JP2000032656A - Power supply controller and power supply control method of the power supply controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To supply/cut off a power supply for an entire system in a predetermined order by simply turning on/off a single power supply/cut-off switch. SOLUTION: The switching between the supply/cut-off of a power for a reader unit (low voltage power supply unit 2809b) is operated with a soft switch 2811. The switching is detected by the CPU 2209 of a reader controller (IP). A relay 2805 is controlled so as to supply/cut off a power for a printer unit, after the supply/cut-off of a power for the reader unit (low voltage power supply unit 2809b).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply control device for controlling power supply from a first predetermined electric device to a second predetermined electric device, and a power control method of the power supply control device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 26 is a block diagram for explaining a conventional copying system, and corresponds to a case where an image reading apparatus is connected to an image recording apparatus via a host computer or a network.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2501 denotes an image reading device (reader unit) such as a scanner, which reads image information from a document. A printer controller 2103 controls the printer unit 2102. 2101 is video I /
F, the printer unit 2102 and the printer controller 21
03 is performed. Printer section 210
Reference numeral 2 is for outputting an image to a recording medium based on image information transmitted from the printer controller 2103.

The printer controller 2103 can receive image information from the image reading device 2501 via a predetermined communication medium such as a host computer 2104 or a network 2105.

[0005] The printer controller 2103 includes:
The print data transmitted from the host computer 2104 is transmitted to the printer unit 2102, and controls the entire copying system.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional copying system, which corresponds to a case where an image reading device is directly mounted on an image recording device. The same components as those in FIG. 26 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2603 denotes a selector unit for selectively transmitting image information from the printer controller 2103 or the reader unit 2501 to the printer unit 2102.

The printer controller 2103 transmits print data transmitted from the host computer 2104 to the printer unit 2102, controls the entire copying system, and communicates with the reader unit 2501 via the I / F 2601.

In recent years, with the remarkable spread of computers, the demand for color printers has increased. In such a situation, it is expected that a user who purchases an image recording apparatus such as a color printer later purchases an image reading apparatus such as a scanner, and wants to connect and use the apparatus as a copying machine (copying system). .

[0010]

However, at present, in order to realize the above-mentioned copying machine, as shown in FIG. 26, a document image read by the image reading device 2501 is once taken into the host computer 2104, and then the printer is used. Since it is essential to output the data to the unit (image recording apparatus) 2102, when the printer is used as a copying machine, there is a problem that it takes much time to output as compared with a normal copying machine.

Further, even if the image reading device and the image recording device can be directly connected as shown in FIG. 27, the power switch (main SW; power on / off SW) is set to the image reading device (reader unit) and the image reading device. Since each of the recording devices (printer unit) is provided, when starting or ending use, the user turns on / off each power switch in a predetermined order.
A complicated operation of turning off is required, and an inexperienced user may make a mistake in the on / off sequence of the switch, and the system may not start up normally. There is also a problem in power management such as forgetting to turn off one of the power switches, which is expected to lead to a reduction in the man-machine interface.

[0012] Such a problem is a common problem not only in the above-described copying system but also in a system constituted by a plurality of electric devices, particularly a computer system to which a plurality of electronic devices are connected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the first to thirteenth inventions according to the present invention is to provide a first predetermined electric device to a second predetermined external device. In a power supply control device that controls power supply to an electric device or power supply from a second predetermined electric device to a first predetermined external electric device, power supply / supply to the first predetermined electric device by a first power supply cutoff switch is performed. By detecting the switching of the cutoff and controlling the power supply / cutoff to the second predetermined electric device after the power supply / cutoff to the first predetermined electric device, the user can supply one power supply / cutoff. Provided are a power supply control device and a power supply control device control method capable of supplying / cutting off power to the entire system in a predetermined order by a simple operation of turning on / off a cutoff switch. It is.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a first predetermined electrical device (a reader unit 250 shown in FIG. 1).
1) to the second predetermined electrical device (the printer unit 2 shown in FIG. 1).
102) A power supply control device for controlling power supply to the first predetermined electric device or power supply from the second predetermined electric device to the first predetermined electric device. Supply cutoff means (Fig. 2
1), a second power supply interrupting means (relay 2805 shown in FIG. 21) for supplying or interrupting power to the second predetermined electric device, and a first power supply interrupting means. Switching of power supply / interruption (power supply or power cutoff) to the first predetermined electric device is detected, and power is supplied to the second predetermined electric device after power supply / cutoff to the first predetermined electric device. Control means for controlling the second power supply cut-off means so as to cut off / cut off (the CPU of the reader controller shown in FIG. 21)
2209 performs supply cutoff control based on a program stored in the ROM 106c).

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first power supply cutoff means includes a soft switch (soft switch 2811 shown in FIG. 21).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the second power supply cutoff means is a relay (relay 280 shown in FIG. 21).
5).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the control means (the CPU 2209 of the reader controller shown in FIG. 21).
Communicates with the second predetermined electric device to obtain a state of the second predetermined electric device, and based on the obtained state of the second predetermined electric device, the second predetermined electric device The second power supply cutoff means is controlled so as to cut off the power to the second power supply.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the control means (CPU 2209 of the reader controller shown in FIG. 21).
The second power supply cutoff means is configured to cut off the power supply to the second predetermined electric device after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) has elapsed after the power supply to the first predetermined electric device is cut off. To control.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the first predetermined electric device and the second predetermined electric device are an image reading device (reader unit 2501 shown in FIG. 1) for reading an original image,
It includes an image recording device (printer unit 2102 shown in FIG. 1) for recording an image on a recording medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply control device for controlling power supply from a predetermined electric device (a reader unit 501 shown in FIG. 1) to a plurality of predetermined external electric devices (a printer unit 2102 shown in FIG. 1). , An internal power supply interrupting means (soft switch 2811 shown in FIG. 21) for supplying or interrupting power to the inside of the predetermined electric equipment, and a plurality of power supply or shutoff means for respectively supplying or interrupting power to the predetermined external electric equipment. The external power supply interrupting means (relay 2805 shown in FIG. 21 and a plurality of relays not shown) and the switching of supply / interruption of power to the inside of the predetermined electric device by the internal power supply interrupting means are detected, and the predetermined electric device is detected. Means for supplying / cutting power to / from each of the predetermined external electrical devices after power supply / cutoff to the external power supply. Control means for controlling each (FIG. 2
The CPU 2209 of the reader controller shown in FIG.
106c is controlled based on the program stored in the program 106c).

In an eighth aspect according to the present invention, the internal power supply cutoff means includes a soft switch (soft switch 2811 shown in FIG. 21).

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the external power supply cutoff means is a relay (relay 2805 shown in FIG. 21).
And a plurality of relays (not shown).

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the control means (the CPU 220 of the reader controller shown in FIG. 21)
9) communicates with each of the predetermined external electric devices, acquires the state of each of the predetermined external electric devices, and supplies power to each of the predetermined external electric devices based on the acquired state of each of the predetermined external electric devices. The external power supply cutoff means is controlled so as to be cut off.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the control means (the CPU 220 of the reader controller shown in FIG. 21)
9) The second predetermined electric device is powered off after a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) elapses after the power supply to the inside of the first predetermined electric device is cut off.
The power supply cutoff means is controlled.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the power supply from the first predetermined electric device to the second predetermined electric device or the power supply from the second predetermined electric device to the first predetermined electric device is controlled. In the control method of the power supply control device, a detection step (step (1) in FIG. 24) for detecting switching of power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric device by the first power supply / interruption means, A power supply / interruption step of supplying / interrupting power to the second predetermined electric device after power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric device (step (4) in FIG. 24,
(8)).

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, an acquisition step (step (6) in FIG. 24) for communicating with the second predetermined electric device to obtain a state of the second predetermined electric device,
Based on the acquired state of the second predetermined electrical device,
And a power-off step (steps (7) and (8) in FIG. 24) for powering off the second predetermined electric device.

[0027]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a view for explaining a schematic configuration of a copying system to which a power supply control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied, and FIGS. 26 and 27.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Referring to FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes a reader frame of an image reading device (reader unit) 2501. Reference numeral 103 denotes a light source which scans a document placed on a document table 102. 1
Reference numeral 04 denotes photoelectric conversion means such as a CCD image sensor, which inputs reflected light from the document table 102 by the light source 103 and converts it into an electric signal. 105 is an analog-to-digital conversion means,
The electric signal output from the photoelectric conversion unit 104 is converted into a digital signal. 106 is a reader controller (IP)
It has a CPU 2209, a ROM (not shown), and a RAM (not shown), which will be described later, and includes an image generation unit and a reader controller, and controls the reader.

Reference numeral 2001 denotes a printer main body (image recording apparatus main body). Reference numeral 2002 denotes an engine control unit (DC controller) which controls paper conveyance and image formation by the image forming unit 2003. Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller.
It is built in the printer main body 2001. Also, 210
A host computer 4 is connected to the printer controller 2103 one-to-one or via a network (a network 2105 shown in FIG. 3 described later).

Reference numeral 2004 denotes an optional cassette deck.
It can be added to the printer main body 2001 as an option, and feeds recording paper to the printer main body 2001. An optional sorter 2005 can be added as an option, and performs post-processing such as sorting on recording paper discharged from the printer main body 2001. Reference numeral 2006 denotes an optional controller, which includes an optional cassette deck 2004 and an optional sorter 20.
05 and other optional devices.

Reference numeral 2102 denotes a printer unit which includes an engine control unit 2002 and an image forming unit 2003.

The reader controller 106 includes a motor control unit (not shown) for inputting a digital image signal output from the analog-to-digital conversion unit 105 and reading an original, an engine control unit (DC controller) 2002 and a printer. A function of controlling communication with the controller 2103 is provided. In the present embodiment, the reader controller 106 is connected to the printer main body 20.
01 and the engine control unit (DC controller)
Although there is no external cable for controlling communication with the printer controller 2002 and the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 106 is connected to the reader frame 10.
1 to control communication with the engine control unit (DC controller) 2002 and the printer controller 2103 via an external cable.

[Configuration of Printer Controller and Printer Unit] In the printer body 2001 shown in FIG. 1, a reader controller (IP) 106 is connected between the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2102, and the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2102 are connected. Perform processing between and.

Here, the configuration of the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2102, which are the premise thereof, will be described using a printing apparatus (FIG. 2 to FIG. 9) which does not include the reader controller 106.

FIGS. 2 and 3 show the reader controller 106.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus that is not provided with the same. The same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 denote the same parts.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 2101 denotes a video I / F
The printer unit 2102 and the printer controller 210
3 is performed. This video I / F210
Details of each signal of 1 will be described later. Printer unit 21
Reference numeral 02 denotes a form in which an electric image signal received from the printer controller 2103 via the video I / F 2101 is visibly formed, transferred to recording paper, fixed, and output. In order to realize these image forming sequences, various loads are controlled. In addition, the function of detecting the status of the printer and notifying the printer controller 2103 of the status is also performed.

The printer controller 2103 receives data transmitted via the host computer 2104 or the network 2105. This data is
For example, bitmap data or PDL (Page Di
It is sent in various formats, such as data described in the description (script language). Further, the printer controller 2103 expands the received data in a memory (not shown) and transfers the data to the printer unit 2102 as raster data. In this manner, the data created by the host computer 2104 can be output to a printer.

Hereinafter, the video I / F 2101 for connecting the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2102 will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 shows the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2102 (the engine control unit 20) shown in FIG.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a connection to the second embodiment, and the same components as those in FIG. 3 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numerals 203 to 217 denote video I /
The signal F is stored in the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2102 inside the engine (the image forming unit 200).
Engine control unit (DC controller) that controls 3)
This is a typical signal exchanged with the 2002. Details of each of the signals 203 to 217 are shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the video I / F 210 shown in FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list of signals 203 to 217 of FIG. 1, and in particular, only a representative signal of the video I / F shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

In the figure, reference numeral 203 denotes a / PPRDY signal, which indicates that communication with the printer controller 2103 has been enabled after power is supplied to the printer and after processing such as initialization has been completed. 204 is / CPR
The DY signal indicates that power has been supplied to the printer controller 2103 and communication with the engine control unit 2002 has been enabled after processing such as initialization has been completed.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a / RDY signal, which indicates that the engine control unit 2002 has been enabled to perform a print operation in response to a print start instruction (/ PRNT signal described later) from the printer controller 2103. The conditions under which this / RDY signal becomes true include whether the temperature in the fixing device has reached a predetermined temperature, whether recording paper has remained in the printer, whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed, and the like. It is only when each part of is normally operating.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a / PRNT signal, which is transmitted from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002.
This signal indicates the start or continuation of the printing operation.
Reference numeral 207 denotes a / TOP signal, which is a synchronization signal which is passed from the engine control unit 2002 to the printer controller 2103 and serves as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. This signal is
After the PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller 2103, the PRNT signal 206 is output a predetermined time later.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a / LSYNC signal, which is a synchronization signal used as a reference for horizontal scanning by the printer controller 2103. The / PRNT signal 20 is the same as the / TOP signal 207.
6 is output from the printer controller 2103,
Output to the printer controller 2103 after a predetermined time.

Reference numeral 209 denotes a / VCLK signal.
This is a synchronous clock for the DOEN signal 210 and the / VDO signal 211, and the printer controller 2103 generates a clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal.

The / VDOEN signal 210 is a signal for controlling the capture of the image signal output from the printer controller 2103 into the engine control unit 2002. The engine control unit 2002 synchronizes with the / VCLK signal 209,
/ VDOEN signal 210 is TRUE / FALSE, and if TRUE, an image signal is fetched.
In the case of ALSE, no capture is performed.

The / VDO signal 211 is image data, and the printer controller 2103 controls the / TOP signal 207 in the vertical direction and / LSYNC in the horizontal direction.
The signal is output in synchronization with the / VCLK signal 209 based on the signal 208. The / CCLK signal 212 is transmitted when the printer controller 2103 transmits a serial command to the engine control unit 2002 and when the engine control unit 2002
Sends the serial status to the printer controller 2103
, And is output from the printer controller 2103.

Reference numeral 213 denotes a / CBSY signal, which indicates that the printer controller 2103 is transmitting a serial command using a / CMD signal described later.
02. Reference numeral 214 denotes a / CMD signal, which is used when the printer controller 2103 transmits serial information (hereinafter, referred to as a command) to the engine control unit 2002.

Reference numeral 215 denotes a / SBSY signal, which indicates that the engine control unit 2002 has returned a serial status using the / STS signal 216.
3 is a signal. Reference numeral 216 denotes a / STS signal, which is used when the engine control unit 2002 returns serial information (called status) to the printer controller 2103. A / CCRT signal 217 is a signal for reporting to the printer controller 2103 when the status inside the printer unit 2102 changes. When the printer controller 2103 receives this report signal, it issues a command inquiring about what has changed in the state of the engine using the / CMD signal 214,
On the other hand, engine control section 2002 notifies the state by / STS signal 216.

Hereinafter, referring to FIG.
002 controlled by the printer unit 2102 (the image forming unit 20).
03) will be described.

FIG. 6 shows the printer unit 2102 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a printer main body 2001.
When viewed from the front.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a scanner which receives a / VDO signal 211 which is an image signal sent from the printer controller 2103, and receives the / VDO signal 21 from the printer controller 2103.
After converting 1 into a laser beam, the photoconductor 402 is irradiated. The photoconductor 402 is charged by the charger 419 while rotating counterclockwise, and an image (latent image) is formed by the laser beam emitted from the scanner 401.

403 is a color developing device, 404 is a black developing device,
In accordance with the electric charge charged on the photoconductor 402, the toner is applied (developed) on the photoconductor 402. In addition,
When an image to be formed is monochrome, only the black developing device 404 operates, and when a color image is formed, the color developing device 403 is used.
And the black developing device 404 are used.

Reference numeral 405 denotes an intermediate transfer member which rotates clockwise and transfers an image generated on the photosensitive member 402. The intermediate transfer member 405 completes the image generation on the intermediate transfer member 405 by making one rotation when forming an image in black and white and four rotations when forming an image in color.

Reference numeral 408 denotes an upper cassette, and 409 denotes a lower cassette, on which recording paper is loaded. Upper cassette 40
8, the recording paper fed from the lower cassette 409 and the manual paper feed port by the pickup rollers 411 and 412 and the manual paper feed roller 416 is fed to the paper feed roller (the upper paper feed roller 41).
3, the lower sheet feed roller 414), and the sheet is further conveyed to a position before the registration (before the registration roller R1) by a transfer roller (sheet feed roller) 415.

Then, at the timing when the image formation on the intermediate transfer member 405 is completed, the recording paper conveyed until just before the registration is controlled to be conveyed between the intermediate transfer member 405 and the transfer belt 406. When the recording paper arrives here, the transfer belt 406 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer body 405,
The toner formed on the intermediate transfer body 405 is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed to a fixing roller 407.
a and the pressure roller 407b fix the recording paper by heat and pressure.

The recording paper on which the image has been fixed is transferred to the face-up discharge port 417 or the face-down discharge port 418 specified in advance by the printer controller 2103.
, And is discharged.

Note that SS1 is an upper second sheet-less sensor,
SS2 is a sensor without a second lower sheet, SS3 is a sensor without an upper sheet, and SS4 is a sensor without a lower sheet. SS5 is a refeed sensor, SS6 is an MP trailing edge detection sensor, SS7 is M
A PF paper presence sensor, SS8 is a middle plate position sensor, SS9 is a sensor before registration, and SS10 is a separation jam sensor.

SS11 is a fixing and discharging sensor, and SS12 is a reversing sensor. SS13 is a two-sided sensor, SS14 is a paper ejection sensor, and SS15 is a full load detection sensor. R1 is a registration roller (registration R), R2 is a reversing roller, R3
R4 is a double-sided roller. R5 is a FUR (face-up roller). R6 is an FDR (face down roller), and R7 is a fixing discharge roller.

Hereinafter, the operation of each section will be described.

The scanner 401 receives the image signal / VDO 21 sent from the printer controller 2103.
After receiving one signal and converting it into a laser beam, the photosensitive member 40
2 to form an image on the photoconductor 402. The photoconductor 402 reaches the color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 while rotating counterclockwise. Each of the developing devices 403 and 404 has a function of applying (developing) the toner on the photoconductor 402 according to the electric charge charged on the photoconductor 402.

When the image is monochrome, only the developing device 404 operates, and when the image is color, both the color developing devices 403 and 404 are used. Next, the image generated on the photoconductor 402 is transferred to the intermediate transfer body 405 rotating clockwise. The intermediate transfer body 405 rotates one rotation in the case of black and white and four rotations in the case of color to perform image generation.
Complete on 05.

On the other hand, the recording paper fed from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409 by the pickup rollers 411 or 412 is transported by the feed rollers 413 or 414, and further transported by the transport rollers 415 to the pre-registration sensor SS9. Will be done. The timing is controlled so as to be between the intermediate transfer member 405 and the transfer belt 406 at the timing when the image formation on the intermediate transfer member 405 is completed. When the recording paper arrives here, the transfer belt 406 comes into contact with the intermediate transfer body 405, and the toner is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed to the recording paper by heat and pressure by fixing rollers 407a and 417b. When the image is fixed, the recording paper on which the image is fixed is a face-up discharge specified in advance by the printer controller 2103. The sheet is conveyed to one of the opening 417 and the face-down discharge port 418 and discharged.

As described above, the printer controller 2103
The image information sent from can be output.

Referring now to the timing charts of FIGS. 7 and 8, the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 200 via the video I / F 2101 shown in FIG.
An image signal timing and a serial communication timing communicated between the two will be described.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing image signal timings communicated between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. 4, and shows the signals shown in FIG. 4 as time elapses. .

First, when the preparation of the image information by the printer controller 2103 is completed, the / PRNT signal 206 is set to L level.
ow (true) and notify the engine control unit 2002. At the same time, an image synchronization signal (video clock) / VCLK signal 209 used for transferring the image signal is also generated.
In response to the image synchronization signal / VCLK signal 209, the engine control unit 2002 performs various settings inside the printer, and when the image can be accepted, the / TOP
A signal 207 and a / LSYNC signal 208 are output to the printer controller 2103. The / TOP signal 207 which is a vertical synchronizing signal and the / LS signal which is a horizontal synchronizing signal
In accordance with the YNC signal 208, the printer controller 2
Reference numeral 103 transfers an / VDO signal 211 as an image signal and a / VDOEN signal 210 as an image valid signal to the engine control unit 2002.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the serial communication timing between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG.

First, a case where the lowermost / CCRT signal 217 is not used will be described.

When the printer controller 2103 wants to issue a command to the engine control unit 2002, it sets the / CBSY signal 213 to low (true) and synchronizes the / CCLK signal 212 with the / CCLK signal 212 to generate a / CCLK signal.
Command data is sent to the MD signal 214. The engine control unit 2002 that has received it receives the / CBSY signal 213
Is high (false), the / SBSY signal 215 is set to low (true), and the status data on the engine side corresponding to the command is output to the printer controller 21.
03 and sent to the / STS signal 216 in synchronization with the / CCLK signal 212 generated. This status data is received by the printer controller 2103, and print control is continued or interrupted depending on the state.

Next, the / CCRT signal 217 will be described. This signal is sent to the printer controller 2 in advance.
A signal 103 is Low (true) when a change occurs in the specified engine state. For example, the printer controller 2103 preliminarily sets the / CCRT signal 217 to be valid when paper-out occurs.
It is assumed that the CMD signal 214 has been set. Therefore, there is only one remaining recording sheet, and the printer controller 2103
Has issued two printout requests. For the first sheet, the print sequence operation is normally processed without any problem.
However, since the second recording sheet does not exist, the printer engine detects the change in the state at the stage when the second image formation is started, and changes the / CCRT signal 217 from High to Low. This / CCRT signal 217 is transmitted to the printer controller 2103. Upon detecting this, the printer controller 2103 issues a command to the engine control unit 2002 requesting a paper feed unit paper presence status in order to know which paper feed cassette is out of paper. Accordingly, the engine control unit 2002 returns the status of the paperless cassette to the controller. The / CCRT signal 217 is cleared to High at the timing when the status is returned and the / SBSY signal 213 becomes Low.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 9, the exchange of commands / status between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. 4 will be described.

FIG. 9 shows commands / commands between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG.
6 is a timing chart illustrating status communication, and assumes a case of color output.

When a print start request occurs, the printer controller 2103 checks the ready state of the printer with the engine control unit 2002 while performing conversion processing of image data and the like. Next, a command for designating the paper feed stage of the recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status.

Next, the discharge port is determined by the command for specifying the discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many images are to be formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer side are completed. Thereafter, the printer controller 2103 generates a / PRNT signal 206 as a print request signal to the engine control unit 2002 (Lo).
w (true: true). In response to this, a predetermined time is set by the / TOP signal 207 from the engine control unit 2002.
Is returned. The engine control unit 2 synchronizes the / TOP signal 207 in the vertical scanning direction, and further synchronizes the / LSYNC signal 208 in the horizontal direction with the / VDO signal 211 and the VDOEN signal 210 in accordance with / VCLK209.
002 is transferred.

Here, since the color mode is set,
The / TOP signal 207 is generated four times to form an image for four colors of CMYK. Then, the final / TOP signal 20
7, the / PRNT signal 206 is changed to High (flat)
se: false). Thereby, the engine control unit 200
2 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer member. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller and is discharged to a designated discharge outlet. Finally, the printer controller 2103
After confirming that the recording sheet is not in the recording paper transport state (end of paper discharge) to the engine control unit 2002, printing ends, and the printer waits in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

During the operation as described above, jamming of recording paper,
When an illegal state such as the absence of the recording paper or the opening of the door by the user occurs, the engine control unit 2002 immediately notifies the printer controller 2103 of the abnormality of the printer using the / CCRT signal 217 described above. The printer controller 2103 performs corresponding processing.

The above is the processing performed between the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2102 (engine control unit 2002).

[Configuration when the Reader Controller 106 is Mounted] Referring to FIGS. 10 to 14, data transferred from the computer to the copying system shown in FIG. A case will be described in which not only the image data output from the printer controller 2103 but also the reader controller 106 that optically reads a document image on a sheet, converts it into a digital signal, and outputs the digital signal is mounted.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration in which the reader unit 2501 is mounted on the copying system shown in FIG. 1, that is, the printing apparatus shown in FIG. The same reference numerals are given.

In the figure, reference numeral 801 denotes a document feeder which conveys a document to a portion where the document is optically read (the document table glass 102 of the reader unit 2510). The document feeder 801 is driven in synchronization with the reader unit 2501, and
When the original image is transferred onto the original platen glass 102 by 1, the optical reading device scans the image while moving in the horizontal direction of the drawing, and reflects the reflected light subjected to appropriate optical processing to the photoelectric conversion unit 104. send.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection between the printer controller 2103, reader controller 106, and printer unit 2102 (engine control unit 2002) shown in FIG. 1. The printer controller 2103 shown in FIG. A reader controller 1 for reading a document image in a configuration diagram showing a connection of an engine control unit 2002
06 is mounted.

In the figure, the reader controller 106
Is disposed electrically intermediate between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 in FIG.
Printer controller 2103 and reader controller 1
The types of signal lines between 06 and between the engine control unit 2002 and the reader controller 106 have the same functions as the types of signal lines shown in FIG. However, since the signals between the printer controllers 2103 and the signals between the engine control units 2002 are physically different, the signals between the printer controllers 2103 are prefixed with C as signal names, and the signals between the engine control units 2002 are prefixed. To P
To distinguish them.

Reference numeral 902 denotes an image signal processing unit. An original scanning optical system control unit 903 controls original scanning by the reader unit 2501. An original feeding control unit 904 controls the original feeding device 801. An operation unit 905 allows various settings and operations such as a document reading mode. Reference numeral 906 denotes an image input unit which receives the image signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 104 and
6 to the image signal processing unit 902 inside.

Hereinafter, the configuration of the reader controller 106 shown in FIG. 11 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the reader controller 106 shown in FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2201 denotes a selector, which is an output of the image signal processing unit 902 or a signal sent from the printer controller 2103 (/ CVCLK signal, / CVCLK signal).
Either the CVDOEN signal or the / CVDO signal) is selected and output to the engine control unit 2002. The signal system switched by the selector 2201 is image clock / PVCL
K signal, image enable / PVDOEN, image data /
There are three PVDOs. Reference numeral 2202 denotes a serial communication controller which communicates with the engine control unit 2002.

Reference numeral 2203 denotes an input / output port for exchanging signals for supplementing communication in the serial communication controller 2202. Reference numeral 2204 denotes an interrupt controller which has an image leading end request signal / PTO
The P signal and the printer state change signal / PCCRT signal are input. A serial communication controller 2205 communicates with the printer controller 2103. Reference numeral 2206 denotes an input / output port for exchanging signals for supplementing communication in the serial communication controller 2205.

Reference numerals 2207 and 2217 denote gates for controlling whether a signal sent from the printer unit 2102 (engine control unit 2002) is sent to the printer controller 2103. Note that the gate 2207 performs gate control on the image leading end request signal / CTOP signal, and the gate 2217 performs gate control on the line synchronization signal / CLSYNC signal. A control circuit 2208 has a gate function and a flag setting function, and controls a printer state change signal / CCCRT signal. In addition,
By opening and closing the gate, it is controlled whether or not the printer status change signal / PCCRT issued by the engine control unit 2002 is transmitted to the printer controller 2103. By setting a flag, the printer status change signal / CCRT is transmitted from the reader controller 106. It can be issued to the printer controller 2103. 2209 is a CPU
The overall control of the reader controller 106 is performed.

[Operation During Copying] Hereinafter, FIGS. 11 and 12
The operation of the copying system shown in FIG. 1 (operation when a full-color original image is read by the reader unit 2501 and output from the printer unit 2102) will be described with reference to FIG.

When a copy start key (not shown) on the operation unit 905 is input, the reader controller 106 closes the gates 2207 and 2217 and the control circuit 2208 for the copy mode, and the selector 2201
Is set so that the output of the image signal processing unit 902 is selected. Next, the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer is checked for the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203. Next, various settings are made using the serial communication controller 2202. First, a command for designating a paper feed stage for recording paper is issued. Further, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status.

Next, the discharge port is determined by the command for specifying the discharge port, and a page mode designation command for designating how many page images are formed is issued. Finally, by issuing a command for specifying monochrome / color, all settings on the printer side are completed.

After the document is fed onto the document table by the document feeder 801, the reader controller 106 generates a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, the engine control unit 2002 returns a / PTOP signal after a predetermined time.

This is transferred to the interrupt controller 2204.
And the reader unit 2501 is operated so as to synchronize with the / PTOP signal. The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the / PTOP signal, the horizontal direction is further synchronized with the / PLSYNC signal, and the / PVDO signal is synchronized with the / PVCLK signal.
2 is transferred to the engine control unit 2002. Here, since the color mode is set, the reader unit 2501 is operated four times and generated four times.
An image for four colors of CMYK is formed for the signal.

Then, after generation of the final / PTOP signal,
Return the / PPRNT signal to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as an intermediate transfer body cleaning operation. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing roller and is discharged to a designated discharge outlet. Finally, the reader controller 106 confirms to the engine control unit 2002 that the recording paper is not being conveyed (paper ejection is completed), and then the printing is completed, and waits in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

[Printing Operation] The printing operation shown in FIG. 1 (operation when an image from the printer controller 2103 is output from the printer unit 2102) will be described below with reference to FIG.

At the stage when the copying operation has been completed, the reader controller 106 enters a ready state. At this time, the reader controller 106 opens the gate 2207 and the control circuit 2208 for the operation at the time of printing. The reader controller 106 checks the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer with respect to the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203, and if OK, the printer controller 210 using the input / output port 2206.
The ready status signal / CRDY of the printer is set to 3.

Next, the printer controller 2103 performs communication for making various settings, and
6 receives it using the serial communication controller 2205 and the CPU 2209 interprets it. According to its contents,
This time, the reader controller 106 performs various settings using the serial communication controller 2202. In response to a series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status to the reader controller 106, and the reader controller 106 receives the status using the serial communication controller 2202. The received content is interpreted by the CPU 2209 and this time, the serial communication controller 2205
Is used to communicate with the printer controller 2103.

Next, the printer controller 2103 sends a print request / CP to the reader controller 106.
The reader controller 106 receives the RNT signal, and generates a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, the engine control unit 2002 returns a / PTOP signal after a predetermined time. This is passed through a gate 2207 and the / CT
It is returned to the reader controller 106 as an OP signal.

In the reader controller 106, the / CTO
The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the P signal, and / PLSYN
The C signal is synchronized horizontally with the / CLSYNC signal that has passed through gate 2217, and
The data is transferred to the reader controller 106 in synchronization with the LK signal. In the reader controller 106, the selector 2201 is set to select the signal sent from the printer controller 2103, and the signal sent from the printer controller 2103 is set to / P
The signals are sent to the engine control unit 2002 as the VCLK signal, the / PVDOEN signal, and the / PVDO signal.

[Difference between Print Operation and Copy Operation] The difference between the print operation and the copy operation regarding the image sending timing will be described below.

Although a detailed description of the configuration of the printer controller 2103 is omitted,
103 has an image memory therein, and image data for printing is prepared in advance there. Therefore,
In response to the image leading end request signal / CTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002, the time required for outputting the print data / CVDO signal is only the electrical delay time.

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The original is read and image data is output while the reader unit 2501 is moved.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart for explaining the copy operation timing of the copying system shown in FIG. 1. The horizontal axis indicates time, and the vertical axis indicates the scanning speed of the reader unit 2501.

As shown in the figure, it takes time to accelerate the reader unit 2501 from a stopped state to a state in which the reader unit 2501 is moving at a high speed for reading a document. It takes about several hundreds of milliseconds. Accordingly, the engine control unit 2002 outputs the image leading end request signal / PTOP signal in the copy mode to the / PTOP signal in the print mode.
If the print image data / PVDO arrives at the engine at the same timing as the PTOP signal, the copy mode is delayed by "several hundreds of ms" in the copy mode.

There are the following two solutions for this. 1. The / PTOP signal is sent earlier during printing than during printing. 2. Separate signal for copy mode (/ RSTART signal)
Is provided.

1. Leader controller 10 to do the plan
6 may be the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 12, and in the copy mode, the reader controller 106 starts the movement of the reader unit 2501 by the / PTOP signal.

In addition, 2. In order to carry out the plan, the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of the reader controller 106 shown in FIG.
The same components as those described above are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 12, the image leading end request signal / PTOP sent from the engine control unit 2002 is input to both the interrupt controller 2204 and the printer controller 2103, but in the configuration shown in FIG.
The image leading end request signal / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 is input only to the printer controller 2103. The / RSTART signal is a reading device movement start request signal, which is sent from the engine control unit 2002 in the copy mode and is output from the interrupt controller 220.
4 is input.

Here, the image leading end request signal / PTOP sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal required only when the printer controller 2103 performs printing, and need not be input to the interrupt controller 2204 of the reader controller 106. . The reading device movement start request signal / RSTART sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal required only in the copy mode, and need not be sent to the printer controller.

[Control for Setting Command] FIG.
The command issuing sequence of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a command issuing sequence of the printing apparatus shown in FIG. 2 (when the reader controller 106 is not provided).
(A) shows a processing sequence in the printer controller 2103, which is stored in a storage medium (not shown) and executed by a CPU (not shown) in the printer controller 2103. (B) shows a processing sequence in the engine control unit 2002, which is stored in a storage medium (not shown) and executed by a CPU (not shown) in the engine control unit 2002. (1) to (4) and (11) to
(13) shows each step.

The printer controller 2103 issues a paper feed cassette change command (1), and then waits for a response from the engine control unit 2002 (2). When the response comes, the command controller determines success of the command (3). Is determined to be successful, the process of the printer controller 2103 is terminated, and if it is determined that the command is not successful, error processing is performed (4).

When the engine control unit 2002 receives a command from the printer controller 2103, it determines the content of the command (11). If it is determined that the command is a paper feed cassette change command, the engine control unit 2002 changes the paper feed cassette (12).
When the paper cassette change is successful, the printer controller 2103 is notified of the command execution success (13).
The process returns to step (11).

If the printer controller 2103 determines in step (11) that the command is not a paper feed cassette change command, processing of another command is executed. Further, if it is determined in step (11) that the command is not issued from the printer controller 2103, the process waits for reception of the next command in step (11).

Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart of FIG. 16, the reader controller 106
2 is used to read and output the original image,
That is, during execution of the copier mode, the printer controller 1
The control operation of the reader controller 106 when a setting command, for example, a paper cassette change command is issued to the printer unit 2102 from 06 will be described. The printer controller 2103 and the engine controller 2
002 performs control equivalent to the control shown in the flowcharts of FIGS.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the control procedure of the reader controller 106 shown in FIG. 12. FIG. 16 (a) shows a command reception and response process from the printer controller 2103 of the reader controller 2103, and FIG. ) Shows a processing sequence for issuing a command from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002, and is stored in a storage medium (not shown).
CPU 22 of reader controller 106 shown in FIG.
09. Note that (1) to (8) and (1)
1) to (16) show each step.

The reader controller 106 receives the serial communication controller 2205 from the printer controller 2103 through the / CCMD signal line shown in FIG.
(1), it is determined whether or not the command can be issued to the engine control unit 2002 as it is (2). If it is determined that the command can be issued,
For example, if there is no command currently being executed to the engine control unit 2002 in order for the reader controller 106 to perform the copy mode operation, the engine control unit 2002
In response to this, the same command as that previously sent from the printer controller 2103 is sent to the engine control unit 20.
02 is issued through the signal line / PCMD signal using the serial communication controller 2202 (3).

Next, a response from the engine control unit 2002 is waited for (4). When the response is received, the success of the command is determined (5). If the command is determined to be successful, the command execution is successful. Using the serial communication controller 2205, a / CSTS signal is returned to the printer controller 2103 (6), and step (5)
If it is determined that the command is not successful, error processing is performed (7).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (2) that the command is not ready to be issued to the engine control unit 2002 as it is, for example, the reader controller 106 specifies a sheet cassette and performs a copying operation. For example, if the paper feed cassette change command sent from the printer controller 2103 is issued to the engine control unit 2002 without any change, the copying operation cannot be performed normally.
, The commands issued from the printer controller 2103 to the engine controller 2002 are stored in an engine command queue that stores the commands in the order of issue (8), and a response to the command is returned to the printer controller 2103. Therefore, the / CSTS signal is returned to the printer controller 2103 using the serial communication controller 2205 assuming that the command execution from the reader controller 106 has succeeded in a pseudo manner (6), and the process returns to the step (1).

Next, the processing of the command stored in the engine command queue in step (8) will be described.

The reader controller 106 determines whether or not the command received from the printer controller 2103 can be issued to the engine control unit 2002 without affecting the state of the reader controller 106 (11). When it becomes possible to issue a command, the reader controller 106 issues a command stored in an engine command queue to the engine control unit 2002 through the signal line / PCMD using the serial communication controller 2202 (12), Wait for a response from (13). Note that the reader controller 106
The command issued by itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit 2002 through the / PCMD signal line.

When the command execution is completed from the engine control unit 2002 and a response is returned to the reader controller 106 via the / PSTS signal line, it is determined whether or not the command execution is successful (14), and the command execution is successful. If it is determined that the command has been executed, this command is deleted from the engine command queue (15), and the process returns to the step (11).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (14) that the engine has failed in executing the command, an error occurrence state is set and error processing is executed (16), and step (1) is executed.
The process returns to 1).

As described above, the reader controller 10
6, the printer controller 2103
When issuing a normal command to the engine control unit 2002, the command processing sequence can be operated without causing inconsistency in the operation.

[Control for State Change Signal] FIG.
In the copying system shown in (1), the state change on the engine side, for example, the occurrence of an error
The processing of the reader controller 106 when transmitted from the engine control unit 2002 to the reader controller 106 using the CCRT signal will be described.

Here, when the reader controller 106 is located between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 as in the copying system shown in FIG. 1, the reader controller 106 and the printer controller 2103 want to know. Engine state changes may be different.

For example, there is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being transported is jammed. If a jam occurs while the engine is performing a copying operation under the control of the reader controller 106, this state is determined by the reader controller 1
06 is the state that the user wants to know, and is unnecessary as the printer controller 2103. Because the jam is not being output by itself, appropriate post-processing cannot be performed even if this state is notified.

Further, if a control system equivalent to the reader controller 106 is to be mounted on the printer controller 2103, both controllers will also have jam processing control software that the other should have, so that they will be redundantly mounted, and design man-hours will be reduced. In addition, a lot of waste occurs in terms of quality evaluation and software capacity.

Therefore, a state change such as a jam is basically caused by the printer controller 2103 in the print mode.
To the reader controller 106 in the copy mode. However, even in the copy mode, the printer controller 2103 may need an engine state change signal. For example, it is necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 of information such as a change in the cassette size and the absence of paper. But,
These do not strictly question the time from when the state change signal is issued by the engine control unit 2002 to when the processing is performed by each controller.

Therefore, the processing shown in FIG. 17 is performed. That is, in the copy mode in which the reader controller 106 controls the engine control unit 2002, the state change signal / PCC notified from the engine control unit 2002 using the gate function of the control circuit 2208.
The RT is masked for the printer controller 2103, and only the reader controller 106 receives the RT through the interrupt controller 2204.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure for a state change on the engine side of the reader controller 106 shown in FIG. 12, and is executed by the CPU 2209 of the reader controller 106. In addition,
(1) to (10) show each step.

It is determined whether the / PCCRT signal received through the interrupt controller 2204 has become true (1), and when the / PCCRT signal becomes true, the reader controller 106 issues a command for acquiring a state change to the engine control. It is issued to the unit 2002 (2). After waiting for a response from the engine control unit 2002 (3), if there is a response, the status of the response is checked and the contents of the engine state change are grasped (4).

Next, it is determined whether or not the content of the engine status change is a content to be notified also to the printer controller 2103 (5). If there is a status change such as a change in the recording paper size,
A flag is set using the control circuit 2208, and a / CCCRT signal, which is a state change signal, is generated (/ CCCRT).
(RT signal is made true) (6), the printer controller 21
It is determined whether or not there is an inquiry about the state change from 03 (7). If it is determined that there is no inquiry, wait until there is an inquiry, and if it is determined that there is an inquiry, the state received from the engine control unit 2002. The change is returned as a status and notified to the printer controller 2103 (8).
The / CCCRT signal is set to false (9), and the process ends.

That is, in the print mode in which the printer controller 2103 controls the engine control unit 2002, the gate function of the control circuit 2208 is released, and
A / PCCRT signal, which is a state change signal notified from the engine control unit 2002, is notified to the printer controller 2103 as a / CCCRT signal.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the change in the state of the engine is not notified to the printer controller 2103, the reader controller
The processing for the state change is performed inside 6 (10), and the processing ends.

[Control of Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command of the copying system shown in FIG. 1, for example, the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 106
The control of the reader controller 106 in the case where the user issues a use request to the engine control unit 2002 at the same time will be described.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the location of data and data communication among the printer controller 2103, reader controller 106, and engine control unit 2002 when a print request is issued during a copy operation.

When a print request is issued during a copy operation, the engine control unit 2002
The image forming apparatus receives the / PVDO signal, which is an image signal sent from the printer 06. In the copy operation, settings such as a sheet cassette designation, a sheet ejection port designation, and an image forming mode have been set by serial communication between the reader controller 106 and the engine control unit 2002 as described with reference to FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a buffer for various setting values, a value set in the engine control unit 2002 by the reader controller 106 and a value set in the engine control unit 2002 by the printer controller 2103 (for example, a feeder for the reader). Cassette setting value 13011, PDL paper cassette setting value 13012, reader outlet setting value 13013, PDL outlet setting value 13014, reader image forming mode setting value 13015, PDL image forming mode setting value 13016, etc.). ing. Buffer 1
Among the various setting values stored in the storage unit 301, the setting value for the reader is the above-described designated value (the sheet feeding cassette setting value 1 for the reader).
3011, a reader outlet setting value 13013, and a reader image forming mode setting value 13015.

Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103 during the copy operation, the interruption of the copy operation and the printout are performed.
It's hard to think about usability. Therefore, the print request in this situation is configured to be postponed until the copy operation is completed. However, in response to the / CCMD signal from the printer controller 2103, the / CCMD signal
The STS signal must be returned. So buffer 1
Of the setting values for PDL set in 301, only the setting value from the printer controller 2103 is set according to a request.

If the set value for the reader is different from the set value for the PDL, the copy operation is completed, and the reader controller 106 sets the engine control unit 2002 before starting the printer operation.

Hereinafter, a specific example will be described.

During the copying operation, for example, when the paper is fed from the upper cassette and discharged to the face-up discharge port, and the image forming mode is set to the color mode based on the determination that the document is in color. If a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103 during the copy operation, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings are made.

Here, assuming that the print request is a print request for feeding paper from the upper cassette, discharging the paper to the face-down discharge port, and outputting a monochrome image, for example, the reader controller 106 ( Since both the copy operation) and the printer controller 2103 (print operation) specify the upper cassette, even when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the print operation, the paper feed cassette specification command is issued to the engine control unit 2002. Need not be issued.

However, since the designation of the discharge port and the image forming mode is different between the copy operation and the print operation, the reader controller 1 at the end of the copy operation.
From 06, it is necessary to issue a new paper ejection port designation and image formation mode designation command to the engine control unit 2002 again.

As described above, the reader controller 106
Does not judge that the command from the printer controller 2103 is only to postpone execution of the command to the engine control unit 2002, but that the reader controller 106 has already set the command to the engine control unit 2002. Is determined so as not to be set repeatedly.

Next, a case where a copy request occurs during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing the location of data when a copy request is issued during a printing operation, the data, the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 106,
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating data communication of the engine control unit 2002, where the same components as those in FIG. 18 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In this case, in contrast to the case of FIG. 18, from the viewpoint of usability, even if an attempt is made to press the copy button in front of the copying machine, it is more difficult to copy during the printing operation.
It is better to be able to execute the copy operation in an interrupting manner.

In this case, the printer controller 2103
The signal / CVDO sent from is selected by the selector 2201 and sent to the engine control unit 2002 as the / PVDO signal. It is assumed that the settings are exactly the same as those described with reference to FIG. 18, and the settings from the printer controller 2103 are the upper cassette, the face-down discharge port, and the monochrome image mode. The engine control unit 2002 determines that the / PPRNT signal from the printer controller 2103 is High (false).
Since the end can be detected for the first time when it becomes, it does not know how many sheets are printed out.

Here, it is assumed that the printer intends to print out four images. If the copying operation is not requested by the interruption from the reader, four / PTOP signals are generated from the engine control unit 2002 as in the image timing as shown in FIG. Controller 1
06 to the engine control unit 2002.

Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request for copying one color original is issued to the reader controller 106 during the second printout.

Hereinafter, the interrupt copy operation of the copying system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the timing chart of FIG.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing an example of the interrupt copy operation of the copying system shown in FIG.

In the figure, 1501 is the first print image data, 1502 is the second print image data, 1503 is the third print image data, and 1503 is the third print image data.
Reference numeral 4 denotes the fourth print image data which is output from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 via the reader controller 106 in synchronization with the / CTOP signal.

Reference numeral 1505 denotes a / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 to the reader controller 106. 1506 is a copy image signal, / PTOP signal 1
Output to the engine control unit 2002 in synchronization with 505.

First, in response to a / CPRNT request from the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 106
Issues a / PPRNT request to the engine control unit 2002, and the / PTOP signal is supplied from the engine control unit 2002 to the printer controller 2103 as a / CTOP signal via the reader controller 106. In this way, the first print image data 1501 and 2
The printing operation of the print image data 1502 of the sheet is executed.

Here, a case will be described in which the reader controller 106 generates an interrupt copy request during the printout operation of the second sheet. The reader controller 106 generates a / CCCRT signal for the printer controller 2103. This is not that the state of the engine has actually changed, but the reader requests the printer controller 2103 to open the engine in order to acquire the printer engine. The generation method uses the control circuit 2208 as described above.

In response to this / CCCRT signal, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for checking the status of the engine, and the reader controller 106 responds to the printer controller 2103 with a status of "copying". return. Then, the printer controller 2103 outputs / CPRN
While the T signal is kept Low (true), it is detected that the engine is performing a copy operation, and the system waits for the / CTOP signal to come.

If the / CPRNT signal is kept low (true) if the / CPRNT signal is not received unless a copy state is established, a timeout error occurs after a predetermined time. However, if the / CPRNT signal is in a copy state, a timeout occurs on the printer controller 2103 side. , And set to wait for the / CTOP signal forever.

At this time, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 is for performing a copy operation, and the reader controller 106 uses the / PTOP signal. That is, / P sent from the engine side
The TOP signal 1505 is masked to the printer controller 2103. Actually the reader controller 1
The image signal generated at 06 is only the copy image signal 1506.

Then, after one interrupt copy is completed, the mask of the / PTOP signal is removed again and transmitted as a / CTOP signal to the printer controller 2103, so that the print image data 1503 and 1504 from the printer controller 2103 are engine-controlled. Part 200
2 can be printed out.

As described above, the interrupt copy operation during the print operation can be realized.

As described above, the printer controller 210
3 and the state of the reader controller 106, the printer controller obtains the printer engine, issues a command at what timing, etc.
By making judgments and controlling according to circumstances, requests from two controllers can be realized for one engine.

[Control for Setting Content Confirmation Command] Next, control when the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command will be described.

When the printer controller 2103 needs to confirm the state set in the engine control unit 2002, the printer controller 2103 issues a setting confirmation command through the / CCMD signal. The reader controller 106 having received it checks the setting value storage buffer 1301 shown in FIG. 18, and if the content to be confirmed by the printer controller 2103 is in the setting value storage buffer 1301, reads the content.
Printer controller 2103 through / CSTS signal
Notify.

If the contents to be confirmed by the printer controller 2103 are not in the set value storage buffer 1301, the reader controller 106 issues a set contents confirmation command through the / PCMD signal. The engine control unit 2002 reads out the content and changes the setting content to / PS
Notify the reader controller 106 through the TS signal,
The reader controller 106 notifies the printer controller 2103 of the content through the / CSTS signal.

Hereinafter, the power supply control device of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2800 denotes an AC input unit, which is provided in the image reading device (reader unit) 2501. 2
A reader inlet 801 is supplied with power (AC, AC power) from another outlet. Reference numeral 2802 denotes an earth leakage breaker that shuts off power supply when an earth leakage occurs. 280
3 is a circuit breaker. 2808 is the main switch
Is a switch for switching power supply / interruption of the entire apparatus. Reference numeral 2807 denotes a noise filter which removes noise from the supplied power. Reference numeral 2809 denotes a low-voltage power supply unit, which includes a low-voltage power supply unit 1/2 (normal night power supply unit) 2809a and another low-voltage power supply unit 2/2 (emergency night power supply unit) 2809b. The night power supply unit 2809a supplies power to a reader controller (IP) 106 including an image generation unit and a reader control unit (not shown) and the printer controller (PDL controller) 2103 shown in FIG. A low-voltage power supply unit (2/2) 2809b supplies power to the analog unit, motor unit, light source unit, and the like of the reader unit 2501 other than the reader controller (IP) 106, and to a substrate and the like.

A printer outlet 2804 supplies power to other devices such as the printer unit 2102. 280
Reference numeral 5 denotes a relay, which switches supply / cutoff of power to the printer outlet 2804 based on a remote signal 2806 generated by the reader controller (IP) 106.

C in the reader controller (IP) 106
The PU 2209 controls the entire reader controller (IP) 106 based on a control program stored in the ROM 106c. Reference numeral 106b denotes a RAM, which is a CPU 2209.
Is used as a work area.

2811 is a soft switch (soft SW)
And is connected to the reader controller (IP) 106.
By turning on / off the soft switch 2811, a predetermined signal is transmitted to the reader controller (IP) 106, and power is supplied from the low-voltage power supply unit (2/2) 2809b under the control of the reader controller (IP) 106. An analog connection, a motor connection, a light source connection, and the like of the reader unit 2501 other than the printer controller (IP) 106 can be switched between supply and cutoff of power supply to a substrate or the like.

The AC input unit 280 configured as described above
0, the AC supplied from the reader inlet 2801 is connected to the earth leakage breaker 2802 and the circuit breaker 2
803, the main switch 2808, and the printer unit 210
2 and a circuit system PR supplied with AC to the reader. In the present embodiment, a printer inlet 2904 shown in FIG. 2 described later is electrically connected to a printer outlet 2804 of the AC input unit 2800.

The circuit system PP is connected via a relay 2805 and a printer outlet 2804 to a printer power supply unit 2906 to be described later.
Is supplied with AC power. Further, when the soft switch 2811 is turned on / off, the relay 2805 turns on / off the AC power supply to the printer power supply unit 2906 at an arbitrary timing based on the remote signal 2806 generated by the reader controller (IP) 106. It can be switched off.

That is, the reader controller (IP) 106
Detects power supply / interruption to the reader unit 2501 by the soft switch 2811 and
The relay 2805 is controlled so as to supply / cut off the power to the relay 2805.

The reason that the circuit system PP does not include a noise filter is that the printer power supply unit 2906 includes a noise filter 3002 shown in FIG. 23 described later so that the printer unit 2102 connected to the printer outlet 2804 can operate alone. Because it has.

An earth leakage breaker 2802 is provided immediately after the reader inlet 2801 to which AC power is supplied in order to detect an earth leakage of the entire apparatus.

On the other hand, the circuit system PR includes the noise filter 2
807 is connected to the low-voltage power supply unit 2809,
AC power is supplied to the low-voltage power supply unit 2809. Also, when the user turns off the device with the software SW 2811, P
Automatic incoming of image data and the like transmitted from a host computer or the like by DL becomes possible.

At this time, the reader controller (IP) 1
06 is a printer controller (PDL controller) 2
Receives an incoming signal (a signal indicating that external image data has arrived at the reader controller (IP) 106 when the printer controller 2103 receives image data from a host computer or the like) transmitted from the printer controller 2103. , Reader controller (IP) 10
6 generates a remote signal 2806, turns on the relay 2805, supplies power to the printer unit 2102, and prints out image data and the like received by the PDL when the printer unit 2102 is ready.

After the printout is completed, a predetermined time,
For example, if the printer unit 2102 does not execute any processing during the elapse of 30 minutes, the reader controller (IP)
106 generates a remote signal 2806 to generate a relay signal 280
5 may be turned off and the power supply to the printer unit 2102 may be cut off.

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of a copying system to which the power supply control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied. Power is supplied to the printer unit 2102 and the image reading device (reader unit) 2501. Shows the relationship. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 2501 denotes an image reading device (reader unit). Reference numeral 2102 denotes a printer unit. 2
Reference numeral 903 denotes a printer power supply, and the printer unit 210 shown in FIG.
The power is supplied to the DC controller 2002, the image forming unit 2003, and the like. Reference numeral 2906 denotes a SW, which is a printer unit 21.
02 is a switch for switching power supply / interruption. 2
A printer inlet 904 is connected to the printer outlet 2804.

As described above, the AC power supplied to the printer power supply 2903 that generates power for the printer unit 2102 is supplied from the reader unit 2501 via the printer outlet 2804 and the printer inlet 2904.
That is, AC supply of the entire copying system is performed from the reader inlet 2801 (AC of the low-voltage power supply unit 2809).
(The power is also supplied from here.)

The reader unit 2501 is provided with a main switch 2808 for cutting off the power supply of the entire copying system, an AC power supply to the printer unit 2102, and an AC power supply to the reader unit 2501.
A software SW 2811 (usually a user uses this SW) that cuts off a part of power supply (analog connection, motor connection, light source connection, board, etc.) and enables automatic PDL reception. Further, the printer unit 2102 has a SW 2906 for cutting off the power supply to all the printers.

FIG. 23 shows the printer power supply 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer 903, and is a diagram mainly illustrating a surrounding of a printer AC input. In addition, FIG.
The same components as those in FIG. 22 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 3001 denotes a circuit breaker. Reference numeral 3002 denotes a noise filter. 3003
Is a fuser control circuit, which has a relay inside and when the fuser is in an error state (hardware or software detected),
The power supply to the fixing heater is stopped. 3004 is S
W power supply unit.

Thus, the printer outlet 280
AC supplied from the circuit breaker 3001,
After passing through the noise filter 3002, the fixing device control circuit 300
3 and a circuit system of the other SW power supply unit 3004.

When the AC power is supplied from the reader unit 2501 and the supply is turned on / off by the relay 2805 in the reader unit 2501 as in this embodiment, the error state is set to the engine control unit (DC controller) 2002. And the reader controller (IP) 106, and the power supply to the printer unit 2102 can be stopped according to the content of the error state communicated.

On the other hand, in the SW power supply unit 3004, power supplies for the DC controller 2002 (which controls the sequence of the printer), motors, and high voltages are generated. Further soft S
The information of W2906 passes through the SW power supply
The DC controller 2002
And PWOFF from DC controller 2002
When receiving the OFF information by the signal 3007, the SW power supply unit 3
004 is configured to turn off all outputs.

As described above, the reason why the printer unit 2102 does not immediately turn off the power even when the software SW 2906 is turned off is that, for example, in the case of a printer having a configuration in which a developing device is provided near a fixing device, the coagulation of toner is prevented. To prevent this, it is conceivable to rotate the fan for a while to reduce the temperature rise inside the machine.

That is, when the software SW 2906 is turned off, the DC controller 2002 sends the status information of each part of the printer unit 2102 (printer unit 21) detected by a sensor (not shown) in the printer unit 2102.
02, information indicating the temperature, humidity, etc., and the operating state, etc.) of the printer unit 2102 are determined to be in a state in which the power supply can be cut off (for example, in the above case, the internal temperature is a predetermined temperature). If it is determined that the above conditions are satisfied, the process waits until the state of each part of the printer detected by the sensor becomes a state where the power can be cut off. If it is determined that there is, immediately turn off the power.

When the copier (copying system) operates by mounting the reader unit 2501, power is supplied from the reader unit 2501 as shown in FIG.
When the power supply / interruption to the printer unit 2102 is switched by switching the relay 2805 shown in FIG.
The power supply / interruption information of the soft switch 2811 is once transmitted to the DC controller 2002 by the reader controller (IP) 106, and then transmitted to the reader controller (I
P) 106 is the PWOF from the DC controller 2002
After receiving the F signal, the relay 2805 is switched to cut off the power supply to the printer unit 2102.

That is, as shown in FIG.
02 is notified from the DC controller 2002 to the reader controller (IP) 106, and the reader controller (IP) 106 controls transmission of the remote signal 2806 based on the state information. Note that the various status information includes information indicating whether or not the power can be cut off determined by the DC controller 2002.

When the printer unit 2102 detects that the reader unit 2501 has been connected, the DC controller 2002 operates to ignore the ON / OFF of the software SW 2906, and the software SW 2906 becomes invalid.

Further, when the printer unit 2501 is used alone as a printer, the printer controller (PD)
The L controller 2103 is supplied with power from the SW power supply unit and is supplied / cut off by turning on / off the software SW 2906. However, when the reader unit 2501 is mounted and operates as a copying machine (copying system), it is always used. Night power supply 2
809a is supplied with power.

Hereinafter, a power control procedure by the CPU 2209 of the reader controller (IP) 106 shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of a power control procedure in the power control apparatus according to the present invention.
It is executed by the CPU 2209 based on the control program stored in the ROM 106c shown in FIG. In addition,
(1) to (8) show each step.

First, it is determined whether or not the on / off switching of the software SW 2811 shown in FIG. 1 has been detected (1).
If it is determined that switching has not been detected, the process returns to step (1). If it is determined that switching has been detected, it is determined whether or not the software SW 2811 is on (2).
If it is determined to be on, power supply to the reader unit 2015 (other than the reader controller 106) by the low-voltage power supply unit 2809b is started (3). Next, the remote signal 28
06 and switches the relay 2805 to change the printer unit 2
The power supply to the power supply 102 is started (4), and the process returns to the determination processing of step (1).

On the other hand, in step (2), the software SW 28
If it is determined that 11 is not on (off), the power supply to the reader unit 2015 (other than the reader controller 106) by the low-voltage power supply unit 2809b is cut off (5).

Next, the low-voltage power supply unit 2809b transmits power cutoff information of the reader unit 2501 to the DC controller 2002 (printer unit 2102), and obtains a state signal transmitted from the DC controller 2002 (printer unit 2102). (6), it is determined whether the power of the printer unit 2102 can be cut off based on the received status signal (7), and if it is determined that the power cannot be cut off,
Returning to step (7), if it is determined that the power can be cut off, a remote signal 2806 is generated and the relay 280 is generated.
5 to switch off the power supply to the printer unit 2102 (8), and return to the determination processing of step (1).

As described above, when a copier (copying system) is constructed by connecting an image recording device (printer unit) or the like that requires post-processing after switch-off and an image reading device (reader unit) or the like (FIG. 22). In the case where the power supply of the printer unit is supplied from the reader unit as shown in (1)), the user only needs to turn on / off one power supply SW, and the power supply of the entire system is changed to the image recording device (printer unit) and the image reading device ( It can be turned on / off in the order (predetermined order) of the reader unit.

Further, the user needs only a simple operation of turning off one power supply / shut-off switch, and after the switch is turned off, it is necessary to post-process the power of the entire system including the electric equipment (such as a printer unit) which needs post-processing. It can be shut off according to the state of the electrical equipment to be activated.

Also, in the present embodiment, the soft switch 2
811: low-voltage power supply 2/2 (emergency night power supply) 280
9b, the information is transferred to the reader controller (I
(P) 106 to the DC controller 2002 and the reader controller (IP) 106 switches the relay 2805 after receiving the PWOFF signal from the DC controller 2002 to cut off the power supply to the printer unit 2102. However, after the power supply to the low-voltage power supply unit 2/2 (emergency night power supply unit) (2/2) 2809b by the soft switch 2811 is shut off for a predetermined time,
For example, after 30 minutes have passed, the relay 2805 may be switched to cut off the power supply to the printer unit 2102.

[Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment,
An image reading device (reader unit) using the power supply control device of the present invention
The printer unit 21 is provided in the reader unit 2501.
02, the configuration for supplying power to the
The power supply control device of the present invention is provided in the printer unit 2102, and the image reading device (reader unit) 2 is
The power supply to the power supply 501 may be configured to be performed. Hereinafter, the embodiment will be described.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a power supply control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 3100 denotes an AC input unit provided in the printer unit 2102. Reference numeral 3101 denotes a printer inlet, to which power (AC, AC power) is supplied from another outlet. Reference numeral 3102 denotes an earth leakage breaker which shuts off power supply when an earth leakage occurs. 3103 is a circuit breaker. Reference numeral 3108 denotes a main switch, which is a switch for switching power supply / shutoff of the entire apparatus. Reference numeral 3107 denotes a noise filter that removes noise of the supplied power.

Reference numeral 3109 denotes a low-voltage power supply unit (power supply unit at night).
Printer controller (PDL controller) 2103
The power is supplied to the reader controller (IP) 106. The printer controller 2103 is a CP (not shown).
U, ROM, and RAM. The CPU controls the printer controller 2 based on a control program stored in the ROM.
The control of the whole 103 is performed.

Also, the on / off switching information of the software SW 2906 passes through the SW power supply unit 3004, and
Once the signal is transmitted to the DC controller 2002 by the signal 3006 and the information of the OFF is received from the DC controller 2002 by the PWOFF signal 3007, the SW power supply unit 300
Reference numeral 4 denotes a configuration in which all outputs are turned off. further,
Information of the software SW 2906 is stored in the printer controller 2
002.

Reference numeral 3105 denotes a relay, which is connected to the reader outlet 3104 and switches on / off based on a remote signal 3106 generated by the printer controller 2103 by detecting on / off switching information of the software SW 2906, and The power supply / cutoff is switched to another device such as the unit 2501.

Further, the printer controller 2103
It communicates with the reader controller (IP) 106 to acquire the state of the reader unit 2501, confirms that the reader unit 2501 is in a power shutoff enabled state,
6 may be transmitted to switch the relay 3105.

As described above, an image recording apparatus (printer unit) that requires post-processing after switch-off and an image reading apparatus (reader unit) that requires post-processing after switch-off are connected to form a copier (copying system). ) (When power is supplied to the reader unit from the printer unit),
The power of the entire system can be turned on / off only by turning on / off one power switch.

In the first embodiment, the AC input unit 208 and the software SW 2811 are connected to the reader unit 2501.
Is described, the AC input unit 208
And the software SW 2811 may be provided in the printer unit 2102, and by switching the software SW of the printer, the power supply between the printer and the reader may be switched.

Also, a new soft switch different from the software SW 2811 is newly provided in the IP 106, and by switching the soft switch, the remote signal 2806 is generated and relayed without changing the power supply state of the reader unit 2501. 2805, the printer unit 210
2 may be configured to switch only the power supply state. Alternatively, a new soft switch may be provided, and the soft switch may be switched to provide a low power supply unit 2809b.
May be configured to switch the power supply state.

With this configuration, the power supply state of each image processing apparatus can be freely and individually switched from the switches provided on the same operation unit.

The printer unit 2102 is not limited to an electrophotographic printer unit, but may be an ink jet printer unit, a sublimation printer unit, a thermal printer unit, or any other printer unit.

Further, the power supply control device of the present invention can be applied to a plurality of electric devices other than a copying system including an image reading device and an image recording device, such as a computer, a display, a facsimile, etc. Audio system, etc.).

Further, in the present embodiment, the description has been given of an image processing apparatus composed of a plurality of image processing units.
It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to an information processing apparatus including an image processing unit and an information processing unit, and an information processing apparatus including a plurality of information processing units.

In the first embodiment, the reader unit 2
Although a configuration is described in which the AC input unit 2800 provided in the 501 has one outlet (printer outlet 2804), a plurality of outlets may be provided. In this case, each outlet may be configured to have a plurality of relays that can be switched by different remote signals 2806, or each outlet may share the same relay,
A plurality of relays switched by the same remote signal 2806 may be provided.

By turning off the software SW 2811 and turning off the AC power of the printer after a predetermined time, the reader unit 2 is turned off.
The timing of turning off at least a portion of the printer 501 and the timing of turning off the AC power of the printer unit 2102 can be shifted.

[0224] For example, the reader SW 2
The power of a part of the printer 501 is turned off, and after 30 minutes, the printer 21
02 AC and own emergency night power 2809b.
In other words, only the power supply 2809a portion of the reader unit 2501 that stays at night is alive.

When the AC power supply from the first device (image reading device or image recording device) to the second device (image recording device or image reading device) is cut off, both when the power is supplied and when the power is cut off, Since a first AC power supply (for example, a soft switch) for supplying AC power to the second device and a second AC power supply (for example, a relay) for supplying AC power to the second device operate in this order, SWOF
F, even when a copier is configured by connecting a printer and a reader that require post-processing, the entire apparatus can be turned on / off with one power supply SW, and the first apparatus and the first apparatus can be operated with one SW. 2 can control the power of the entire apparatus.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program codes of the software for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to the system or the apparatus, and the computer (or CPU or MP) of the system or the apparatus is supplied.
It goes without saying that the object of the present invention is also achieved when U) reads out and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the novel function of the present invention, and the storage medium storing the program code constitutes the present invention.

As a storage medium for supplying the program code, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, C
DR, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, RO
M, EEPROM and the like can be used.

When the computer executes the readout program code, not only the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instructions of the program code. ) And the like perform part or all of the actual processing, and the processing realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments.

Further, after the program code read from the storage medium is written into a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer, based on the instruction of the program code, The CPU provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing,
It goes without saying that a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by the processing is also included.

Further, the present invention may be applied to a system composed of a plurality of devices or an apparatus composed of one device. Needless to say, the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into the system or the apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. .

Further, by downloading and reading out a program represented by software for achieving the present invention from a database on a network by a communication program, the system or apparatus can be
It is possible to enjoy the effects of the present invention.

[0233]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the power supply control device for controlling the power supply from the first predetermined electric device to the second predetermined electric device or the power supply from the second predetermined electric device to the first predetermined electric device. The control means detects switching of power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric equipment by the first power supply cutoff means for supplying or interrupting power to the first predetermined electric equipment, and Since the second power supply cutoff means is controlled so as to supply / cut off power to / from the second predetermined electric device after power supply / cutoff to the predetermined electric device, it is constituted by the first and second electric devices. In the system as well, the user may select the first or the second
With a simple operation of turning on / off only the power supply / shutoff switch of the electric device, power supply / shutoff of the entire system can be performed in a predetermined order.

[0234] According to the fourth invention, the control means communicates with the second predetermined electric device to obtain a state of the second predetermined electric device, and obtains the obtained second predetermined electric device. Since the second power supply cutoff means is controlled so as to cut off the power to the second predetermined electric device based on the state of the device, the user can easily turn off one power supply / cutoff switch. By operation, the power supply of the whole system including the electric equipment which needs post-processing after the switch-off can be cut off according to the state of the electric equipment which needs post-processing.

[0235] According to the fifth aspect, the control means is configured to cut off the power supply to the second predetermined electric equipment after a predetermined time has elapsed since the power supply to the first predetermined electric equipment is cut off. Since the second power supply cutoff means is controlled, the user can turn off one power supply / cutoff switch by a simple operation to turn off the power supply of the entire system including the electric equipment that needs post-processing after the switchoff. Supply / cutoff can be performed in order and time.

According to the sixth aspect, the first predetermined electric device and the second predetermined electric device include an image reading device for reading a document image and an image recording device for recording an image on a recording medium. Is a simple operation of turning on / off only the power supply / cutoff switch of the image reading device or the image recording device, and supplies / powers the entire copying system including the image reading device and the image recording device.
Can be shut off.

According to a seventh to a ninth aspects of the present invention, in the power supply control device for controlling power supply from a predetermined electric device to a plurality of predetermined external electric devices, the control means supplies or shuts off power to the inside of the predetermined electric device. Switching of supply / shutdown of power to the inside of the predetermined electric device by the internal power supply / shutoff means, and supplies / cuts power to each of the predetermined external electric devices after supply / cutoff of power to the inside of the predetermined electric device Each of the external power supply cutoff means is controlled such that the user simply turns on / off only the power supply / cutoff switch of any one of the electric devices even in a system including a plurality of electric devices. By operation, power to the entire system can be supplied / interrupted in a predetermined order.

According to the tenth aspect, the control means includes:
In communication with each of the predetermined external electric devices, the state of each of the predetermined external electric devices is obtained, and based on the obtained state of each of the predetermined external electric devices, the power supply to each of the predetermined external electric devices is cut off. Since each of the external power supply cutoff means is controlled, the user can post-process the power of the entire system including a plurality of electric devices which need post-processing after the switch-off by a simple operation of turning off one power supply / cut-off switch. Can be cut off according to the state of each electrical device that requires the power supply.

According to the eleventh aspect, the control means includes:
Since the second power supply cutoff means is controlled so as to cut off the power supply to the predetermined external electric equipment after a predetermined time has elapsed after the power supply to the predetermined electric equipment is cut off, the user can supply one power supply / With a simple operation of turning off the cutoff switch, the power of the entire system including the electric equipment that needs post-processing after the switch is turned off can be supplied / cut off in a predetermined order and time.

According to the twelfth aspect, the power supply for controlling the power supply from the first predetermined electric device to the second predetermined electric device or the power supply for controlling the power supply from the second predetermined electric device to the first predetermined external electric device. In the control method of the control device,
Switching of power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric device is detected, and power supply / interruption to the second predetermined electric device is performed after power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric device based on the detection result. Since the power supply is cut off, even in a system configured by the first and second electric devices, the user can easily turn on / off only the power supply / cutoff switch of the first or second electric device by using a simple operation. The entire power supply can be supplied / interrupted in a predetermined order.

[0241] According to the thirteenth aspect, the state of the second predetermined electric device is obtained by communicating with the second predetermined electric device, and based on the obtained state of the second predetermined electric device. Then, since the power supply to the second predetermined electric device is shut off, the user can turn off one power supply / cutoff switch by a simple operation. The power supply can be turned off according to the state of the electrical equipment requiring post-processing.

Therefore, the user can supply / cut off the power of the entire system composed of a plurality of electric devices in a predetermined order by a simple operation of turning on / off one power supply / cutoff switch. It works.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a copying system to which a power supply control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus that does not include a reader controller.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printing apparatus that does not include a reader controller.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a connection between a printer controller shown in FIG. 3 and a printer unit (engine control unit).

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a list of signals of the video I / F shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the printer unit illustrated in FIG.

7 is a timing chart showing image signal timings communicated between the printer controller and the engine control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing serial communication timing between the printer controller and the engine control unit shown in FIG.

FIG. 9 is a timing chart illustrating command / status communication between the printer controller and the engine control unit illustrated in FIG. 4;

10 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration when a reader unit is mounted on the copying system shown in FIG. 1, that is, the printing apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing electrical connections among a printer controller, a reader controller, and a printer unit (engine control unit) shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reader controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart for explaining a copy operation timing of the copying system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a reader controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a command issuing sequence of the printing apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control procedure of the reader controller illustrated in FIG.

17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure for a state change on the engine side of the reader controller illustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the location of data and data communication among a printer controller, a reader controller, and an engine control unit when a print request is issued during a copy operation.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the location of data when a copy request is issued during a printing operation, and the data and data communication between a printer controller, a reader controller, and an engine control unit.

FIG. 20 is a timing chart showing an example of an interrupt copy operation of the copying system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a copying system to which the power supply control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 23 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer power supply unit illustrated in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power control procedure in the power control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a power supply control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional copying system.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram illustrating a conventional copying system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 106 reader controller (IP) 106b RAM 106c ROM 2102 printer unit 2103 printer controller 2002 engine control unit (DC controller) 2209 CPU 2501 image reading device (reader unit) 2800 AC input unit 2801 reader inlet 2802 earth leakage breaker 2803 circuit breaker 2804 printer outlet 2805 Relay 2806 Remote signal 2807 Noise filter 2808 Main switch 2809 Low voltage power supply 2811 Soft switch (soft SW)

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A power supply control device for controlling power supply from a first predetermined electric device to a second predetermined electric device or power supply from a second predetermined electric device to a first predetermined electric device, wherein: A first power supply cutoff unit that supplies or cuts off power to the predetermined electric device, a second power supply cutoff unit that supplies or cuts off power to the second predetermined electric device, and the first power supply Switching of power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric device by the supply cutoff unit is detected, and after the power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric device, the second power supply / interruption is performed.
And a control means for controlling the second power supply cutoff means so as to supply / cut off power to / from the predetermined electric device. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein said first power supply cutoff means includes a soft switch. 3. The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein said second power supply cutoff means includes a relay. 4. The control means communicates with the second predetermined electric device to acquire a state of the second predetermined electric device, and based on the acquired state of the second predetermined electric device. 2. The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the second power supply cutoff means is controlled so as to cut off the power supply to the second predetermined electric device. 5. The second power supply so as to shut off power to the second predetermined electrical device after a lapse of a predetermined time after shutting off power to the first predetermined electrical device. The power supply control device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply control device controls the interruption unit. 6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first predetermined electric device and the second predetermined electric device include an image reading device for reading a document image and an image recording device for recording an image on a recording medium. Power control device. 7. A power supply control device for controlling power supply from a predetermined electric device to a plurality of predetermined external electric devices, wherein an internal power supply cutoff means for supplying or cutting off power to the inside of the predetermined electric device; A plurality of external power supply interrupting means for respectively supplying or interrupting power to an external electric device; and detecting switching of supply / interruption of power to the inside of the predetermined electric device by the internal power supply interrupting device, and detecting the predetermined electric power. Control means for controlling each of the external power supply / interruption means so as to supply / interrupt power to the predetermined external electric equipment after power supply / interruption to the inside of the equipment. . 8. The power supply control device according to claim 7, wherein said internal power supply cutoff means includes a soft switch. 9. The power supply control device according to claim 7, wherein said external power supply cutoff means includes a relay. 10. The control means communicates with each of the predetermined external electric devices to acquire the state of each of the predetermined external electric devices, and based on the acquired state of each of the predetermined external electric devices, 8. The power supply control device according to claim 7, wherein each of the external power supply cutoff units is controlled so as to cut off the power to the electric device. 11. The control means controls the external power supply cut-off means so as to cut off the power supply to the predetermined external electric equipment after a lapse of a predetermined time after the power supply to the predetermined electric equipment is cut off. 7. The method according to claim 7, wherein
The power supply control device as described in the above. 12. A control method of a power supply control device for controlling power supply from a first predetermined electric device to a second predetermined electric device or power supply from a second predetermined electric device to a first predetermined electric device. A detection step of detecting switching of power supply / interruption to the first predetermined electric device; and, based on the detection result, supplying power to the first predetermined electric device / interrupting the second predetermined electric device. And a power supply / interruption step of supplying / interrupting power. 13. Communicating with the second predetermined electrical device,
An obtaining step of obtaining a state of the second predetermined electric device; and, based on the obtained state of the second predetermined electric device,
The control method of the power supply control device according to claim 12, further comprising: a power-off step of power-off of the second predetermined electric device.