JPS63253964A - Copying controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a malfunction of a copying machine by utilizing an abnormality decision of communication of each microcomputer, and using the repetition of a permission and the inhibition of a communication interruption, for deciding a runaway of a program. CONSTITUTION:A copying operation is controlled by three pieces of microcomputers of a microcomputer 1 for executing a display of an operating board 2 and its key input processing, a heater control 3, and a lamp control 4, a microcomputer 7 for a scanner motor control 5 of an optical system and a stepping motor control 6 for a lens/mirror, and microcomputer 13 for a main control executing ON/OFF of a clutch, a solenoid 8, a relay 9, a motor 12, etc., an input processing of various sensors 10, a high voltage power source control 11 and their sequence control. In this state, by utilizing the communication, operations of the respective microcomputers are monitored each other. In such a way, the runaway of the microcomputer is detected at a low cost and easily, and the malfunction of a copying machine can be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Technical Field) The present invention relates to a copy control device using a plurality of microcomputers.

(Prior art) Conventionally, for main control, optical system control, operation part control, etc.
In a copy control device using a plurality of microcomputers, methods for detecting program runaway include (1) a method using a runaway detection IC (watchdog timer);

(2)? J [Method of mutually monitoring abnormalities using nine microcomputers.

etc. have been devised, but in the case of (1), a dedicated r
In the case of method (2), for example, pulses are generated repeatedly and changes in the form of the pulses are detected. , special signals for monitoring such as detecting abnormalities and software for detecting changes in the signals are required.

Furthermore, in both cases (1) and (2), pulses are output repeatedly to the outside to notify that the program is operating normally, but this is vulnerable to external noise and there is a high possibility of malfunction. was there.

(Purpose) In view of the above points, the present invention utilizes the functions of conventional copying machines to inexpensively and easily detect microcomputer runaway, thereby preventing failures that may lead to copying machine disasters. It is intended for this purpose.

(Configuration) For this purpose, the present invention utilizes conventional abnormality determination of communication between microcomputers to enable communication interrupts,
Use repeated prohibitions to determine whether a program is running out of control.

That is, if a program runs out of control with communication interrupts disabled, communication will stop without generating a communication interrupt. This causes other microcomputers to determine that there is a communication error and stop the copying operation.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a mechanical section inside the main body of one type of copying machine embodying the present invention.

A contact glass 4o on which a document is placed is provided, and an optical scanning section is provided below the contact glass.

The optical scanning system includes an illumination lamp 41, a first mirror 42, and a second mirror 42.
Mirror 43, third mirror 44, zoom lens 45, fourth
Equipped with mirror 46 etc. The optical scanning system is mechanically driven to scan in the sub-scanning direction, that is, in the horizontal direction of the drawing, while irradiating the photosensitive drum 47 with light corresponding to the original image. In this example, by adjusting the illumination distance of the zoom lens 45, the original image in the main scanning direction, that is, in the direction perpendicular to the drawing;
The magnification of the copy image is adjusted, and the magnification of the original image and the copy image in the sub-scanning direction is adjusted by adjusting the sub-scanning speed of the optical scanning system.

A charger 48, an eraser 49, a developing device 50, a transfer charger 51, a separation charger 52, a cleaning unit 53, and the like are provided around the photosensitive drum 47. There are two paper feed systems, 54.5 cassettes.
Copy sheets are fed by paper feed rollers 56 and 57 from one of the selected copy sheets. Further, a double-sided tray 58 is provided, and when performing back-side copying, a copy sheet is supplied from the double-sided tray 58. Paper feeding mechanisms are provided near the cassettes 54 and 55 and the duplex tray 58, respectively (59 is a duplex paper feeding roller).

Next, an outline of the copy process will be explained. The photosensitive drum 47 rotates clockwise in FIG. 1, and its surface is uniformly charged to a predetermined high potential. When the charged surface is irradiated with light from an optical scanning system, the potential changes depending on the intensity of the light. Since the light emitted by the optical scanning system corresponds to the original image, a potential distribution corresponding to the original image, that is, an electrostatic latent image, is formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 47. Photosensitive drum 47
When the portion on which the electrostatic latent image is formed passes through the developing device 50, toner is attracted to the photoreceptor drum 47 according to the potential distribution, thereby forming a toner image (visible image) corresponding to the electrostatic latent image. is formed. A copy sheet is fed at a predetermined timing from a selected sheet feeding system to the photosensitive drum 47 on which the visible image has been formed in this way, and is superimposed on the visible image. The visible image is then transferred to a copy sheet by the transfer charger 51. The copy sheet to which the visible image has been transferred is separated from the photoreceptor drum 47 by a separation charger 52.
It is sent out to the transport section. Then, the visible image is fixed onto the copy sheet by a fixing section 61 provided in the conveying section.
In the single-sided copy mode, the copy sheet that has been fixed passes through the path switching mechanism 62 and is immediately ejected in the direction of arrow A; however, in the double-sided copy mode, when copying is done on the first side, the copy sheet The conveyance direction of the sheet is reversed by a path switching mechanism 62, and the sheet is stored in a double-sided tray 58 through a conveyance mechanism 63.

An operation board 60 is arranged on the top surface of the copying machine.

Further, an automatic document feeder (ADF device) is installed above the contact glass 40 of this copying machine, and a sorter is installed near the paper ejection port.

Figure 2 shows the appearance of the operation board of the copying machine. Referring to the figure, this operation board includes a program key 70 for storing and recalling programs, a program display 71 for indicating that a program is in use, an interrupt key 72 for setting and canceling interrupt copy, and an interrupt display for indicating the interrupt copy status. 73. Number confirmation key 74 used to confirm the number of sheets set during copying, when changing size/magnification/programming, numeric keypad 75 used when setting the number of copies, changing size/programming, display panel 76 for displaying various information. , a double-sided key 77 for making double-sided copies, a double-sided display 78 that displays the status of double-sided copying, a binding margin adjustment key 79 that is used to create binding margins (margins) for copies, and a binding margin dimension that displays binding margin dimensions. Display 80, DF mode key 81 used when performing paper size unification or automatic paper selection, size unification display 82 showing the size unification state when using DF, automatic paper selection display 83 showing the automatic paper selection state when using DF, sorter A sort display 84 that shows the sort state when in use, a stack display 85 that shows the stack state when the sorter is in use, a sorter key 86 that is used to set/cancel the sorter mode and set/cancel the stack mode, and an ADF that shows the ADF (fully automatic) mode. Display 87.5ADF (semi-automatic) mode not shown 5ADF display 88, AD Doki Document Feeder
DF key 89 used when setting to either F mode or 5ADF mode, document size manual display 90 that lights up when inputting the dimensions of the original, specified dimension manual display 91 that lights up when the specified dimensions are input, Dimensional magnification key 92 used when selecting the copy magnification by dimensions; Dimension magnification key 93 used when selecting the copy magnification in 1% increments
, a page continuous copying display 94 that shows the page continuous copying status, a page continuous copying key 95 that is used when automatically copying a double-page spread document one side at a time, and a document size that is used when determining the copy magnification based on the document size and paper size. selection key 96,
Reduction key 97 used when making reduced copies, enlargement key 9 for temporary use when making enlarged copies, normal size key 99 used when returning to normal size copying, paper selection key 100 used specifically for copy paper selection, copy image Temperature adjustment key 101 used to adjust the density, automatic density key 102 used to set and release the automatic density adjustment function, clear stop key used to change the number of sheets set, interrupt repeat copying, cancel program protection, etc. 103, a start key 104 for starting the copy operation, a preheating mode mode clear key 105 used to return each mode to the standard mode or to switch between the preheating state and the normal state;
A preheating display 106 indicating the preheating state is provided.

In the size uniformity mode, the copy magnification is automatically set according to the size of the original and paper (copy sheet) (for example, A4.85, etc.). In automatic paper selection mode, the paper source is automatically selected according to the original size and copy magnification. Binding margin adjustment is a function that does not shift the correspondence between the position of the original image and the position on the copy sheet in the sub-scanning direction. In this example, the position deviation amount is -10° -5, 0, +5 and +10hn) Any of the stages can be specified. It is possible to independently take pictures of the front and back sides of the copy sheet.

To set the dimension scaling mode, press the dimension scaling key 93, specify the original dimensions using the numeric keys 75, press the number confirmation key 74, press the - variable dimension scaling key 93, and then press the numeric keys 75. Specify the dimensions of the copy using and press the number confirmation key 74.

With this operation, the copy magnification is automatically set by calculating the original and copy dimensions.

In this example, the copy density is adjusted in seven steps, and by pressing a key, the density can be adjusted in the darker or lighter direction one step at a time.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration diagram of the control circuit of this copying machine.

As can be seen from the figure, in this example: (1) Display on operation board 2, manual key processing, heater control 3, lamp system? Microcomputer 1 that performs 114
(2) Macrocomputer 7 for optical system scanner morph control 5 and lens/mirror stepping motor control 6 (3) Clutch, solenoid 8, relay 9, motor 12
The copying operation is controlled by three microcomputers: a main control microcomputer 13 that controls the input processing of various sensors 10, the high-voltage power supply control 11, and their sequence control.

Next, FIG. 4 shows a connection diagram between the respective microcomputers for realizing the present invention.

In this figure, other signals are omitted. A in this diagram
, B, and C represent each control board. In this example, A is the main control board, and the other control board is B.

C is controlled by a serial communication line. P.C.

TXD is a signal line for transmission data. Pc1 is R
, D are signal lines for received data. p.c.

is a select signal and is a signal for switching communication with B or C. When PC, = H, communication between A and B is performed, and when PC, -L, communication between A and C is performed. 7705CPS is a reset IC that provides a reset signal at i[0N10FF to the microcomputers of each control board A, B, and C (7). Pct is for forcibly resetting other control boards when an abnormality is detected. 77
The output of 05CPS and the output of LSO7 are connected by a wired OR for open collector.

B is an optical control board, and Pct is for the select signal of A for the motor. The other lines are the same as A. C is an operation control board, and each signal line is the same as B. PCo and PC
, B uses LS126 and is enabled when the SEL signal is H, and C uses LS125 and is enabled when the SEL signal is L.

Next, the procedure of data communication between each control board will be explained with reference to FIG.

A initiates communication. First, the SEI signal is set to "H" and data is transmitted to B. Then, a reception interrupt INTSR occurs in B, and the interrupt processing routine takes in the received data, and then transmits the data to A. On A side, reception interrupt I is generated when the data is received.
NTSR is generated, and the same processing routine takes in the received data, sets the SEL signal to #H", and transmits the data to C. On the A side, reception interrupt INTSR occurs when the data is received, and 1. The processing routine takes in the received data, sets the SEL signal to "L", and transmits the data to C. Then, a reception interrupt occurs in C, and data is transmitted to A in the same way as in the case of B. A reception interrupt occurs again in A, and then the SEL signal is set to #H# and data is transmitted to B. Below,
Repeat this constantly.

Fig. 6 (Fig. 6A, Fig. 6B, Fig. 6C) and Fig. 7 (Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B, Fig. 7C) show flowcharts for realizing the present invention. Fig. 6 is the main It is a flowchart of control communication and abnormality detection. First, as shown in Figure 6A, after starting the program, data transmission to B is started, and the tamper is started immediately thereafter. Next, when receiving from B, as shown in FIG. 6B,
For reception interrupts, first disable reception interrupts, reset the timer, and start the timer again. Next, reception processing is performed, and data transmission is performed by switching the SEL signal. In this case, since the communication interval is around 1113, a timer interrupt is set to be generated when the timer value exceeds 2 mm.

If the communication is working normally, the receive interrupt is 1.
Since it comes in around morning and resets the timer, the timer value never exceeds 2mm.

If communication is interrupted, the timer value exceeds 2 mm and a timer interrupt occurs as shown in FIG. 6C.

At the timer interrupt, PC ``t'' is set to #L, and all microcomputers are forcibly reset l-.

If the main control microcomputer itself goes out of control, communication will stop because reception interrupts are permitted within the main loop.

This causes a communication error with the microcomputers on other control boards, causing them to be reset in the same way.

FIG. 7 is a routine for optical control communication and abnormality detection.

As in case A, after the start, the timer is started and reset due to the reception interrupt. In this case, communication is performed only once every two times, so the communication interval is 2fl! It will be around S. Therefore, when the timer value becomes 4ms or more, a timer interrupt is generated. In this case as well, an abnormality in another microcomputer is detected by stopping communication, and PCl is set to 'L' to reset it. Also, as in A, it is possible to notify other microcomputers of its own runaway by stopping communication by disabling reception interrupts. In this way, the operations of each microcomputer can be monitored using communication.

Note that the operation unit control is the same, and in this case, rSEL=H? of the reception interrupt routine. J's step is "5EL=L
? ”.

(Effects) The present invention is as described above, and according to the present invention, it is possible to inexpensively and easily detect runaway of a microcomputer and prevent malfunctions of a copying machine.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the entire copying machine to which the present invention is applied;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the operating section, Fig. 3 is a copy control block diagram, Fig. 4 is a connection diagram between microcomputers, and Fig. 5 shows the procedure of data communication between each control board according to the present invention. The diagrams for explanation, FIG. 6A, FIG. 6B, and FIG. 6C are the same,
Main control board control flowchart, Figures 7A and 7B
7C are control flowcharts of the optical control board. 1.7.13...Multiple microcomputers. Figure 1 Figure 3 Figure 4 Edge 5 Figure 6 Figure 6B Figure 7A Figure 7C Figure 7B

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) Using multiple microcomputers, one is identified as the master and the others as slaves, and one monitors the other within the communication interval between the master and slave to detect abnormal operations and detect abnormalities. A copying control device characterized by stopping all copying operations when a copying operation occurs. (2) Claim 1, characterized in that the device has means for counting the number of communications and means for resetting the count, and stops the communications when the means for counting the number of communications exceeds a certain value. The copy control device described in (1).