JP2000047536A - Method for connected copying of copying machine network system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a smoother copying work by restraining the power source turn-off work by a weekly timer on slave machine side during the connected work informing time from the master machine. SOLUTION: As for this method for connected copying of a copying machine network system provided with the connected copying function capable of making plural image forming devices connected so as to be possible to communicate, to let the optional image forming device to be the master machine read the original, to feed the original information and the connection command information with regard to another image forming device becoming the slave machine, and to execute the same copy processing from the same original by plural image forming devices by sharing in parallel, and moreover at least, the slave machine is provided with a weekly timer function capable of turning the main power source on/off in matching with the on/off time being set for each day of the week, when the connection work information is made from the master machine with regard to the slave machine being out of the copying work, the slave machine makes the weekly timer function invalidated, during the time period connection work is informed (step S1401 and step S1402).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine network system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses share a copying operation for one image in a plurality of network printers and network copies and execute a linked copying operation for parallel processing. More particularly, the present invention relates to a copying machine network system in which a weekly timer function or a residual heat function is invalidated during a linked copying operation, and each function is enabled after the linked copying operation is canceled.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a method (system) for efficiently processing a large number of copies from one copy original,
Connect multiple image forming devices and perform parallel copying for each,
A so-called connecting operation is known. In other words, this linking operation is performed when, for example, one original is copied 100 times.
This is a function in which printing is shared by 50 image forming apparatuses, and processing is performed in half the time of one apparatus. In the above connection operation, first, the connection start key is pressed on the master device side, then the connection notification is performed from the master device to the slave device, and after setting various modes on the master device, the copy of the master device is started. Initiated by pressing a key.

Further, a recent image forming apparatus is provided with a function (mode) of "weekly timer" and "remaining heat" as one means of power saving. Some weekly timers have a function of turning on / off the power supply in accordance with the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week. In addition, the weekly timer has a main function of prohibiting copying work outside the specified time.

[0004] Preheating involves fixing the fixing temperature to a fixed temperature (for example, 1
In this mode, power consumption is reduced by lowering the temperature by 0 ° C.) and turning off the display on the operation unit. The setting for this mode is
Depending on the key input on the operation unit or the machine setting, it is automatically set after a certain period of time after the operation and operation are lost. The release of this mode is released when a human body detection sensor detects that a person stands in front of the machine by key input on the operation unit or machine setting.

[0005] As reference technical documents related to the present invention, for example, "Network system of digital copying machine" in JP-A-8-98038 and "Network system of digital copying machine" in JP-A-97959 are disclosed. Have been.

In the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-98038, when each digital copying machine is used by an operating device, an operation using a function of a digital copying machine that is not available other than the operating device is used. And improve operability and work efficiency. Also, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
In the system disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. H10-209, in a digital copying machine network system in which communication means for communicating operation commands and image information is provided to at least two or more digital copying machines, at least two or more digital copying machines in the system are provided. If the digital copying machine has a residual heat mode in which the power consumption is lower than that in the standby mode, there is provided a residual heat mode release means for releasing the residual heat mode of another digital copying machine in response to the release of the residual heat mode of one digital copying machine; The operability is improved, and the time until the start of copying is shortened.

[0007]

However, in the prior art as described above, while the link operation key is pressed (during the setting of the link copy mode in the master unit), the slave unit supplies power by the weekly timer. After the transition to the OFF state, a power supply restarting means is required from the master unit to the slave unit in order to perform the connection operation. Even if a power supply restarting means is prepared, a certain period of waiting time for heating the fixing roller to a predetermined fixing temperature occurs before restarting the power supply. However, there is a problem that a smooth copying operation is stagnated.

Similarly to the weekly timer, if the slave unit shifts to the residual heat state due to the arrival of the remaining heat transition time while the connecting operation key is pressed, the master unit needs to change from the residual heat state to the slave unit in order to perform the connecting operation. Means for restarting is required. In addition, even if the re-starting means is prepared, there is a problem that a smooth copying operation is stagnated for the same reason as described above.

Further, when the linked copying operation is started during the ON time of the weekly timer and the linked copying operation is completed during the power OFF time, it is desirable that the power supply be immediately turned off as the operation of the slave unit.

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and suppresses the power-off operation by the weekly timer of the child device during the notification of the connection operation from the parent device, thereby achieving a smoother connection copy. Realizing work first
The purpose of.

Further, the weekly timer is checked again after the connection operation is released, and if the power-off time has already been reached, the power of the slave unit is immediately turned off, so that the main function of the weekly timer can be correctly performed in the connection system. It is a second object to realize it.

It is a third object of the present invention to realize a smoother linked copying operation by suppressing the transition of the residual heat when the residual heat mode is set on the slave unit during the notification of the coupled operation from the master unit. I do.

[0013] Further, after the connection operation is released, it is checked again whether or not the residual heat mode is set, and if the residual heat is set, the slave unit is shifted to the residual heat mode so that the residual heat mode can be correctly realized in the coupled system. As a fourth object.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a linked copying method for a copying machine network system, wherein a plurality of image forming apparatuses are communicably connected to each other, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to each other. An arbitrary image forming apparatus reads an original to be copied, supplies original information and connection instruction information to another image forming apparatus serving as a slave unit, and the plurality of image forming apparatuses share and execute the same original from the same original. Copier having a linked copying function for executing the same copying process, and having a weekly timer function for turning on / off the main power source at least in accordance with the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week. In the linked copying method of the network system, when the master unit notifies the slave unit not performing the copying operation of the slave unit, the slave unit does not receive the notification of the link operation. Period being is to invalidate the weekly timer function.

In the linked copying method for a copying machine network system according to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the power-off time has already been reached at the time when the connection cancellation notification is received from the master unit. In this case, the weekly timer function is enabled, and the power of the slave unit is turned off after the notification of the connection operation cancellation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a linked copying method for a copying machine network system, wherein a plurality of image forming apparatuses are communicably connected to each other, and an arbitrary image forming apparatus serving as a master machine copies a document to be copied. The document information and the connection instruction information are supplied to another image forming apparatus serving as a reading and slave unit,
A copying machine having a linked copying function in which the plurality of image forming apparatuses share and execute the same copying process in parallel from the same document, and at least the slave unit has a residual heat power saving mode for lowering the fixing temperature by a certain temperature. In the linked copying method of the network system, when the master unit notifies the slave unit that is not performing the copying operation, the slave unit saves the remaining heat during the period in which the slave unit is notified of the link operation. The power mode is invalidated.

In the linked copying method for a copying machine network system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the third aspect, at the time when the linked operation cancel notification is received from the master unit, the remaining heat transfer operation state is already reached. In this case, the residual heat power saving mode is enabled, and the slave unit shifts to the residual heat power saving mode after the connection operation release notification.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus], [Operation Section of Image Forming Apparatus], [Control System of Image Forming Apparatus (First Configuration Example), (Second Configuration Example)], [Image of Image Forming Apparatus] Processing Unit], [Copier Network System], [Hardware Configuration of Network Copier], [Explanation / Definition of Terms],
[Operation example: (Example of power-off operation control by weekly timer during connection operation), (Example of control of residual heat operation during connection operation)] will be described in this order.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. A
A document bundle (not shown) placed on a document table 102 of a DF (automatic document feeder) 101 with a document image surface facing up is most likely to be pressed when a print key 202 on an operation unit 201 described below is pressed. From the lower document, the document is fed to a predetermined document reading position on the contact glass 105 by the feeding roller 103 and the feeding belt 104.

The document fed onto the contact glass 105 is discharged by the feed belt 104 and the discharge roller 107 after the document image is read by the reading unit 106. Further, the original set detection sensor 10
If it is detected in step 8 that the next document exists on the document table 102, the next document repeats the same operation as the previous document. Note that the feed roller 103, the feed belt 104, and the discharge roller 107 are driven by a transport motor (not shown).

The first tray 109 and the second tray 11
The transfer papers stacked on the tray 0 and the third tray 111 are respectively
First paper supply unit 112, second paper supply unit 113, and third paper supply unit 1
The paper is fed by the vertical transport unit 14 and transported by the vertical transport unit 115 to a position where it contacts the photosensitive drum 116. The original image read by the reading unit 106 is written as image data on the photosensitive drum 116 by laser light output from the writing unit 117, and is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 118.

Next, the transfer paper is transported by the transport belt 119 at the same speed as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 116.
The toner image on the photosensitive drum 116 is transferred. The toner image transferred to the transfer paper is fixed as an image by the fixing unit 120. Subsequently, the transfer paper on which the image has been fixed (hereinafter referred to as an image forming) is discharged by a paper discharge unit 121 to a finisher 122 which is a post-processing device.

The finisher 122 of the post-processing apparatus can guide the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge unit 121 of the apparatus body toward the paper discharge tray 126 or the staple processing section (lower left in the drawing). The guiding at this time is performed using the switching plate 124. Switching plate 124
Is switched to the upper position, the normal discharge tray 1 is transferred via the discharge roller 123 and the transport roller unit 132.
26 can be discharged. The switching plate 12
4 is switched downward, so that the transport rollers 125, 1
27, and can be conveyed to the staple table 128.

The transfer paper stacked on the staple table 128 is aligned by a jogger 129 for paper alignment each time one sheet is discharged, and is stapled by the stapler 130 when a part of the copy is completed. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 130 is stored in the staple completed paper discharge tray 131 by its own weight.

On the other hand, a normal paper discharge tray 126 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. A discharge tray 126 that can be moved back and forth is provided for each document or for an image memory 5 described later.
The copy paper which is moved back and forth for each part of the copy sorted by 01 and is simply discharged is sorted.

When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the first tray 109, the second tray 110, and the third tray 11
By setting the branching claw 133 for path switching on the upper side without guiding the transfer paper fed and image-formed from the sheet feeding tray 126 to the discharge tray 126 side, the double-sided paper feeding unit 134
Stock at

Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked in the duplex paper feed unit 134 is fed again from the duplex paper feed unit 134, and after the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 116 is transferred, the transfer paper is switched for path switching. By setting the branch claw 133 on the lower side, it is guided to the paper discharge tray 126. As described above, the duplex paper feeding unit 134 is used when forming images on both sides of the transfer paper.

The photosensitive drum 116, the conveyor belt 119,
The fixing unit 120, the paper discharging unit 121, and the developing unit 118 are driven by a main motor (not shown), and the first paper feeding unit 112, the second paper feeding unit 113, and the third paper feeding unit 114 are driven by the main motor. The drive is performed by transmitting the drive by a first paper supply clutch (not shown), a second paper supply clutch (not shown), and a third paper supply clutch (not shown), respectively. The vertical transport unit 115 is driven by transmitting the drive of the main motor by an intermediate clutch (not shown).

Next, the image reading operation in the image reading unit 106 and the writing unit 117
The operation of writing an image in, that is, the operation up to the formation of a latent image on the recording surface will be described. Here, the latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image to light information and irradiating the image on the photoreceptor surface.

First, the reading unit 106 includes a contact glass 105 on which a document is placed, and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 135, a first
Mirror 136, lens 137, CCD image sensor 1
38, a second mirror 139, a third mirror 140, and the like. Exposure lamp 135 and first mirror 136
Is fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 139 and the third mirror 140 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown).

The original image is read by the CCD image sensor 138, converted into an electric signal and processed. Lens 137 and CCD image sensor 138
By moving in the left-right direction (in FIG. 1),
The image magnification changes. That is, the positions of the lens 137 and the CCD image sensor 138 are set in the left-right direction corresponding to the designated magnification.

The writing unit 117 includes a laser output unit 141, an imaging lens 142, and a mirror 143. Inside the laser output unit 141, a laser diode (not shown) as a laser light source and a motor (not shown) are provided. ), A rotating polygon mirror (hereinafter, referred to as a polygon mirror and not shown) that rotates at a high speed at a constant speed is provided.

The laser beam emitted from the laser output unit 141 is polarized by a polygon mirror rotating at a constant speed, passes through an imaging lens 142, is turned back by a mirror 143, and is focused on a surface of the photosensitive drum 116 to form an image. I do.

The polarized laser beam is supplied to the photosensitive drum 116.
Is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the image is rotated.
02 (see FIG. 5), the image signal output from line 02 is recorded. An image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor drum 116 by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and the recording density of the photoconductor drum 116.

As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 117 is applied to the photosensitive drum 116. A beam sensor (not shown) for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is disposed at a position near one end of the photosensitive drum 116 where the laser beam is irradiated. Based on this main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction,
In addition, a control signal for inputting and outputting an image signal described later is generated.

[Structure of Operation Unit] Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the structure of the operation unit 201 for performing display to the user and input control of the function setting from the user will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation unit 201. As shown in FIG. 2, a print key 202 as a start key, a clear / stop key 203, a numeric keypad 204, a liquid crystal touch panel 205, and an initial setting key 207 are provided on the operation unit 201.
And a mode clear key 208 and an interrupt key 209. The liquid crystal touch panel 205 is used for displaying various messages indicating the number of copies and the state of the image forming apparatus, and for inputting various information.

In this embodiment, the liquid crystal touch panel 20
Since a dot display is used as 5, an optimal display at that time can be graphically performed. In addition,
In this embodiment, the liquid crystal touch panel 205 uses a dot display, but is not particularly limited thereto.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display screen of the liquid crystal touch panel 205 of the operation unit 201. When the operator touches a key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 205, the key indicating the selected function is inverted to black. If the details of the function need to be specified (for example, if the magnification is a magnification, the value of the magnification is touched), the detailed function setting screen is displayed by touching the key.

In FIG. 3, the upper left corner of the screen is a message area for displaying a message such as "Ready to copy" or "Please wait", and the right side is a copy number display area for displaying the number of sheets set. Automatic density key for automatically adjusting the image density, automatic paper selection key for automatically selecting the transfer paper, sort key for specifying the process of aligning copies one by one in the page order, and specifying the process for sorting copies by page Stack key, staple key to specify the process of binding the sorted items one by one, the same size key to set the magnification to the same size, the variable size key to set the enlargement / reduction ratio, and the two-sided key to set the duplex mode , An erase / move key for setting a binding margin mode and the like, and a print key for setting printing of a stamp, a date, a page, and the like.
In the figure, the key of the selected mode is indicated by oblique lines.

[Control System of Image Forming Apparatus] Next, the control system of the image forming apparatus will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

(First Configuration Example) FIG. 4 shows a control system of the above-mentioned image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4, various parts are arranged around a main controller 401 for controlling the entire image forming apparatus. The main controller 401 has an image reading unit 402 and an image writing unit 40 via a system bus.
3, memory unit 404, CSS 407, clock 408
Is connected, and the system controller 401
Directly, user restriction device 405, human body detection sensor 406,
The operation unit 201 is connected. Then, the image reading unit 402, the image writing unit 403, the memory unit 40
4 are mutually connected by an image data bus.

The memory unit 404 includes a compression block, a DRAM block, and a DMA block. A DRAM block in the memory unit 404 stores an image signal read from the image reading unit 402, and transfers image data stored in the image writing unit 403 in response to a request from the system controller 407. be able to. The compressed block is M
It has compression functions such as H, MR, MMR, etc.
The image once read can be compressed to improve the use efficiency of the memory (DRAM). The rotation of the image is realized by changing the address read from the image writing unit 403 and its direction. Note that this memory unit 404 is not necessary if only a normal copy function is realized.

The clock 404 is necessary only when a weekly timer function is realized such that the machine is booted or shut down at a specific time. Further, the human body detection sensor 406 is necessary only when a function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when a user approaches the machine in the preheating mode is realized. CS
S407 has a function of remote diagnosis, that is, a function of automatically notifying a service center when a machine error occurs, or monitoring the execution state / use state of the machine from a remote place. These may be mounted only when the above functions are required.

(Second Configuration Example) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the control system of the image forming apparatus. In the first configuration example (FIG. 4) described above, the CP
U is an image reading unit 402, an image writing unit 403,
Although a central control method for controlling the memory unit 404 and the CSS 407 is used, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG.
The image writing unit 403 and the memory unit 404 each have C
A PU may be provided, and a distributed control method may be used in which commands from the system controller to each controller are transmitted through control signal lines. The configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the above configuration examples 1 and 2, but may be another configuration.

[Configuration of Image Processing Unit (IPU) of Image Forming Apparatus] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the configuration of the image processing unit (image reading unit 402 and image writing unit 403) according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration of the image processing unit will be described with reference to FIG. First, the irradiation light from the exposure lamp 51 irradiates the original surface and is read by an image pickup lens (not shown).
06 is formed on the CCD image sensor. The CCD image sensor 138 of the reading unit 106 photoelectrically converts the received document image to generate image data (analog electric signal).
The digital signal is converted into a digital signal by a digital signal 03, a shading correction is performed by a shading correction circuit 504, and an MTF / γ correction circuit 505 performs MTF correction / γ correction processing.

The selector 502 has an MTF / γ correction circuit 5
The image data input from the first print synthesizing unit 506 via the first print synthesizing unit 506 is converted into a scaling circuit 508 via the second print synthesizing unit 507.
Or the image data is supplied to the image memory controller 510 by switching. The image data that has passed through the magnification circuit 508 is enlarged or reduced in accordance with the magnification and sent to the writing unit 117.

On the other hand, between the memory controller 510 and the selector 502, image data can be input and output bidirectionally. Although not specifically shown in FIG. 6, the image processing unit (IPU) includes an I / O port 514 and an SC in addition to the image data input from the reading unit 106.
One having a function of selecting input and output of a plurality of data so that image data supplied from the outside via the SI driver 515, for example, data input from a data processing device such as a personal computer, can be processed. I do.

The image processing unit stores a CPU 511 for setting various information (commands) to the image memory controller 510 and the like and controlling the reading unit 106 and the writing unit 117, and stores programs and data of the CPU 511. A ROM 512 and a RAM 513 are provided. Further, the CPU 511 is configured to be able to write or read data in the image memory 501 via the memory controller 510.

Next, one page of image data in the selector 502 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a timing chart of image data for one page. Frame gate signal (hereinafter, / FGATE)
Abbreviated as) represents the effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. Main scanning synchronization signal (hereinafter, / LSY)
NC is abbreviated for each line, and image data becomes valid at a predetermined clock after / LSYNC rises.

A signal indicating that image data in the main scanning direction is valid is a line gate signal (hereinafter, / LGATE).
Abbreviated). These / FGATE, / LSYNC
And / LGATE are synchronized with a pixel synchronization signal (hereinafter abbreviated as VCLK), and data of one pixel is sent for one cycle of VCLK.

Although detailed description is omitted, the IPU4
02 is a separate / FGATE, / LSYNC, / LGATE and VCL for each of image input and image output.
It has a mechanism for generating K, and has a configuration in which various combinations of image input / output can be realized by performing phase adjustment or the like in the case of directly outputting a read document image (image data).

Next, the memory controller 510 and the image memory 501 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the memory controller 510 and the image memory 501. The memory controller 510 has an input data selector 701, an image synthesizing unit 702, a primary compression / expansion unit 703, an output data selector 704, and a secondary compression / expansion unit 705.
The setting of the control data in the respective units is performed by the CPU 511. The addresses and data shown in FIG. 6 indicate the addresses and data of the image data.
The data and address of control data connected to 11 are omitted.

The image memory 501 has a primary storage device 706
And a secondary storage device 707. The primary storage device 706 is, for example, a DRAM or the like so that writing to the image memory 501 or reading from the image memory 501 at the time of image output can be performed at high speed substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of the input image data. Use one that allows high-speed access. Further, the primary storage device 706 has a configuration capable of simultaneously executing input / output of image data by dividing the image data into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed (not shown, but an interface unit with the memory controller 510). ).

The interface with the memory controller 510 is connected to the interface with the memory controller 510 by two sets of address and data lines for reading and writing so that input and output of image data can be executed in parallel to each divided area. Thus, an operation of outputting (reading) an image from the area 2 while inputting (writing) the image to the area 1 becomes possible.

The secondary storage device 707 is a large-capacity memory for storing data for synthesizing and sorting input images. If elements that can be accessed at high speed are used for both the primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707, data processing can be performed without distinction between the primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707, and the memory controller 51
Although the control of 0 is relatively easy, since the elements such as the DRAM are expensive, the access speed of the primary storage device 706 is increased to perform the processing of the input / output data.
Note that, similarly to the primary storage device 706, the secondary storage device 707
Of course, a high-speed device such as a DRAM may be used.

By configuring the image memory 501 with the primary storage device 706 and the secondary storage device 707 as described above, an image forming apparatus capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be manufactured at a low cost. , And can be realized with a relatively simple configuration. Note that the aggregated images in the aggregated copy function are stored in the primary storage device 706 in such a manner that a plurality of original images are written in one transfer paper.

Next, an outline of the operation of the memory controller 510 will be described. First, image input (storage in the image memory 501) will be described.

The input data selector 701 selects image data to be written into the image memory (primary storage device 706) from a plurality of data. The image data selected by the input data selector 701 is supplied to the image synthesizing unit 702, and is synthesized with the data already stored in the image memory 501 by the image synthesizing unit 702. The image data processed by the image synthesis unit 702 is subjected to data compression by a primary compression / decompression unit 703, and the compressed data is written to a primary storage device 706. The data written in the primary storage device 706 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression unit 705 as necessary, and then stored in the secondary storage device 707.

Next, image output (reading of image data from the image memory 501) will be described. First, at the time of image output, image data stored in the primary storage device 706 is read. Even when the image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 706, the primary compression / decompression unit 703 decompresses the image data in the primary storage device 706 and outputs the decompressed data or the decompressed data. The output data selector 704 selects and outputs the data after the image synthesis of the input data and the input data.

The image synthesizing unit 702 includes a primary storage device 706
(Combined with image data phase adjustment function), selection of output destination of combined data (image output, write-back to primary storage device 706, simultaneous output to both output destinations) Output is also possible).

The image to be output is the primary storage device 706
If the image data is not stored in the secondary storage device 707, the output target image data stored in the secondary storage device 707 is
05, the expanded data is stored in the primary storage device 70.
After writing the data in No. 6, the above-described image output operation is performed.

[Configuration of Copying Machine Network System] FIG. 9 shows a copying machine network system in which a plurality of digital copying machines according to the present embodiment are connected.
A digital copier constituting a copier network is referred to as a "network copier." As shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of digital copiers are connected to each other via a network interface. Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which eight digital copying machines are networked, the number of connected digital copying machines is not limited to this, and any number of digital copying machines may be connected.

[Hardware Configuration of Network Copying Machine] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration of the network copying machine. In particular, FIG. 10 shows two network copying machines (“Digital PPC-I” and “Digital PPC-II”). ) Is connected. As shown in the figure, the hardware configuration of one digital copying machine is almost the same as the hardware configuration example 1 of FIG. 4, but the read image is transferred to an external network or In order to save the image data from the memory unit to the DRAM block in the memory unit, the SCSI (Sm
all Computer System Interface) and a SCSI controller.

As the network communication means, for example, Ethernet is used as physical means, and OSI is used for data communication.
(Open System Interface) TCP / IP of reference model
Various means, such as using communication, are conceivable. In addition, by using the configuration as shown in the figure, not only image data transfer as described above, but also control commands and settings such as an in-machine status notification of each machine existing on the network and a remote output command described later. It also transfers commands.

Next, the operation of transferring the image read by "digital PPC-I" to the image writing section of "digital PPC-II" (hereinafter, referred to as "remote output") is shown in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of software of “digital PPC-I” and “digital PPC-II”.

In FIG. 11, “copy application” is an application for executing a copy sequence for executing a copy operation, “input / output control” is a layer (device driver) for logically / physically converting data, and an operation unit controller is Layer for executing MMI (Man Machine Interface) (layer for performing LCD display, LED on / off, key input scan, etc. at logical level), "Peripheral controller" means P for automatic duplex unit, sorter, ADF, etc.
This indicates the layer that executes the control of the peripheral device attached to the PC at the logical level.
The "image reading device controller" and the "memory unit" are as described above.

When a print request is requested from another machine on the network, the "daemon process" reads out the image data stored in the memory unit and transfers the image data to the "image forming unit". It exists as an application that performs the role. Of course, image transfer from other machines on the network must be completed before the "daemon process" reads the image from the memory unit and executes the printing operation.

The operation unit, peripheral devices, image forming unit, image reading device, and memory unit are handled as resources held by the respective PPCs. In the case where the “digital PPC-I” in the figure executes a copy operation using its own resources (when the print start key is pressed), the “image forming apparatus”, “ It requests each resource of the "image reading device" or, if necessary, the "peripheral device" and the "memory unit" to the "system control" section.

The “system control” section includes a “copy application”
Arbitrates for the right to use resources in response to requests from
Notify the “copy application” of the arbitration result (usability). When the “digital PPC-I” is used in a stand-alone manner (in a state where no network connection is made), the “copy application” can occupy all the resources held by the system, so that the copying operation is executed immediately.
On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, the right to use a resource is given to a “system controller” of a remote digital PPC that executes a print operation using a resource of another machine (hereinafter, a remote digital PPC) existing on a network. Request.

The system controller of the remote digital PPC arbitrates resources according to the request, and notifies the result to the application of the requesting machine. When the right of use is granted, the application reads the image, and when the image storage in its own memory unit is completed, the external interface (SCS in this embodiment).
The image is transferred to the memory unit of the remote output destination machine via I). When the image transfer is completed, the print start command is sent to the "daemon process" of the remote output destination machine after sending the print execution conditions (paper feed slot, paper discharge slot, number of prints, etc.). Send. When the "daemon process" of the remote output destination receives the "print start" command, it requests the "system controller" of itself (the machine that executes the remote output) to start printing, and the remote output is executed by the system controller. .

When the “digital PPC-II” uses a “digital PPC-II” memory unit, the “digital PPC-II” memory unit
"Digital PPC-II" (or a digital PPC other than "Digital PPC-I" when a plurality of digital PPCs are connected on a network as shown in FIG. 9)
The use of the application is disabled.

[Explanation and Definition of Terms] Next, the terms used in this specification will be explained. [Image reading device (image reading unit)]: Digital P
As an “image reading device” used in a PC, a light source is irradiated on a document, and the reflected light is “solid-state image sensor = CC”.
D), a device having a function of converting the signal into an electric signal and performing “necessary image processing” is used. Here, “necessary image processing” includes quantization (converting analog data converted into an electric signal by a CCD into binary or multi-valued data), shading correction (irradiation unevenness of a light source for irradiating an original, and so on). , To correct the sensitivity variation of CCD) ・ MTF
Correction (correction of blur caused by the optical system), magnification change processing (indicating processing of changing the image reading density and performing data interpolation using the read image data) and the like.

[Image forming unit]: The "image forming unit" used in the digital PPC forms an image sent by an electric signal on plain paper, thermal paper, or the like by means of electrophotography, heat transfer, thermal transfer, ink jet, or the like. It is a device to do.

[Video signal], [Image data]: Electric signals of an image converted by the above-mentioned "image reading device",
The electric signal of the image input to the “image forming unit” and the signal for synchronizing with the electric signal of the image are collectively expressed as “video signal” or “image data”.

[Control Signal], [Command]: In order to exchange a “video signal” between an “image reading device”, an “image forming unit”, and an “application”, it is necessary to transmit information between the devices. is there. This means is referred to as "control signal" or "command" issuance.

[Extended function], [Application (abbreviated as application)], [Memory function], [Memory unit]:
A major feature of digital PPC is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is restored by an image forming apparatus. At this time, by having means for variously changing (image processing) and transmitting the read electric signal, it becomes possible to apply the electric signal to fields other than the conventional analog PPC. In addition to realizing functions such as FAX, page printer, scanner, and file system, recently, even when executing the PPC function, the read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and the image data is stored as needed. By reading the data, a function of executing a plurality of prints in one scan at the time of a plurality of copies, or a function of printing a plurality of documents on one transfer sheet (hereinafter, a memory function) is realized. Functions that can be realized by these digital PPC systems are referred to as “extended functions” or “apps”. The memory unit is also used as a buffer for transferring image data between machines on a network.

[System controller], "System": In executing the copy mode, in order to form an image in the image writing section, a paper transport process, an electrophotographic process process, an abnormal state and a sheet cassette state (paper presence / absence state). , Etc.), and a controller that controls scanner operation and ON / OFF of a light source for reading an image by an image reading unit is collectively expressed as a “system controller”. Furthermore, recent digital PPCs have been equipped not only with one extended function but also with a plurality of applications simultaneously. As described above, a digital PPC sharing one resource may be referred to as a “system”, and a controller that controls this system may be referred to as a “system controller”.

[Resource], [Resource]: A unit of functional unit shared by a plurality of applications is expressed as "resource", "resource". The above-mentioned “system controller”
System control is performed for each resource. The resources managed by the digital PPC in this case are "image reading device", "image forming unit", "operation unit", "memory", "peripheral devices (= ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.)"
and so on.

[User Restriction]: In particular, there is a case where the user does not want to permit unlimited use of the PPC using the electrophotographic process because of its large consumption. At this time, "user"
"Coin rack" to identify, limit, and manage
Use "user-restricted equipment" such as "key counter", "key card", "prepaid card", etc., "password" and the like.

[User setting]: When the system becomes complicated, it is necessary to individually deal with each user. Since it is impossible to satisfy all of these measures at the time of factory shipment, measures in the market are indispensable. Therefore, usually, the non-volatile R
The system is equipped with AM to enable system settings according to customer requirements. This function is referred to as "user setting".

[Idle state]: A state in which no operation by the user has been performed for a certain period of time is referred to as an "idle state", and other states are referred to as a "busy state".
The time until the transition from the "busy state" to the "idle state" is user-configurable. For example, not only during the copying operation but also after the copying operation is completed, the state does not transit to the “idle state” unless the user does not operate for a certain period of time.

[Weekly timer]: Turns ON / OFF the power according to the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week.
F function.

[Preheating]: By controlling the fixing temperature by lowering it by a fixed temperature (for example, 10 ° C.) and turning off the display of the operation section,
This mode saves power consumption. The setting of this mode is automatically set after a certain period of time from when there is no operation or operation depending on the key input on the operation unit or the machine setting. The release of this mode is released when a human body detection sensor detects that a person stands in front of the machine by key input on the operation unit or machine setting.

[Reload]: A state in which the fixing temperature reaches the fixing possible temperature and copying is possible is called reloading.

[Interrupt mode]: This mode is for temporarily interrupting the copying operation during the copying operation and during the operation to perform copying. By setting this mode, the previous copy mode and, if copying is in progress, the progress information is stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized. After the copy operation is executed, when the interrupt mode is released, the mode and information stored in the nonvolatile RAM are returned to restore the state before the interrupt mode was set, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting. The setting / cancellation of this mode can be performed using the keys of the operation unit 201.

[Reservation mode]: A plurality of copy applications are activated, and resource management is performed by the system controller. If a certain copy application is in an image forming operation and the operation unit and the image reading device are open, use of another copy application is permitted, and setting operation and reading of a document are performed (see FIG. 12).

[CSS] (or [remote diagnosis system], [image forming apparatus management system]): FIG. 20 shows the configuration of the image forming apparatus management system. A management apparatus 1003 installed at a service base is connected to a device such as a PPC 1000 installed at a user via a public network 1002. On the user side, a communication control device 1001 for controlling communication with the management device 1003 is installed.
0 is connected to the communication control device 1001. A telephone or a facsimile can be connected to the communication control device 1001 and can be installed by inserting it into a user's existing line. A plurality of PPCs can be connected to the communication control device 1001, but of course there may be a single PPC.

These PPCs do not need to be of the same type, but may be different models, and may be devices other than the PPC. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that a maximum of five PPCs can be connected to one communication control device. Communication control device and multiple PPCs are RS-48
Multidrop connection is performed according to five standards. Communication control between the communication control device and each PPC is performed by a basic type data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by the polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device as a control station,
Communication with any PPC is possible. Each PPC can be set to a unique value by an address setting switch, whereby the polling address and the selecting address of each PPC are determined.

In the [reserved copy], as shown in FIG. 12, a plurality of copy applications are activated and each operates independently. The operation unit, which is a shared resource,
The peripheral device, the image writing unit (image forming means), the image reading device, and the memory are arbitrated by the system controller. The plurality of copy applications can write respective operation screen information on a virtual screen provided by the operation unit. The operation unit develops the screen information of the virtual screen of the operation unit owner application specified by the system controller on the real screen.

[Operation Reservation]: In the operation reservation stage, the copying operation cannot be started when the fixing machine is being heated during the fixing operation or the like. This function automatically starts the copy operation when the copy operation is enabled. In this embodiment, the operation reservation can be made during the fixing heating. However, other objects that become operable with the passage of time are eligible for the reservation. It can be considered that the LCT tray rise time, the polygon motor rotation stabilization time, the toner replenishment operation, and the like.

[Operation Example] Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus configured as described above (especially, in the case of the system as shown in FIG. 9) will be described. Will be described. As described above, in order to efficiently process a large number of copies from a single copy original, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to share the large number of copies, as described above. , A function for performing parallel copying.

(Example of power-off operation control by weekly timer during connection operation) An example of power-off operation control by the weekly timer during connection operation will be described with reference to the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 13 and the flowcharts of FIGS. .

In FIG. 13, when a linking operation is instructed in any one of the copying machine network systems,
The image forming apparatus that is not currently operating (not performing the copying operation) in the copying machine network system is notified of the connection operation (state a). Hereafter, the former will be referred to as master unit 1.
300, and the latter is called a slave unit 1310. The slave unit 1310 does not perform the power-off process while detecting the power-off state by the weekly timer while the notification of the connection operation is being made. Next, when the parent device 1300 notifies the child device 1310 of the release of the connection operation (state b), a check of the weekly timer is performed. Cut off.

The above operation will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation example (1) during the period in FIG. 13, and shows the case in the state a. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not it is the power OFF time by the weekly timer (S1401). Here, if it is determined that it is the power OFF time by the weekly timer, it is further determined whether or not the connection mode is being performed (S1402). When it is determined that the connection mode is not in effect, the predetermined power supply O
The FF process is performed (S1403).

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the operation example (2) during the period in FIG. 13 and shows the case in the state b. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not it is the power OFF time by the weekly timer (S1501). If it is determined that the current time is the power-off time by the weekly timer, a predetermined power-off process is executed (S1502).

(Example of control of residual heat operation during connection operation) An example of control of residual heat operation during connection operation will be described with reference to the state transition diagram shown in FIG. 16 and the flowcharts of FIGS. 17, 18, and 19.

In FIG. 16, a notification of a link operation is sent to an image forming apparatus that is not currently operating (no copy operation is being performed) in the copier network system (state a). During the connection operation notification, the slave unit does not perform the remaining heat transfer process even when the remaining heat state is detected by the remaining heat transfer timer. Next, when the master unit notifies the slave unit of the connection operation release (state b), the remaining heat transfer timer is cleared to 0, and the count-up process of the remaining heat transfer timer is started again.

The above operation will be described with reference to a flowchart. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the operation example (1) during the period in FIG. 16, and shows the case in the state a. In the figure, first, it is determined whether or not the residual heat transition time count has reached a preset residual heat transition time set value or more (S1701). Here, when it is determined that the remaining heat transfer time count has reached the set value of the remaining heat transfer time, it is further determined whether or not the connection mode is being performed (S1702). If it is determined that the connection mode is not being performed, a predetermined residual heat transfer operation is performed (S1703).

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the operation example (2) during the period shown in FIG. 16. In the state b (at the time of notification of the release of the connection operation and at the time of response), the remaining heat transition time count is cleared to 0 (S1801). 19 is the same as FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing an operation example (3) during the period in FIG. 6, and first, it is determined whether or not the remaining heat transition time count has reached or exceeded a preset remaining heat transition time set value (S1901). Here, when it is determined that the remaining heat transfer time count has reached or exceeded the set value of the remaining heat transfer time, a predetermined remaining heat transfer operation is performed (S1902).

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be implemented with appropriate modifications without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0102]

As described above, according to the linked copying method for a copying machine network system according to the present invention (claim 1), a plurality of image forming apparatuses share the same document and execute the same copying process in parallel. In a copier network system having a concatenated copy function for executing a copy operation and a weekly timer function for turning on / off the main power supply at least according to the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week, By disabling the power off of the slave unit by the weekly timer function when executing,
Since it is not necessary to restart the power supply of the slave unit, there is no waiting time until the start-up, so that an efficient linked copy operation is realized.

Further, according to the linked copying method of the copying machine network system according to the present invention (claim 2), after the linked copying operation is canceled, the power is turned off by the weekly timer.
In the case of the period, by immediately turning off the power, the main function of the weekly timer can be normally functioned even in the connection system.

Further, according to the linked copying method of the copying machine network system according to the present invention (claim 3), a linked copying function in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses share and execute the same copying process from the same original in parallel. In a copier network system having a residual heat power saving mode in which at least the slave unit controls the fixing temperature by lowering the fixing temperature by a fixed temperature, disabling the transfer of the residual heat of the slave unit by the residual heat power saving mode when performing a concatenated copying operation. This eliminates the need to restart the slave unit from the residual heat state to the normal fixing temperature, and eliminates the waiting time until the start-up, thereby realizing an efficient linked copying operation.

Further, according to the linked copying method of the copying machine network system according to the present invention (claim 4), after the linked copying operation is canceled, in the case of the transition to the residual heat in the residual heat power saving mode, the transition is immediately made to the residual heat state. This allows the residual heat power saving mode to function normally even in a connected system.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a liquid crystal touch panel of an operation unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a control system (configuration example 1) of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a control system (configuration example 2) of the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram illustrating an image processing unit of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an image signal for one page.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of a memory controller and an image memory shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a copying machine network system.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a network copier.

FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram of software of a network copier.

FIG. 12 is a software conceptual diagram when a plurality of copy applications are activated.

FIG. 13 is a state transition diagram showing a connection operation example (1) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of power-off control by a weekly timer during the period operation (1) in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of power OFF control by a weekly timer during the period operation (2) in FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a state transition diagram showing a connection operation example (part 2) according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of control of residual heat operation during period operation (1) in FIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of control of residual heat operation during the period operation (2) in FIG. 16;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of control of residual heat operation during period operation (3) in FIG. 16;

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus management system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 106 reading unit 201 operation unit 202 print key 203 clear / stop key 204 numeric keypad 207 initial setting key 401 main controller 402 image reading unit 403 image writing unit 404 memory unit 405 user limiter 406 human body detection sensor 408 clock 501 image memory 511 CPU 512 ROM 513 RAM 514 I / O port 515 SCSI driver 1300 Master unit 1310 Slave unit

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Hirohisa Saito 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Ricoh Co., Ltd. (Reference) 2H027 DA50 EA16 EE10 EF16 EH08 EH10 EJ11 EJ15 EJ18 FA30 FA33 ZA09 5C062 AA05 AA35 AB38 AB51 AB53 AE13 AF00 BA00 5G065 AA00 AA01 GA06 JA07 KA02 KA05 LA07 MA07 MA10

Claims (4)

[Claims] A plurality of image forming apparatuses are communicably connected, an arbitrary image forming apparatus serving as a master reads an original to be copied, and original information and connection to another image forming apparatus serving as a slave are provided. A plurality of image forming apparatuses that share the same document and execute the same copy processing in parallel from the same document;
In the linked copying method of a copying machine network system having a weekly timer function for turning on / off a main power supply in accordance with an ON / OFF time set for each day of the week, the slave unit not performing a copying operation from the master unit A notification of a connection operation for the slave device, the slave unit invalidates the weekly timer function during a period in which the notification of the connection operation is made, wherein the slave unit disables the weekly timer function. 2. When the power-off time has already been reached at the time when the connection operation release notification is received from the master unit, the weekly timer function is enabled, and the power of the slave unit is turned off after the connection operation release notification. 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of: 3. A plurality of image forming apparatuses are communicably connected, an arbitrary image forming apparatus serving as a master reads an original to be copied, and original information and connection to another image forming apparatus serving as a slave. A plurality of image forming apparatuses that share the same document and execute the same copy processing in parallel from the same document;
In a linked copying method of a copying machine network system having a residual heat power saving mode for lowering a fixing temperature by a certain temperature, when a linked operation notification is issued from the master to a slave not performing a copying operation, The method according to claim 1, further comprising disabling the remaining heat power saving mode during a period in which the connection operation notification is being issued. 4. When the remaining heat transfer operation state has already been reached at the time when the connection operation release notification is received from the master unit, the remaining heat power saving mode is enabled, and after the connection operation release notification, the slave unit 4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the mode shifts to a power saving mode.