or not connected, the overall status is obtained using the overall status request command shown in Table 1 (S15-7). However, at this stage, the copy sequence is not yet being executed, so only whether there is a call error or not is determined based on the overall status (Sl 5-
8). If there is no call error, Sl 5-
Return to the application status request in step 1 and repeat these steps below.

If there is a call error, use the service man call error request command in Table 1 to send the service man call error (D detailed information kmle (S15-9).
Obtain operator call error details using the operator call error request command in the table (S15.-10)
. Thereafter, the process returns to (S15-1) and the same process is repeated.

In this way, communication before the normal sequence is performed, and when the copy start key is pressed in the copy start check (S16-2), the operation shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the execution program of the microcomputer CPU during the image reading operation in the league.

When the copy start key is pressed after various settings are made by the operation section, the league first determines whether there is an MU instruction, and if the instruction is set by the operation section (step 510-1). , RMU instruction instruction frame/use (S10-2).

At the same time, the paper size, printer number, and number of copies specified from the operation panel are output. The printer number is
In multi mode, the specified number is output, and in single mode, all of your own numbers are output. Not output in RMU mode (S10-3.310-5.310-
6'). The printer number instruction is not specified when the RMU instruction is a store instruction, so it is not output. Next, a copy start instruction command is output (Sl 0
-7).

If it is the RMU monitor mode, a printer stop signal is output and the operation ends (S10-20).

In other cases, wait until paper feeding is possible (Sl
0-9), when paper feeding is possible is input, outputs a paper feeding start instruction and starts timer 1 at the same time (
Sl 0-10 , Sl 0-11 ).

This timer 1 is in charge of the time from when the printer starts feeding the paper completely until the paper comes to the position where an image can be formed. When the timer 1 hits empty/door (SI 0-12), scanning of the optical system is started (SI 0-13), and document reading is started (S1014).

After reading the original, that is, outputting the image signal (S
IO-15), import the number of copies (S10-16)
. If the retention mode of the RMU is the store mode, the printer stops all outputs and completes the operation (Sl 0-17, Sl 0-20). In other modes, count down the number of sheets. Sl 0-1
8) Please check whether the final copy has been completed.510-
19) If not completed, repeat paper feed check possible. If the final copy has been completed, a printer stop message is output and the entire operation ends (Sl 0-20 ).

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the microcomputer when it receives a copy start instruction for a multiple input multiple output unit (MIMOU) from the league, and will be described below.

If copy star i is received, check whether the RMU instruction command is received or not (step S11-1)
, if received, output instructions to the RMU 511-
2) If you have received the paper size and printer number/bar, please send the printer number. 511-3.311-4.5
11-5), then output the entire number of copies (S11-6)
). Then, copy start = output to iRMU (S1
1-7), start copying operation.

If there is no R or MU instruction, first check the printer with the required paper size based on the printer number instruction and paper size instruction, and if there is no paper, send all paper out and end the operation (S11-9 , 511-10).

Upper and lower cassette instructions are output to printers having the required paper size, and then the required number of printers is calculated based on the printer number and the number of copies (Sl 1-11 ).

The copy star If is output to the necessary printer and the copy operation begins (S11-12).

When a printer stop is received, the copy operation outputs each printer stop and ends (S1113, 5jl-
14).

Wait until all the printers that have output copy start are ready to feed paper, and then output a message that paper feed is possible to the reader (S11-1
5.511-16). From the leader.

If all paper feed start signals are received (311-17), paper feed start signals are output to the required number of printers (S11-18).
. When the image signal is received from the reader, the image is simultaneously output to all printers that have started feeding paper (Sl
1-19'). Here, the error 'r is checked, and if an error occurs (311-20), error processing is performed according to the condition (S11-21), the total number of copies is calculated, and it is sent to the reader (S11-22). ). Then, it is checked whether all copies have been completed, and if all copies have been completed, a final copy completion message is sent to the reader, and the printer waits for the printer to stop.

Also, if all copies have not been completed, restart from calculating the required number of printers (S11-23.511-24)
.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart of an execution program for the operation of the printer's microcomputer during the image forming operation. show. When the copy start signal is received from MIMOU, the printer starts operating each part according to a predetermined sequence (step 512-2).

In this system, since an electrostatic recording method using a drum as described above is used, pretreatment such as drum charging is required. Therefore, wait until the preprocessing is completed and paper feeding becomes possible, and if it becomes possible, full paper feeding is started from the cassette instructed by MIMOU before copying starts (Sl 2-3).

512-4).

It waits until the fed paper reaches a position where image signals can be received (S12-5), and when it reaches the position, it outputs a signal -iMIMOtJ indicating that it is possible to receive image signals (S12-6).

When an image signal is input, a series of copying operations such as development, transfer to paper, and paper ejection outside the printer are performed (Sl 2-7
, Sl2-8).

Then, it detects whether an error has occurred in a series of copy operations and sends that information to rMIMOU (Sl
2-9, Sl2-10).

After that, when a printer stop message is received, each part of the printer is stopped and the series of copying operations is completed.Sl 2-11
．． 312-13), when the copy start is received, the next copy is all started (S12-12).

Figure 14 shows the retention memory unit (RMU).
This is shown in a flowchart of the execution program of the copy operation of the microcomputer after receiving the copy start command No. 4, and will be fully explained. RMU is a multiple input multiple output device (M
The reader side connector of IMOU) 3 is connected to the printer side connector, so instructions from the reader are input from the printer side interface via the MIMOU=i, and operation instructions to the printer are similarly input from the reader side. Do it from the interface. Therefore, usually MIMO
If there is a status request from U, the status is output from the printer side interface, and the status of each blink is output from the reader side interface.
obtained through.

Next, regarding the copy operation, if no Mtl instruction is received, nothing is done (step 514-1).
If there is an image storage instruction by tf, retrieval or store instruction, it operates in the same way as a printer (S14-2
), so follow the MU instruction and select the memory to store. If it is a retention instruction, the memory A85. Both of the memories B86 are used (Sl 4-3'). Then, all available paper is output (S14-4). In response, the IJ-da outputs a paper feed start signal, and then an image signal is output, so all these are input and stored (Sl
4-5, Sl 4-6'). If printer stop is received, the operation ends in storage mode (
Sl 4-8 ), in the retention output mode, the reader-side interface is then used 7 to start the same operation as the reader.

First, the printer number, paper size, and number of copies received at the start of operation = Sl
4-9, Sl 4-10.514-11), and outputs copy start (Sl 4-12). and R.M.U.
Select all output memory by instruction command. In the rotation mode, output is made from both memory A85 and memory B86 (Sl 4-13).

Then, wait for all possible paper feed inputs from MIMOU,
Output the paper feeding start instruction.Sl 4-14.

Sl 4-15'), start timer 1. This timer 1 is the same timer used in the explanation of the reader operation (Sl 4-16 ).

When this timer 1 ends, image signals are output from each memory (Sl 4-17, Sl 4-18).

When the image signal output is completed (S14-19), take in the number of copies (Sl 4-20'), and check whether the final paper feeding has been completed or not (Sl 4-21'); if not, Resume from paper feed availability check. If the copy operation has been completed, a printer stop message is output and the copy operation is ended (Si4-22).

〔effect〕

As described above using the embodiments, according to the present invention, a system is configured with a plurality of readers, a plurality of printers, one multi-input multi-output control device, and one retention memory unit. However, if it is a copy of the same original,
The reader only outputs one image, and the retention memory unit then copies the required number of images. This reduces the number of times the reader's optical system is used, and the reader only outputs images once. Just by doing
It becomes possible to copy other documents, improving the efficiency of the copying operation, and at the same time, there is no need for complicated operations and processing such as conventional interrupt processing, resulting in the effect of improving operability for the operator.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the overall layout of an embodiment of the processing system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 fa) is a block diagram showing an example of the internal configuration of the reader, and FIG. 4 is a configuration block diagram of a multiple input multiple output device (MIMOU), and FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration block diagram of a synchronous memory board (SBD).
FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the internal configuration of the printer, and FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the internal configuration of the printer.
Fig. 8 is an external view of the operation section of the reader, Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the order in which the timing signals of the reader are selected when the power is turned on, and Fig. 10 is a timing chart regarding the image (VD) signal. FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the execution program of the microcomputer during the image reading operation in the reader.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the execution program of the microcomputer in U) during copy operation; FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the execution program of the printer's microcomputer during operation; FIG. 13 is a timing chart of image signal synthesis; The diagram shows the retention memory unit (
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the entire basic communication sequence of the reader, and FIGS. 16(I) to (8) are flowcharts of the execution program during copy operation of the microcomputer (RMU), respectively. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of each display on the special operation section 2 during operation. 3...Multi-input multiple-output control device (MIMO
U) 4...Retention memory unit (MU) 5.6...Printer 12.13...CCD 32...... ...Oscillation circuit 35...
......Selector 121.122.128...
...Synchronized memory board (8BD) 253...Copy key 254...Numeric keypad 256...Liquid crystal display section 257... ...Soft key

Claims (1)

[Claims] an output unit that outputs image information as all electrical signals; a storage unit that stores all of the image signals; a multi-input, multi-output control unit that controls input and output of a plurality of image signals; and the image 1#! In a system configured with an image regeneration unit that forms an image based on a signal, the image regeneration operation specified in the output unit, the output unit, and the storage unit are configured in the following manner: ii! II image processing system.