JP2000069218A - Digital copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital copying machine which can confirm print processing situation by a PC device by inputting a network address at data input. SOLUTION: An OPU 124 inputs an operation instruction and a network address of a PC device that a user holds. Image data read by an SBU121, based on the operation instruction are multiplexed processing at an MPX 105 and transmitted to an IPU 101 of an image processing unit. The IPU 101 transfers the image data to a wiring control part 125 and performs wiring processing at the sometime transfers the image data to a memory control part 102, and stores them into an HD 127 by way of an IDE 103. A printer controller SPctrl connected to the IPU 101 performs notification of printing job completion to a PC device of the inputted network address. When recording paper shortage or paper jam occurs in the middle of the print processing, the user can assess well the print processing situation by notifying it as a printing job error.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a digital copying machine, and more particularly, to a digital copying machine connected to a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In a conventional digital copying machine, image data of a document read by a reading device such as a scanner is stored as digital image data in a storage device, and a required number of copies are read from the storage device and copied and output. In other words, since the document reading operation can be performed once, the user can take the document home immediately after the document reading is completed, and there is no waiting time until the document is output. Meanwhile, digital copiers that can perform other tasks are known.

[0003] In addition, a person who attempts to use a copy while a copy operation is being performed, has his / her original read by a reading device before the end of the image forming operation, and makes his / her own copy after the end of the image formation. A digital copier capable of performing “reserved copying” that automatically performs the “reserved copying” is also a known technique. Such a reserved copy function is possible as long as there is free space in the storage device.

[0004]

However, in the digital copying machine shown in the above-mentioned conventional example, it is possible to be away from the digital copying machine during the copying operation, but when the reserved copy is set multiple times. Has a problem in that it is not possible to know when the reserved copy starts and ends.

When a reserved copy is set, for example, if a situation such as a paper jam or a shortage of recording paper occurs, the situation cannot be known. Therefore, the user must go to the place where the digital copying machine is installed and confirm the situation. There is a problem that must be.

According to the present invention, the operation status of the digital copier during the reserved copying is confirmed by the own PC device by registering the network address possessed by the own machine at the time of data input. It is an object of the present invention to provide a digital copier capable of performing such operations.

[0007]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a digital copying machine having a printer controller having a network interface capable of connecting to a plurality of PC devices. Operation instruction input means for inputting operation instructions, document transport means for transporting the document onto the contact glass, reading means for reading the document transported by the document transport means as image data, and image data read by the reading means. Writing means for writing on recording paper, network address specifying means for specifying a unique network address of a plurality of PCs when an operation instruction is input by the operation instruction input means, and a PC having a network address specified by the network address specifying means. A mark that notifies the device of the end of the print job And having a job end notification means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the present invention, the digital copying machine runs out of recording paper,
Further, when a paper jam has occurred, a print job error notifying unit is provided for notifying the PC device of the network address designated by the network address designating unit as a print job error.

The invention described in claim 3 is the first or second invention.
In the invention described above, the document conveying means has a reversing function when performing double-sided printing.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Next, a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. 1 to 10, there is shown one embodiment of a digital copying machine according to the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The digital copying machine includes a main body 1, an ARDF (automatic document feeder with a reversing function) 2, a finisher (post-processing device) 3, an LCIT
(Mass feeder) 4.

The main body 1 has an image forming processing function of forming image data of a document read by a reading section on recording paper.

An ARDF (document feeder with an automatic reversing function) 2 conveys the document placed on the document table in order for each page onto the contact glass. In the case of double-sided printing, a function is provided for automatically performing reversal processing and then transporting.

A finisher (post-processing device) 3 performs post-processing after image formation, and performs punching or binding with a stapler when sorting (sorting) and outputting in an output process. .

An LCIT (mass feeder) 4 is a large-capacity feeder unit that can set several thousand recording sheets at a time.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the digital copying machine will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

Referring to FIG. 2, digital copier 1000
Are connected to the BICU 100 which is a control unit of the copying machine, the IOB 200 which is an input / output control unit for controlling input / output, the SPctrl 300 which is a printer controller which enables connection with other applications, and the IOB 200 And a PFB 400 that performs control.
Note that the SPctrl 300 is a digital copier 1000
It is integrated into

The configuration of the BICU 100 will be described together with its operation. When an operation instruction is input from an OPU 124 which is an operation unit, an SBU 121 driven and controlled by a scanner motor 122 connected to the 8-bit CPU 106.
Reads the document as image data and sends it to the MPX 105. In the MPX 105, after multiplexing the read image data, the image processing unit IPU1
Send to 01. The image data transmitted to the IPU 101 is transferred to the writing control unit 125, forms an image on the charging drum via a polygon mirror driven by the polygon motor 128, and is also transferred to the memory control unit 102, and further controlled by the 8-bit CPU 104. Is stored in the HD (hard disk) 127 via the connection interface IDE 103 to be connected. For example, when copying a plurality of copies, the image data stored in the HD 127 is read, and the writing control unit 125 forms an image. The polygon motor 127 includes a write control unit 125
Drives the polygon mirror when an image is formed.

SPctrl 300 is a digital copier 1
000 is a printer controller integrated with the printer controller. The printer controller has an external interface, develops print data input from the PC 6 or the like into bitmap data, and transmits the bitmap data to the IPU 101 to obtain a print image. As the external interface, a general Centronics I / F and serial I / F
A network interface as a network printer is provided in addition to / F. The data from the SPctrl 300 is also stored in the HD 127.

What is described as connected is an interface for exchanging image data with another digital copying machine. The CPU 107 controls the entire copying machine 32
Bit CPU, ROM 108, R
AM 110, nvRAM 109 and the like are connected. The CPU periphery 111, which is an I / O portion of the CPU 107, is collected in the IOB 200 of the input / output unit. Here, input devices such as a sensor 222 and output devices such as a solenoid and a motor are connected, and have an interface with peripheral devices of a copying machine such as an ARDF 223 and a finisher 224.

The PFB 400 is a control unit of a paper feed unit of a copying machine, is controlled by an 8-bit CPU 400, and is connected to an actuator 411 and a sensor 412 via a connection interface TE7751 (402).

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the operation unit of the digital copying machine. A medium-sized LCD (liquid crystal display panel) is arranged in the center, and a touch panel made of a transparent resistive film is arranged on the surface of the LCD, and operation input is performed by touching the display screen with a finger.

On the right side of the LCD, numeric keys for inputting the number of copies, etc., a program key for registering settings and the like, a preheating key for switching to a power saving mode, a mode clear key for canceling a set mode, and a copy operation An interrupt copy key for interrupting the copying operation, a test copy key for performing a test copy, a clear / stop key for canceling a copy operation and operation setting, a start key for starting a copy operation, and the like are arranged.

On the left side of the LCD, application keys and display LEDs are displayed. The key shown in FIG. 3 is a blind cover in the case of a single copy machine, and is added when an extension unit such as a printer is added. FIG. 3 shows an example in which a printer controller is added as an extension unit. The "copy", "stored file print", and "printer" keys are key switches for selecting each application.

Here, the storage file printing means that a plurality of persons use one printer when used as a network printer. Print as a document storage file. That is, when a confidential document storage file is designated from a personal computer or the like at the time of printing, the printer controller does not immediately print the data but temporarily stores the data in a storage device such as a hard disk and issues an ID code. And the person who wants to print goes to the place where this copier is installed,
Printing is started only after selecting “accumulated file printing” and inputting the previously issued ID code. This function allows a document that is not desired to be viewed by others to be printed as intended.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the OPU (operation unit) 124. The OPU 124 is connected to the control unit of the copying machine via the serial interface by the CPU 1242 to perform communication.

The ROM 1243 stores bitmap data for display screens of control software and copy applications, fonts for displaying characters, and the like. RAM 1244 is
This is a work RAM. In this example, the LCD unit 1
Display timing control 250, read control circuit of touch panel 1251, key matrix 125 such as numeric keypad
The read control circuit 2 and the control circuit of a VRAM (video RAM) 1247 for writing data to be displayed on the LCD are constituted by one GA (gate array) 1246.
The LCD unit 1250 is composed of 640 × 240 dots. The touch panel 1251 is based on glass, a film is arranged with a small gap secured, a transparent resistive film is printed on the inside, and the touched position is read with a finger when pressed with a finger, and the A / D is read. By performing the conversion, the coordinates in the X and Y directions are read. This coordinate is
640 in the X direction and 240 in the Y direction according to the number of dots on the LCD
Is converted to The coordinate reference point is at the upper left position of the LCD. When the position of the key of each size displayed by the software is pressed, it is determined that the key is effective.

FIG. 5 is a display example of the operation screen during the printing standby. The operation panel is divided into several parts, and the left part is an area for designating the type of the original and for designating the copy density. The upper right portion is an area for displaying the number of input copies, the number of copies, and the number of read originals. The lower part is an area for setting post-processing by the finisher. The upper center is an area for displaying a message, and the lower center is an area for setting various copy modes. A setting screen such as a copy mode is displayed as a pop-up screen as necessary.

When a different digital copying machine is connected to the connected copy displayed here, the original is read by one copying machine and the image data is transferred to another connected digital copying machine. Then, by simultaneously outputting the data with two units, the productivity is doubled.

The lower part of the message area is an area for selecting a recording sheet. Below that is an area for specifying the magnification. Here, a frequently used magnification selection key and the selected magnification are displayed. To select another magnification, a "magnification / magnification" key at the bottom right is pressed to display a magnification selection pop-up screen. Below that is an area for selecting both sides. In this example, based on the Energy Star plan, the default “one side → two side” is displayed.

Below this is an area for setting "cover / interleaf", "edit", "double-sided / combined / divided", and "magnification". When these keys are pressed, a pop-up screen for detailed settings is displayed.

FIG. 6 shows a display example of a screen during copying.
In the case of the screen during copying, a “reservation” key for setting a next copy job is displayed on the right side of the message area. A reserved copy is one in which the original of the current copy has already been read, so the original of the next copy is read without interrupting the copy, and the copy is started after the current copy is completed. is there. When the reservation key shown in FIG. 6 is pressed, the screen changes to the screen of FIG.

FIG. 7 shows a setting screen for a copy mode for reserved copying. It can be set without any restrictions like a normal copy. To cancel the reserved copy, press the "cancel" key. To return to the screen of the copy currently being performed, press the "to copy screen" key to return.

When the mode of the copy to be reserved is set, the original is set in the ARDF, and the start button is pressed, the reading of the original is started. The screen at that time changes as shown in FIG. 8, and the message area displays "Copy reserved" and an "end notice" key.

The end notification key is used to transmit a message indicating that the copy has been completed to the PC at the user's seat via the network because it is not known when the reserved copy is started and when it is completed.

FIG. 9 shows a screen for inputting a network address of a destination to which the end notification is transmitted. The network address is usually “133.” “139.” “X.
XX. "XXX" and a three-digit number such as "."

Enter the network address and return.
Pressing the key brings up the screen shown in FIG. If the user wants to change the reserved copy mode, he can press the "go to reserved screen" key.

An end notification is set, and the input address is sent from the operation unit to the BICU and stored in the RAM. The reserved copy is started, and when the copy is completed, BICU sends a message "Copy completed" to SPctrl which is a printer controller. The printer controller transmits a message "copy completed" to the address specified from the network interface. At this time, since the one-way message is transmitted from the digital copying machine side, UDP (User Data Tag) is used among various interface protocols.
ram Protocol).

FIG. 1 shows the PC receiving this message.
A message "copy completed" is displayed on a pop-up screen as shown in FIG. 1, and it is possible to inform the person who made the reservation that the copy was completed. Further, not only at the end, but also when a paper out or paper jam occurs during the reserved copy operation, a message can be transmitted from the BICU through the printer controller to the PC designated by the network address.

Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, the form in which the address is input for each copy has been described. However, as another embodiment, several network addresses are registered and stored in advance, and from among them, By using the selection method, the operation is further facilitated.

Further, the setting can be made not only at the time of reserved copying but also at the time of normal copying.

[0042]

As is clear from the above description, according to the digital copying machine of the present invention, the PC informs the user of the end of the copy and the running out of paper and the paper jam during the copying.
After the manuscript has been read, the manuscript can be taken home and other work can be performed, thereby improving work efficiency.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a digital copying machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control block diagram of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an operation panel of the digital copying machine according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an operation unit.

FIG. 5 is an example of a display screen during a copy operation standby;

FIG. 6 is an example of a display screen during a copy operation.

FIG. 7 is an example of a display screen when a reservation key is pressed.

FIG. 8 is an example of a display screen during setting of a reserved copy.

FIG. 9 is an example of a display screen when an end notification key is pressed.

FIG. 10 is an example of a display screen during a copy operation when a reserved copy is set.

FIG. 11 is an example of a display screen of an end notification displayed on a PC.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 body 2 ARDF (document feeder with automatic reversal function) 3 finisher (post-processing device) 4 LCIT (mass feeder)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2H027 DA33 DC14 DC18 EE10 EJ11 EJ15 EK00 FA22 GB05 ZA07 2H076 BA42 BA60 5B021 AA01 AA02 AA19 BB04 BB10 EE01 FF03 NN16 NN20 PP06 5C062 AA05 AA04 AB02 AB08 AB20 AC71 BA00 5C075 CE03 CE14 FF02 FF03

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A digital copying machine provided with a printer controller having a network interface enabling connection with a plurality of PC devices, an operation instruction input means for inputting operation instructions, and an original for conveying an original on a contact glass Conveying means; reading means for reading the document conveyed by the document conveying means as image data; writing means for writing the image data read by the reading means on recording paper; and operation instructions by the operation instruction input means When you enter
Network address specifying means for specifying a unique network address of the plurality of PCs; and a print job end notifying means for notifying a PC device of the network address specified by the network address specifying means of a print job end. A digital copying machine characterized by the above. 2. The digital copying machine prints, when a recording paper shortage or a paper jam occurs, to a PC device of the network address designated by the network address designating means. 2. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, further comprising a print job error notifying unit that notifies a job error. 3. The digital copying machine according to claim 1, wherein said document conveying means has a reversing function when performing double-sided printing.