JP2000229462A - Printing control device, method for communication controlling therefor, and memory medium storing computer-readable program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To markedly reduce a controlling load to an option device at a side of a printer controller and to flexibly correspond to the option device by a control resource of an already existing printer controller. SOLUTION: A reader controller 106 executes connection confirmation of a sorter 2005 connectable to a printer body 2001 as an option and judges whether or not a printer controller 2103 can correspond to an option device that the connection confirmation is executed. The judgment result is transferred as controlling information which can be judged by the printer controller 2103.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention is capable of connecting a reader control device for controlling a reader device for reading a document image.
The present invention relates to a print control device having an optional device including a paper discharge option device and having a plurality of processing functions, and a communication control method of the print control device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program. It is.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art FIGS. 24 and 25 are block diagrams illustrating a connection form of an image reading device in a print control system to which a conventional print control device can be applied.

In these figures, reference numeral 2501 denotes an image reading device (reader unit) which forms reflected light obtained by illuminating a document placed on a document table on an image reading sensor (CCD) to form an analog image signal. Is generated, and the generated analog image signal is converted into a digital image signal (image data).

[0004] A host computer 2104 has a case where the image reading device 2501 is connected via a predetermined interface and a case where the image reading device 2501 is connected via a network 2105. Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller which outputs an image signal to a printer engine unit 2102 via a video interface (video I / F) 2101, acquires the status of the printer engine unit 2102 as a status, and outputs the status to an operation unit (not shown). indicate.

[0005] The printer controller 2103 includes:
The print data transmitted from the host computer 2104 is transmitted to the printer engine unit 2102, and at the same time, the entire printer is controlled and data communication is performed with the reader unit 2501 via the interface 2601.

Reference numeral 2603 denotes a selector unit which selectively selects output of an image signal from the controller unit 2602 or the reader unit 2501 to the printer engine unit 2102 and controls switching.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a printer engine in a print control system to which a conventional print control device can be applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 2001 denotes a printer unit;
Reference numeral 02 denotes an engine control unit (DC controller) which controls paper transport and image formation of the printer. An image forming unit 2003 includes an image forming member including a photoconductor.

Reference numeral 2103 denotes a printer controller (PDL)
The controller is built in the printer unit 2001 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 described later, and controls the printer unit 2001 as a whole.

Reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer.
It is connected to the printer controller 2103 on a one-to-one basis or via a network 2105 shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 2004 denotes a paper feed cassette deck, which can be added as an option. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a sorter which can be added as an option and includes a plurality of discharge bins for sorting and discharging the recording paper on which images have been formed. An optional controller 2006 includes an optional paper cassette deck 2004 and an optional sorter 2.
005 is controlled.

In a print control system to which the print control apparatus thus configured can be applied, sorting and grouping are performed as a paper feeding system option for increasing the number of paper feeding cassettes and a discharge process after printing. Has a paper ejection system option. Similarly, in the conventional print function and the copier function, it has been required to control those options in the same manner.

[0012]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional example, if there is a difference between the controller that controls the printing function and the controller that controls the copying machine function, there is a problem. Basically, the same level of response is required, and when constructing a system or a print control unit, the control configuration for the response is complicated, and there is a problem that the system or the print controller becomes expensive. Was.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to check the connection of an optional device that can be connected as an option to a printer main body, and to check the connection of the optional device confirmed as a connection. The printer controller can determine whether or not the printer controller can handle it, and the determination result is transferred as adjustment information that can be determined by the printer controller. It is an object of the present invention to provide a print control device capable of constructing a print control environment capable of constructing the same, a communication control method of the print control device, and a storage medium storing a computer-readable program.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a printing apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of different processing functions and capable of connecting an optional apparatus including a paper discharge optional apparatus to a printer main body. A control device, comprising first and second control means (reader controller 106 and printer controller 2103 shown in FIG. 21) for controlling the respective processing functions, and option control means (FIG. 21) for controlling the optional device. Option controller 2006), wherein the first control means is interposed between the option control means and the second control means so as to be able to communicate with each other, and the option control means and the second control means The adjustment information determined by communication with the control means is transferred to the second control means.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first control means includes: first holding means (input register 3201 shown in FIG. 22) for holding connection information through communication with the option control means; The option control means and the second
The second holding unit (the output register 320 shown in FIG. 22) for holding the adjustment information determined by the communication with the control unit
2).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the first control means includes a plurality of communication control means (FIG. 1) for enabling mutual communication between the option control means and the second control means. Communication controllers 3203 and 320 shown in FIG.
4).

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the first control means controls a reader device for reading a document image.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the processing function of the first control means, image data output from the reader device (the reader unit 101 shown in FIG. 1) is transmitted to the second control unit.
Is transferred to the control means and is printed by the printer main body (the printer unit 2001 shown in FIG. 1).

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the processing function of the second control means is a print processing function of printing input print data by the printer main body.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus, the first control means may be configured to perform a process based on the connection information obtained by communicating with the option control means and the printer resource information obtained from the second control means. 22. Judging means for judging whether the connected optional device is adaptable (FIG. 22)
The CPU shown in (1) executes a control program stored in a ROM (not shown) or another storage medium to perform the determination processing.)
Wherein the first control means determines the type signal of the connected optional device if the determination means determines that it is adaptable, and if the first control means determines that it is not adaptable by the determination means, A state signal to which the optional device is not connected is transferred to the second control means as the adjustment information.

An eighth invention according to the present invention has a first control means (reader controller 106 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling a reader device (reader unit 101 shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of different processing functions. An option control means (option controller 2006 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling an optional device (a sorter 2005 shown in FIG. 1) including a paper discharge optional device, and a printing device capable of connecting the optional device to a printer main body. A communication control method for a print control device, comprising: a second control means (a printer controller 2103 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling the communication between the option control means and the second control means. The first communication process to be performed (step (1) shown in FIG. 20,
(2)) determining whether the connected optional device is adaptable based on the connection information obtained by communication with the option control means and the printer resource information obtained from the second control means. Discrimination process (FIG. 2
0), and a second communication step (step (4) shown in FIG. 20) in which a result of the discrimination in the discrimination step is transferred as adjustment information to the second control means.
(5)).

In a ninth aspect according to the present invention, the first control means stores the connection information by communication with the option control means in a first register (not shown in FIG. 20). Step) and a second holding step (step not shown in FIG. 20) of holding the determination information in a second register.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the processing function of the first control means, the image data output from the reader device is transferred to the second control means and printed by the printer main body. This is a copy processing function.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the processing function of the second control means is a print processing function for printing input print data by the printer main body.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the second communication step (steps (4) and (5) shown in FIG. 20) comprises:
If it is determined in the determining step that the optional device is applicable, the type signal of the connected optional device is adjusted.If it is determined that the adaptive device is not applicable in the determining step, the state signal in which the optional device is not connected is adjusted. The information is transferred to the second control means.

A thirteenth invention according to the present invention has a first control means (reader controller 106 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling a reader device (reader unit 101 shown in FIG. 1) and a plurality of different processing functions. An optional control means (option controller 2006 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling an optional device including a paper discharge optional device (sorter 2005 shown in FIG. 1), and a printing device capable of connecting the optional device to a printer main body. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a print control apparatus including a second control unit (a printer controller 2103 shown in FIG. 1) for controlling the option control unit and the second control unit. A first communication step of performing mutual communication with the control means (step (1) shown in FIG. 20,
(2)) determining whether the connected optional device is adaptable based on the connection information obtained by communication with the option control means and the printer resource information obtained from the second control means. Discrimination process (FIG. 2
0), and a second communication step (step (4) shown in FIG. 20) in which a result of the discrimination in the discrimination step is transferred as adjustment information to the second control means.
And (5)) a computer readable program stored in a storage medium.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the first control means stores the connection information by communication with the option control means in a first register (not shown in FIG. 20). And a second holding step (step (not shown in FIG. 20)) of holding the discrimination information in a second register. The computer-readable program is stored in a storage medium.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the processing function of the first control means, the image data output from the reader device is transferred to the second control means and printed by the printer main body. A computer-readable program serving as a copy processing function is stored in a storage medium.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, the processing function of the second control means is a print processing function for printing input print data by the printer main body.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the second communication step (steps (4) and (5) shown in FIG. 20) comprises:
If it is determined in the determining step that the optional device is applicable, the type signal of the connected optional device is adjusted.If it is determined that the adaptive device is not applicable in the determining step, the state signal in which the optional device is not connected is adjusted. The information is transferred to the second control means.

[0031]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a view for explaining the arrangement of a print control system to which a print control apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention can be applied.
In addition, the scanner unit 101 is connected to the reader unit 101 so that multi-function function processing including a scanner function, a copy function, and a print function can be executed.

In the reader unit 101, a document table 102 is provided on which a document (not shown) is placed. A light source 103 scans and exposes a document surface placed on the document table 102 by reciprocating in a predetermined direction. 104, a photoelectric conversion unit;
The light reflected by the scanning exposure is converted into an electric signal. An analog-to-digital converter 105 converts an analog signal photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric converter 104 into a digital signal having a predetermined number of bits. A reader controller 106 is provided on the printer main body 2001 side.

In the printer unit 2001, an engine control unit (engine controller) 2002 controls paper transport and image formation of the printer. An image forming unit 2003 includes an image forming member including a photoconductor.

A printer controller 2103 is built in the printer unit 2001 and controls the printer unit 2001 as a whole.

Reference numeral 2104 denotes a host computer.
One-to-one or network 210 shown in FIG.
5 is connected to the printer controller 2103. Reference numeral 2004 denotes a paper feed cassette deck, which can be added as an option. Reference numeral 2005 denotes a sorter which can be added as an option and includes a plurality of discharge bins for sorting and discharging the recording paper on which images have been formed. An optional controller 2006 controls an optional paper cassette deck 2004 and an optional sorter 2005.

The reader controller 106 includes a means for processing the digital image output from the analog-to-digital conversion means 105, a motor control means (not shown) for reading a document, and the engine controller 2
002 and a function of controlling communication with the printer controller 2103. In this embodiment, the reader controller 106 is arranged in the printer unit 2001, and no external cable for controlling communication with the engine controller 2002 or the printer controller 2103 is provided.

[Configuration of Printer Controller and Printer] In this embodiment, the reader controller 106 is connected between the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2001, and processing is performed between the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 2001. Here, first, the printer controller 2103 and the printer unit 200, which are the premise thereof, are used.
1 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a use form of the printer unit shown in FIG.

In the figure, reference numeral 2101 denotes a video I / F, which communicates between an engine controller 2002 and a printer controller 2103, which will be described later. The details of each signal of the video I / F 2101 will be described later.

Reference numeral 2102 denotes a printer engine unit, which forms an electric image signal received via the video I / F 2101 in a visible form, transfers it to a recording sheet, fixes it, and outputs it. To realize these image forming sequences,
Control various loads. In addition, the function of detecting the status of the printer and notifying the printer controller 2103 is also performed.

The printer controller 2103 is connected to the host computer 2104 or the network 2105
Receives data sent via. This includes bitmap data and PDL (Page Descriptor).
The data is transmitted in various formats, such as data described in T.Language. Expand this data into memory,
As raster format data, the printer engine 210
2 and transfer the data. In this manner, the data created by the host computer 2104 can be output to a printer.

Next, a video I / F connecting the printer controller 2103 and the printer engine 2102 is connected.
Details of 2101 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining an interface between the printer controller 2013 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. 2, and corresponds to details of an interface signal of the video I / F 2101.

FIG. 4 shows the video I / F 210 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and a function of one signal sequence. A list of signals of the video I / F is shown.
Only the representative signals shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 203 denotes a printer power ready signal (/ PPRDY signal). After power is supplied to the printer engine, processing such as initialization is completed, communication with the printer controller 2103 becomes possible. This is a signal indicating that

Reference numeral 204 denotes a controller power ready signal (/ CPRDY signal).
After power is supplied to 3 and processing such as initial setting is completed,
This signal indicates that communication with the engine control unit 2002 has been enabled.

Reference numeral 205 denotes a ready signal (/ RDY signal).
The engine control unit 2002 is connected to the printer controller 210
3 is a signal indicating that a print operation is enabled by a print start instruction (/ PRNT signal described later).
Conditions under which this signal becomes "true" include whether the temperature in the fixing device has reached a predetermined temperature, whether recording paper has remained in the printer engine, whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed, and the like. Only when each part of the printer is operating normally.

Reference numeral 206 denotes a print signal (/ PRNT signal)
The printer controller 2103 is the engine control unit 2
002 is a signal for instructing the start or continuation of the printing operation.

207 is a top-of-page signal (/ TOP)
Signal), which is a synchronization signal that 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 output a predetermined time after the / PRNT signal 206 is output from the printer controller 2103.

Reference numeral 208 denotes a line synchronization signal (/ LSYNC signal), which is a synchronization signal used as a reference for horizontal scanning by the printer controller 2103. Like the / TOP signal 207,
/ PRNT signal 206 is the printer controller 2103
After a certain period of time after output from the
02 to the printer controller 2103.

209 is a video clock signal (/ VCLK)
Signal) and a video enable signal (/ VDOE) described later.
N) and a synchronous clock for the image signal (/ VDO signal), and the printer controller 2103 generates a clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal.

Reference numeral 210 denotes a video enable signal (/ VDO)
EN) is a signal for controlling capture of an image signal output from the printer controller 2103 into the engine control unit 2002. The engine control unit 2002 uses / VCLK
This signal is TRUE / FALSE in synchronization with the signal 209.
Is detected, if "TRUE", an image signal is captured, and if "FALSE", no image signal is captured.

Reference numeral 211 denotes an image signal (/ VDO signal). Note that the printer controller 2103 outputs the / TOP signal 207 in the vertical direction and the / TOP signal 207 in the horizontal direction.
Based on the LSYNC signal 208, the / VCLK signal 2
09 in synchronization with the output.

Reference numeral 212 denotes a controller clock signal (/ C
CLK signal), when the printer controller 2103 transmits a serial command to the engine control unit 2002,
And a synchronous clock when the engine control unit 2002 returns a serial status to the printer controller 2103, and is output from the printer controller 2103.

213 is a command busy signal (/ CBSY)
The signal indicates to the engine control unit 2002 that the printer controller 2103 is transmitting a serial command using a command signal (/ CMD signal) described later.

Reference numeral 214 denotes a command signal (/ CMD signal)
The printer controller 2103 is the engine control unit 2
002 is a signal used when transmitting serial information, and the serial information is referred to as a command.

215 is a status busy signal (/ SBS)
This signal indicates to the printer controller 2103 that the engine control unit 2002 has returned a serial status using a status signal (/ STS signal).

216 is a status signal (/ STS signal)
Thus, the engine control unit 2002
This signal is used when serial information is returned to 103, and the serial information is referred to as status.

A status change notification signal (/ CCRT signal) 217 is a signal for reporting to the printer controller 2103 when the status inside the printer has changed. The printer controller 2103 uses this / CCR
When the T signal 217 is received, a command is issued using the / CMD signal 214 to inquire what has changed in the state of the engine, and the engine control unit 2002
Signals its state with the / STS signal 216.

Next, the image forming unit 2003 controlled by the engine control unit 2002 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 5 shows the image forming unit 2003 shown in FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the image forming unit 20.
03 is controlled by the engine controller 2002.

In the figure, reference numeral 401 denotes a scanner, which is sent from the printer controller 2103 as / VDO.
After receiving the signal 211 and converting it into a laser beam, it irradiates the photoconductor 402 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 in the drawing. Each of the developing devices 403 and 404 has a function of applying (developing) toner on the photoconductor 402 in accordance with the electric charge charged on the photoconductor 402. When the image is black and white, only the developing device 404 operates. When the image is color, the color developing device 403 and the black developing device 4 are operated.
04 are both used.

Next, the image developed on the photosensitive member 402 is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 405 rotating clockwise. The intermediate transfer body 405 rotates once in the case of black and white,
In the case of color, the image is generated by rotating the intermediate transfer member 405 four times.
Complete on.

On the other hand, the recording paper fed from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409 by the pickup roller 411 or the pickup roller 412 is conveyed along the feed roller 413 or the feed roller 414, and is further registered by the feed roller 415. It is transported to the front sensor position.

The timing is controlled such that the recording paper comes 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 on the recording paper by heat and pressure by fixing rollers 407a and 407b.

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 41 specified in advance by the printer controller 2103.
8 and is discharged. Thus, the image information sent from the printer controller 2103 can be output.

Next, the timing of signals exchanged between the video I / Fs 2101 will be described with reference to FIG. This shows the signal description of the video I / F described above as time elapses.

FIG. 6 shows the video I / F 210 shown in FIG.
5 is a timing chart for explaining the transmission timing of each signal exchanged between one.

First, when the preparation of 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 / VCLK signal 209 used for transferring the image signal (/ VDO signal 211) is also generated.

In response, engine control unit 2002
When various settings and the like inside the printer are performed and an image can be received, the / TOP signal 207 and / L
An SYNC signal 208 is output to the printer controller 2103. The / TOP signal 207 as a vertical synchronization signal and the / LSYNC signal 2 as a horizontal synchronization signal
08, the printer controller 2103 outputs the image signal (/ VDO) 211 and the image valid signal / VD
The OEN signal 210 is transferred to the engine control unit 2002.

Next, the exchange of commands and status during serial communication during the printing operation will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart for explaining the communication timing between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. First, a case where the / CCRT signal 217 in the figure is not used will be described.

When the printer controller 2103 wants to issue a command to the engine control unit 2002, the / CBSY signal 213 is set to Low (true) and the / CMD signal 2 is synchronized with the clock signal / CCLK 212.
When the command data is sent to the engine control unit 2002, the engine control unit 2002 sets the / CBSY signal 213 to High.
(False), the / SBSY signal 215 is set to Low (True), and the engine-side status data corresponding to the command is synchronized with the / CCLK signal 2112 generated from the printer controller 2103 to / SCLK.
Send to TS signal 216. 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, when paper empty occurs, / CC
It is assumed that the printer controller 2103 has previously set the / CMD signal 214 so as to enable the RT signal 217. Therefore, it is assumed that there is only one remaining recording sheet, and the printer controller 2103 issues a printout request for two sheets. For the first sheet, the print sequence operation is normally processed without any problem.

However, because the second recording sheet does not exist, the printer engine detects a change in state at the stage when the second image formation is started, and the / CCRT signal 217 is output.
Is changed from “High” to “Low”. This signal 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.

In response, the engine control unit 2002 returns the status of the paperless cassette to the controller.
The / CCRT signal 217 returns the status / SB
At the timing when the SY signal 215 becomes Low, “Hig
h ".

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

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a serial communication state between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. Here, color output is assumed.

First, when a print start request is issued, the printer controller 2103 checks the engine control unit 2002 for a ready state of the printer while performing image data conversion processing 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. The engine control unit 200 responds to these series of commands.
2 returns the corresponding status.

Next, the paper discharge port is determined by the command for specifying the paper 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.

Thereafter, the printer controller 2103 sends a print request / PR to the engine control unit 2002.
An NT signal 206 is generated. In response to this, a / TOP signal 207 is returned from the engine control unit 2002 for a predetermined time. The / VDO signal 211 is synchronized with the / TOP signal 207 in the vertical scanning direction and the / LDO signal 208 in the horizontal direction.
The image is transferred to the engine control unit 2002 in accordance with. Here, since the color mode is set, / TOP
The signal 207 is generated four times, and an image for four colors of CMYK is formed.

After the generation of the final / TOP signal 207, the / PRNT signal 206 is returned to High (false). Accordingly, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer body 405. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing rollers 407a and 407b, and is discharged to a designated discharge outlet. Finally, the printer controller 21
In step 03, after confirming to the engine control unit 2002 that the recording sheet is not in the recording paper transport state (discharge end), the printing ends, and the apparatus stands by in a ready state until the next print request occurs.

During the operation as described above, the recording paper jams,
When an illegal state such as the absence of the recording paper or the door open by the user occurs, the printer controller 2103 immediately notifies the printer controller 2103 of the abnormality of the printer from the engine control unit 2002 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 (engine control unit 2002).

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of a print control system to which the print control device shown in FIG. 1 can be applied, based on data transferred from an external computer. In addition to the image data output from the printer controller 2103, this corresponds to the appearance when a reader controller that optically reads an original image on paper and converts it into a digital signal and outputs the digital signal is mounted on the printer.

Referring to FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a document feeder which conveys a document to a portion where the document is optically read. Reference numeral 802 denotes an optical reading device, in which a light source, a scanning mirror, and the like are provided as in FIG.

Reference numeral 805 denotes a document table glass, which is a document feeder 8;
01, the document automatically fed is placed at a predetermined position.
The original feeding device 801 is driven in synchronization with the optical reading device 802, and when the original image is transferred onto the original platen glass 805 by the original feeding device 801, the optical reading device 802 is moved in the horizontal direction in FIG. The image is scanned while moving, and the reflected light having been subjected to appropriate optical processing is reflected by the photoelectric conversion unit 80.
Send to 4. Reference numeral 803 denotes a printer main body.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a communication state between the printer controller 2103, the engine control unit 2002, and the reader controller shown in FIG. (Corresponding to 106) corresponds to an electrical connection state when the printer is mounted so as to be interposed between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002.

In the figure, reference numeral 901 denotes a reader controller, which is disposed at an electrical intermediate point between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 in FIG.

Between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901, the engine controller 2002
The type of signal line between the controller and the reader controller 901 has the same function as the type of signal line shown in FIG.

However, since signals between the printer controller 2103 and the signal between the engine control units 2002 are physically different from each other, C is assigned to the former and P is assigned to the latter as signal names.

An image signal processing unit 902 performs predetermined image processing (enlargement / reduction processing,
(Including trimming processing, mask processing, black-and-white determination processing, gamma conversion processing, etc.).

An original scanning optical system control unit 903 controls the original scanning process of the optical reading device 802. 90
Reference numeral 4 denotes a document feeding control unit which controls a document feeding process from the document feeding device 801.

Reference numeral 905 denotes an operation unit.
Key for instructing the start of image reading, etc., for 01, LE
D and the like are provided. An image input unit 906 receives an image signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 804 and inputs the image signal to the image signal processing unit 9 in the reader controller 901.
02.

Next, the configuration of the reader controller 901 will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 11 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a first configuration of the reader controller 901 shown in FIG. 10, and the same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the drawing, 2201 is a selector,
Either the output of the image signal processing unit 902 or the signal sent from the printer controller 2103 is selected and output to the engine control unit 2002. Selector 220
The signal system switched at 1 is the image clock signal / VCLK,
The three signals are an image enable signal / VDOEN and an image signal / VDO.

Reference numeral 2202 denotes a serial communication controller.
The communication with the engine control unit 2002 is performed. 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. The interrupt controller 2004 includes an image leading end request signal / PTOP and a printer status change signal /
PCCRT is input.

Reference numeral 2205 denotes a serial communication controller.
The communication with the printer controller 2103 is performed. 220
Reference numeral 6 denotes an input / output port.
5 to exchange signals to supplement the communication. A gate 2207 controls whether a signal sent from the printer is sent to the printer controller 2103.
The gate control is performed by the image leading end request signal / CT.
OP and the line synchronization signal / CLSYNC.

Reference numeral 2208 denotes a control circuit having a gate function and a flag setting function, and a printer state change signal / CCR.
Control T. When the gate opens and closes, the engine control unit 2
002 issued by the printer status change signal (/ PCCRT
The printer controller 2103 can issue a printer status change signal (/ CCRT signal) to the printer controller 2103 by controlling whether or not the signal is transmitted to the printer controller 2103 and setting a flag. Reference numeral 2209 denotes a CPU, which controls the whole.

[Operation at Copying] A method for reading a full-color original image using these and outputting the image from the image forming apparatus will be described.

When a copy start key (not shown) on the operation unit 905 is input, the reader controller 901 sets the gate 2207 and the control circuit 22 for the copy mode.
08 is closed, and the selector 2201 is connected to the image processing unit 90.
Set so that output 2 is selected.

Next, the ready status signal (/ PRDY signal) of the printer is checked with respect to the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203. Next, various settings are performed 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 a 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.

Next, after the document is fed from the document feeder 801 onto the document table, the reader controller 901 sends a print request signal (/ P
PRNT signal). In response to this, the engine control unit 2002 returns a / PTOP signal after a predetermined time. This is called the interrupt controller 2204
And the optical reading device 802 is operated so as to synchronize with the / PTOP signal.

The vertical scanning direction of reading is synchronized with the / PTOP signal and the horizontal direction of reading is synchronized with the / PLSYNC signal.
The signal input from the photoelectric conversion device 804 to the image processing unit 902 is transferred to the engine control unit 2002 in synchronization with the K signal. Here, since the color mode is set, the optical reading device 802 is operated four times, and an image corresponding to four colors of CMYK is formed for the / PTOP signal generated four times.

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
The processing shifts to post-processing such as the cleaning operation of. Further, the transferred recording paper passes through the fixing rollers 407a and 407b, and is discharged to a designated discharge outlet. Finally, the reader controller 901 sends an instruction to the engine control unit 2002.
After confirming that the recording paper is not being conveyed (paper ejection completed),
The printing is completed, and the printer stands by in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

[Operation at the Time of Printing] A method for outputting an image from the printer controller 2103 from the image forming apparatus by using these will be described.

At the stage when the copying operation has been completed, the reader controller 901 enters a ready state. At this time, the reader controller 901 operates the gate 2 for the operation during printing.
207 and the control circuit 2208 are opened. The reader controller 901 uses the input / output port 2203 to send a printer ready state signal (/
PRDY signal), and if it is OK, the printer controller 210 using the input / output port 2206.
Ready status signal (/ CRDY signal) for 3
Is set.

Next, the printer controller 2103 performs communication for performing various settings, and the reader controller 9103 performs communication.
01 is received by the serial communication controller 2205 and interpreted by the CPU 2209. According to the interpretation, the reader controller 901 performs various settings using the serial communication controller 2202.

In response to a series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 sends a status corresponding to the command to the reader controller 9.
01, the reader controller 901 receives it using the serial communication controller 2202, and 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 generates a print request signal (/ CPRNT signal) to the reader controller 901,
01 generates a print request signal (/ PPRNT signal) to the engine control unit 2002 in response to the request. In response to this, after a predetermined time, the engine control unit 2
002 returns a / PTOP signal. This is passed through the control circuit 2208 and returned to the printer controller 2103 as a / CTOP signal.

In the printer controller 2103, the / C
By synchronizing the vertical scanning direction with the TOP signal,
YNC signal passed through gate 2207 / CLSYNC
The / CDO signal is synchronized with the / C signal in the horizontal direction with the C signal.
The data is transferred to the reader controller 901 in synchronization with the VCLK signal.

In the reader controller 901, the selector 2201 is set so as 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] Here, the difference between the print operation and the copy operation will be described with respect to the image transmission timing.

Although a detailed description of the configuration of the printer controller 2103 is omitted, an image memory is provided therein, and image data for printing is prepared in advance there.

Therefore, the time required for outputting the image signal / VDO signal 211 with respect to the image leading end request signal (/ TOP signal) 207 sent from the engine control unit 2002 is only an electrical delay time. is there.

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The original is read while moving the optical reading device 802, and image data is output. Hereinafter, a scanning operation at the time of reading a document will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart for explaining the scanning operation of the optical reading unit 802 shown in FIG. 9. The vertical axis indicates the scanning speed (v), and the horizontal axis indicates the time (msec).
c) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 12, the optical reading device 8
From the state in which the document 02 is stopped to the state in which the document is moving at a high speed for reading the document, a time for accelerating is required, for example, about several hundred msec. Therefore, if the engine control unit 2002 sends the image leading end request signal (/ TOP signal) 207 in the copy mode at the same timing as the signal in the print mode, the engine control unit 2002 outputs image data (/ VDO signal) to be printed on the engine. 211) reaches several hundred meters in copy mode
It will be delayed for sec. For this purpose, there is a first or second countermeasure.

First, the / TOP signal 207 is transmitted earlier during copying than during printing. Second, another signal (RSTART) is provided for the copy mode.
In the countermeasure of the above, the configuration in the reader controller 901 is
FIG. 11 may be left as it is. In the copy mode, the / TOP signal 2
At 07, the reader controller 901 starts moving the optical reading device 802.

On the other hand, in order to execute the second countermeasure,
The configuration of the reader controller 901 needs to be the configuration shown in FIG. 13 instead of the configuration shown in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a detailed block diagram for explaining the second configuration of the reader controller 901 shown in FIG. 10, and the same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the reader controller 901 shown in FIG. 13, the image leading end request signal (/ PTOP signal) sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal necessary only when the printer controller 2103 performs printing. Need not be input to the interrupt controller 2204. Also, the movement start request signal (/ RSTART signal) of the optical reading device 802 sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal necessary only in the copy mode, and the printer controller 2103
Need not be sent to

[Control for Setting Command] Between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002,
The communication process between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 due to the connection of the reader controller 901 will be described separately for the case where the reader controller 901 is interposed and the case where it is not interposed.

When the reader controller 901 reads and outputs an original image using the engine control unit 2002 (copier mode), the printer controller 210
A case where a setting command, for example, a paper cassette change command, is issued to the printer from No. 3 will be described.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a first communication processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to a case where the reader controller 901 does not intervene. Note that (a) corresponds to the processing procedure in the printer controller 2103, and (b) corresponds to the processing procedure in the engine control unit 2002. Also, (1) to (3) indicate steps. Further, in this example, the printer controller 21
03 sends a paper feed change command to the engine control unit 2002 as an example.

In FIG. 14A, first, the printer controller 2103 issues a paper feed cassette change command (1), determines whether or not a response has been received from the engine control unit 2002 (2), and has received a response. If it is determined that there is no response, it waits until a response is received. If it is determined that a response is received, it is determined whether the execution of the command is successful (3). If it is determined that the execution of the command is not successful, The error processing is performed, and when it is determined that the execution of the command is successful, the processing ends.

In FIG. 14B, it is first determined whether or not a command has been issued from the printer controller 2103 (1). If it is determined that the command is a command other than the command, the process branches to a processing routine corresponding to the command.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (1) that the issued command is a paper feed cassette change command, the paper feed cassette is changed (2). The change of the cassette is notified (3), and the process returns to the step (1).

As described above, the printer controller 210
3 issues a paper cassette change command and then receives a response from the engine control unit 2002. When the response is received, it determines whether or not processing corresponding to the command is successful, and ends a series of command issuing sequences. The engine control unit 2002
When the command is received from the printer controller 2103, the content of the command is determined. In the case of the paper feed cassette change command, the printer controller 2103 is notified of the successful command execution when the change is successful.

Next, a reader controller 90 is provided between the printer controller 2103 and the engine controller 2002.
A second communication process in the print control system to which the print control apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment can be applied will be described.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a second communication processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to a case where a reader controller 901 is interposed. Note that (a) corresponds to the processing procedure in the printer controller 2103, and (b) corresponds to the processing procedure in the engine control unit 2002. In addition, (1)-(6) and (11)-
(17) shows each step.

FIG. 15A shows a process performed when the reader controller 901 can issue a command received from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 without affecting its own state. FIG. 15B corresponds to reception of a command transmitted from the printer controller 2103 and control for returning a status to the printer controller 2103.

Referring to FIG. 15A, a case where reader controller 901 is ready to issue a command received from printer controller 2103 to engine control unit 2002 without affecting its own state is described. explain.

First, it is determined whether or not the command received from the printer controller 2103 can be issued to the engine control unit 2002 (1). If it is determined that the command cannot be issued, the command is issued. If it is determined that the command can be issued, the reader controller 901 sends a command to the engine control unit 2002 to the serial communication controller 220.
2, the command stored in the engine command queue is issued by the / PCMD signal (2), and it is determined whether a response to the command issued in step (2) is received from the engine control unit 2002 (3).

Note that a command issued by the reader controller 901 itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit 2002 by this / PCMD signal. The engine control unit 20
When the execution of the command is completed from 02, a response is returned to the reader controller 901 by a / PSTS signal.

If it is determined in step (3) that no response has been received, the process waits until a response is received. If it is determined that a response is received, it is determined whether or not the command has been successfully executed (4). If the execution of the command is determined to be successful, the command is deleted from the engine command queue (5), and the process returns to step (1). (6), and returns to step (1).

Next, in FIG. 15B, first, the reader controller 901
03, the serial communication controller 2205 receives a command through the / CCMD signal shown in FIG.
1), the command is currently used as is in the engine control unit 20
02 (12). If it is determined that a controller command to the engine control unit 2002 cannot be issued, the reader controller 901 specifies a sheet cassette and performs a copy operation. For example, if the paper feed cassette change command sent from the printer controller 2103 is issued to the engine control unit 2002 as it is, the copying operation will not operate normally. Without issuing a command to 2002, commands issued from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 are stacked in an engine command queue that stores the commands in the order of issue (13), and the process proceeds to step (17).

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (12) that a controller command can be issued, for example, what instruction is being executed by the reader controller 901 to the engine control unit 2002 to perform the copy mode operation? If there is no such command, the same command as that previously sent from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 is sent to the engine control unit 2002 using the serial communication controller 2202 / PCMD.
Issued by a signal (14).

Then, it is determined whether or not a response has been received from the engine control unit 2002 (15). If it is determined that a response has been received, it is determined whether or not the command has been successfully executed (16). If it is determined that the command has been executed successfully, it is determined that the command has been successfully executed.
3 is notified by a / CSTS signal (17), and the process returns to step (11).

On the other hand, in step (13), even if a command is stored in the engine command queue, a response to the command must be returned to the printer controller 2103.
01 from the printer controller 2 using the serial communication controller 2205 that the command has been successfully executed.
103 is returned by the / CSTS signal (17).

As described above, the printer controller 21
Even if the reader controller 901 is interposed between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002,
2 can issue a command processing sequence without causing inconsistency in operation.

[Control for State Change Signal] Next, in a configuration in which the reader controller 901 is inserted between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002, a state change on the engine side, for example, a state in which an error occurs. Is transmitted from the engine control unit 2002 to the reader controller 901 using the / PCCRT signal.

In the case where the reader controller 901 is inserted between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002, there is a possibility that the reader controller 901 and the printer controller 2103 have different changes in the state they want to know. For example, this is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being transported is jammed.

For example, if the engine is the reader controller 90
If a jam occurs during the copying operation under the control of No. 1, this state is a state that only the reader controller 901 wants to know. Printer controller 2103
However, since the jam is not being output by itself, appropriate post-processing cannot be performed even if the user is notified of this state.

If a control system equivalent to the reader controller 901 is to be mounted, software for jam processing control that the other controller should have on both controllers will be duplicated and mounted, resulting in design man-hours and quality evaluation. Therefore, a lot of waste occurs in the capacity of software.

Accordingly, it is basically necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 in the print mode and notify the reader controller 901 in the copy mode.

However, even in the copy mode, the printer controller 2103 may want an engine state change signal in some cases. 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. 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 following processing is performed. That is, in the copy mode in which the reader controller 901 controls the engine control unit 2002, the state change signal (/ PC) notified from the engine control unit 2002 using the gate function of the control circuit 2208.
The CRT signal is masked for the printer controller 2103, and only the reader controller 901 receives the signal through the interrupt controller 2204.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of a third communication processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied.
01 corresponds to the process. Note that (1) to (10) indicate each step.

First, it is determined whether the / PCCRT signal has become true (1). If it is not true, wait until it becomes true. If it is determined that it has become true, the reader controller 901 issues a command for acquiring a state change to the engine control unit 2002 (2).

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the engine control unit 2002 (3). If it is determined that there is no response, the process waits until there is a response. Looking at the status, the engine status change is grasped (4).

Then, it is determined whether or not the content is a content to be notified also to the printer controller 2103 (5).
If it is determined that the content is to be notified to the printer controller 2103, for example, if there is a change in the state such as a change in the recording paper size of the paper feed cassette, the control circuit 22
08 to set a flag,
A CCCRT signal is generated (6), and it is determined whether or not there is a status change inquiry from the printer controller 2103 (7).
Wait until there is an inquiry, and when it is determined that there is an inquiry, the status change received from the engine control unit 2002 is returned as a status, and the printer controller 21
03 (8), set the / CCCRT signal to "false" (9), and terminate the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5) that the content of the change in the state of the engine is not notified to the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 90
A process for a state change is performed inside 1 (10), and the process ends.

In a 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.

[Control for Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command will be described. For example, how the reader controller 901 controls when the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 901 simultaneously issue a use request to the engine control unit 2002 will be described.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining communication processing between controllers in a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. The location of data when a print request is issued during a copy operation is described. Respond to that exchange. At this time, the engine control unit 2002 transmits the image signal (/ PVD) sent from the reader controller 901.
O signal) to form an image. In the operation, as described with reference to FIG. 8, settings such as sheet cassette designation, sheet ejection port designation, and image forming mode have been set by serial communication between the reader controller 901 and the engine control unit 2002. The same components as those in FIG. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In the figure, reference numeral 1301 denotes a buffer in which various set values such as values set by the reader controller 901 in the engine control unit 2002 and values set in the engine control unit 2002 by the printer controller 2103 are stored. Of the various set values stored in the buffer 1301, the set value for the reader stores the specified value described above.

Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103 during the copying operation, the interruption of the copying operation and the printing out are performed.
It's hard to think about usability. Therefore, the print request in this situation is postponed until the copying operation is completed.

However, in response to the / CCMD signal from the printer controller 2103, the / CSTS signal must be returned. Therefore, of the setting values stored in the buffer 1301, only the setting value from the printer controller 2103 is set in the PDL setting area in response to a request.

If the set value for the reader is different from the set value for the PDL, the setting is performed from the reader controller 901 to the engine control unit 2002 before the copy operation is completed and the printer operation is started. Good. The following is a description of a specific example.

At present, the copying operation is being performed, the paper is fed from the upper cassette, and the paper is discharged to the face-up discharge port 417. The image forming mode is set to the color mode based on the determination that the original is color. Assume that it has been set.

Here, when a print request is issued from the printer controller 2103, the print execution itself is postponed, but various settings can be made.

Here, it is assumed that the print request is a request for feeding paper from the upper cassette 408, discharging the paper to the face-down discharge port 418, and further outputting a monochrome image. Regarding the sheet cassette designation, both the reader controller 901 and the printer controller 2103 designate the upper cassette 408.

Therefore, even when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the print operation, there is no need to issue a paper feed cassette designation command to the engine control unit 2002. Regarding the discharge port and the image forming mode, since the designation is different between the copy operation and the print operation, when the copy operation is completed, the discharge port designation and the image formation mode designation are again performed from the reader controller 901 to the engine control unit 2002. Command must be issued.

As described above, the reader controller 901
Does not judge that a 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 901 has already set the command to the engine control unit 2002. Is determined so as not to be set redundantly.

Next, a processing operation of the reader controller 901 when a copy request is issued during a printing operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

In this case, contrary to the case where a print request is made during the above-described copy operation, from the viewpoint of usability, even if the user presses the copy button in front of the copy machine, the user cannot copy during the print operation. Should be able to execute the copy operation in the interrupt form.

FIG. 18 is a view for explaining communication processing between controllers in a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. The location of data when a copy request occurs during a print operation And respond to that exchange. The same components as those in FIG. 17 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

In FIG. 18, during the printing operation, the / CV sent from the printer controller 2103 is used.
The DO signal is selected by the selector 2201, and / PVDO
The signal is sent to the engine control unit 2002 as a signal. Assuming that the settings are exactly the same as those described with reference to FIG.
8, the face-down discharge port 418, and the monochrome image mode are designated.

The engine control unit 2002 determines that the / PPRNT signal from the printer controller 2103 is High.
Since the end can be detected for the first time when it becomes (false), it is not known how many sheets are printed out. It is assumed here that the printer is about to print out four images.

If a copy operation request is not made by interruption from the reader controller 901, the / PTO is sent from the engine control unit 2002 as in the image timing as shown in FIG.
Four P signals are generated, and an image is sent from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 via the reader controller 901 in response to the four P signals.

Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request to copy one color document is issued to the reader controller 901 during the second printout. The operation at this time will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart for explaining an interrupt processing operation in a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied. The communication between the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 901 and the engine control unit 2002 is illustrated. Corresponds to processing.

In the figure, reference numerals 1501 to 1504 denote image data which are transmitted from the printer controller 2103 to the reader controller 901.
This corresponds to transmitting two images. Reference numeral 1505A denotes a / PTOP signal which is transmitted from the engine control unit 2002 to the reader controller 901 after the copy request is interrupted. Reference numeral 1505B denotes a / CTOP signal, which corresponds to the signal that would have been transmitted to the printer controller 2103 when the copying operation was not interrupted, and is indicated by a broken line in the figure.

/ C from printer controller 2103
In response to the request based on the PRNT signal, the reader controller 901 issues a request for the / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 20.
02 from the engine control unit 2002 to / P
The TOP signal is output from the reader controller 901 as / CT
The OP signal is supplied to the printer controller 2103. Thus, the printing operation of the first image shown in the image data 1501 and the printing operation of the second image shown in the image data 1502 are executed.

Here, a case will be described in which the reader controller 901 generates an interrupt copy request during the printout operation for the second sheet.

The reader controller 901 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 is as described above.
08 is used. In response to the / CCCRT signal, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for checking the status status of the engine, and the reader controller 901 returns to the printer controller 2103 a status indicating that "copying is in progress".

Then, the printer controller 2103
Detects that the engine is performing a copy operation while keeping the / CPRNT signal Low (true), and
Continue to wait for the TOP signal. If it is not in the copy state, the / CPRNT signal is kept low (true) / CT.
If the OP signal does not come, a timeout error occurs after a certain period of time. In the case of the copy state, the timeout is canceled by the printer controller 2103 side and the / C is permanently stopped.
Set to keep waiting for the TOP signal.

The / PTOP signal sent this time from the engine control unit 2002 is for performing a copy operation, and the reader controller 901 uses the / PTOP signal. Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the / PTOP signal 1505A sent from the engine side is masked to the printer controller 2103.

The image signal actually generated by the reader controller 901 is only the image signal of the image data 1506. After one interrupt copy is completed,
By unmasking the PTOP signal and sending it to the printer controller 2103 as a / CTOP signal, the image data 1503 from the printer controller 2103 is output.
And the image data 1504 can be printed out to the engine control unit 2002. According to the above description, the interruption copy operation during the printing operation can be realized.

As described above, the printer controller 210
3 and the status of the reader controller 901, which of the reader controller 901 determines which printer engine is to be acquired and at what timing a command is issued.
By judging and controlling according to circumstances, it is possible to realize requests from two controllers 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 wants to confirm the state set in the engine control unit 2002, the printer controller 2103 issues a setting content confirmation command through the / CCMD signal.
The reader controller 901 having received it checks the setting value storage buffer (buffer) 1301 shown in FIG. 17, and if the content to be confirmed by the printer controller 2103 is in the buffer 1301, the content is read and the / CSTS signal is read. To the printer controller 2103 through

If the content is not stored in the buffer 1301, the reader controller 901 issues a setting content confirmation command through the / PCMD signal. The engine control unit 2002 reads out the content and outputs the setting content to /
The reader controller 901 is notified through the PSTS signal, and the reader controller 901 transmits the contents to the / CSTS.
A signal is sent to the printer controller 2103 through a signal.

[Connection of Option Controller] In the printing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 1, a paper feed cassette deck 2004 functioning as a paper feed optional device for increasing the number of paper feed means, and a paper discharge for performing a paper discharge process There may be a sorter 2005 that functions as an optional device.
In order to control these optional devices, the present embodiment has an option controller 2006 as shown in FIG. Hereinafter, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, and FIG.
With reference to, a description will be given of a connection relationship among an option controller, a reader controller, and a printer controller in a print control system to which the print control device shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram for explaining a connection state with each controller in a print control system to which the print control apparatus shown in FIG. 1 can be applied. I have.

In the figure, reference numeral 2006 denotes an optional controller; 106, a reader controller;
Is a printer controller.

As shown in FIG.
06 and the option controller 2006 are directly connected by a connection signal line L1 and a communication signal line L11. On the other hand, the printer controller 2103 and the option controller 2006 are not directly connected, but are connected therebetween with the reader / contra roller 106 interposed therebetween. Note that the reader controller 106
And the printer controller 106 are directly connected by a connection signal line L2 and a communication signal line L21.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating a communication control configuration of reader controller 106 shown in FIG.

In the figure, 3201 is an input register.
Connection signal line L with optional controller 2006
1 is input. An output register 3202 outputs a connection signal to the printer controller 2103.

A communication controller 3203 communicates with the option controller 2006. A communication controller 3204 communicates with the printer controller 2103. Reference numeral 3205 denotes a CP that controls the entire reader controller.
In U, communication control with each controller is executed based on a control program (including a control procedure shown in a flowchart shown in FIG. 22 described later) stored in a storage medium including a ROM (not shown).

In the print control system to which the print control apparatus thus configured can be applied, the connection signal with the option controller 2006 is input to the input register 320.
1 is first input, and the CPU 3205 determines whether or not a connection is made. Communication with the option controller 2006 is performed by the communication controller 3203.
To detect the type and state of the optional device connected to the end of the option controller 2006, and cause the optional device to execute a predetermined operation.

On the other hand, a connection signal (via connection signal line L2) of option controller 2006 sent to printer controller 2103 is output from output register 3203. Communication regarding optional devices with the printer controller 2103 is performed by the communication controller 32.
04. The state of the connection signal line L2, that is, the state of the output register 3202 and the communication content of the communication signal via the communication signal line L21 are determined by the CPU.
3205 determines the state of the input register 3201 and the state of the communication controller 3204.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of a fourth signal processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied, and corresponds to a control sequence by the CPU 3205 in the reader controller 106. In addition, (1) to (5) indicate each step.

First, in step (1), communication is performed with the PDL printer controller 2103 using, for example, the communication controller 3204, and the printer controller 21
The ability to respond to optional devices 03 is determined (PDL determination).

Next, in step (2), the connection with the option controller 2006 is checked, for example, by sampling the value of the input register 3201 to determine whether or not the option controller 2006 is connected. Next, in step (3), when it is determined in step (2) that the option controller 2006 is connected, the type of the optional device connected to the option controller 2006 is determined. In particular,
The communication with the option controller 2006 is performed using the communication controller 3203 to determine what optional device is connected.

Next, in step (4), a connection signal is output to the printer controller 2103.

[0203] At this time, the reader controller 106 obtains information indicating what optional devices can be supported by the printer controller 2103 obtained in step (1) and the actually connected optional devices obtained in step (3). By comparing the information with the devices, if it is determined that the compatible optional device is actually connected, the connection signal line L1 is output in a state where the optional controller 2006 is connected, and the corresponding signal is output. When it is determined that the available optional devices are not connected, the connection signal line L1 is output in a state where the option controller 2006 is not connected.

Next, if it is determined in step (5) that the option controller 2006 is connected in step (4), the type of the connected optional device is notified to the printer controller 2103.
More specifically, the communication unit communicates with the printer controller 2103 using the communication controller 3204 to notify the type of the connected optional device as, for example, code information (including ID information of the optional device), and returns.

As a result, the printer controller 2103 that does not support the optional device cannot be controlled (not supported) from the viewpoint of the printer controller 2103.
The state where the optional device is connected does not occur, and thus the control does not become uncontrollable due to the connection of the optional device.

Therefore, if the optional device which is connected but cannot be controlled by the printer controller 2103 is, for example, a paper feed system optional device, the paper feed stage is not displayed on the operation unit or driver of the printer controller 2103. It only needs to.

However, the optional device is a paper discharging type optional device (for example, a sorter 200 as shown in FIG. 1).
In the case of (5), unless the paper discharge system optional device is operated, the paper cannot be discharged from the paper discharge port to which the optional device is connected.

As shown in FIG. 1, a sorter 2005, which is an optional paper ejection system, is provided with a face-up paper ejection port 2008.
If the printer controller 2103 is not compatible with the sorter 2005, the face-up discharge port cannot be used when the printer controller 2103 operates. Therefore, in such a case, the face-down discharge port 2007, which is another discharge port, may be forcibly used (ignoring the discharge port setting command or the like).

In the above embodiment, the reader controller 106 has been described as being directly connected to the option controller 2006. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. If you can handle the kind
Conversely, the printer controller 2103 may be directly connected to the option controller 2006.

According to the above embodiment, when the printer controller cannot control the paper discharge option, the paper discharge port to which the paper discharge option is not connected is used in any setting during the print function. The controller's option support capability is sufficient even if it is not required to support all options, and existing assets can be easily diverted.

Hereinafter, the configuration of a data processing program readable by a print control system to which the print control apparatus according to the present invention can be applied will be described with reference to a memory map shown in FIG.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

Although not shown, information for managing a group of programs stored in the storage medium, such as version information and a creator, is also stored, and information dependent on the OS or the like on the program reading side, such as a program, is stored. An icon or the like for identification display may also be stored.

Further, data subordinate to various programs is also managed in the directory. Also, a program for installing various programs on a computer, and a program for decompressing a program to be installed when the program to be installed is compressed, may be stored in some cases.

The functions shown in FIGS. 14 to 16 and FIG. 22 in this embodiment may be executed by a host computer by a program installed from the outside. In this case, the present invention is applied even when a group of information including a program is supplied to the output device from a storage medium such as a CD-ROM, a flash memory, or an FD, or from an external storage medium via a network. Things.

As described above, the storage medium storing the program code 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 and executes the program code stored in the storage medium.

In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium implements 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 embodiment are realized, but also the OS (Operating System) running on the computer based on the instruction 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.

[0221]

As described above, the first embodiment according to the present invention is described.
According to the invention, there is provided a print control apparatus which controls a printing apparatus having a plurality of different processing functions and capable of connecting an optional device including a paper discharge optional device to a printer main body, and controlling the respective processing functions. First and second
Control means, and option control means for controlling the optional device, the first control means is interposed between the option control means and the second control means communicable, The adjustment information determined by the communication between the option control means and the second control means is transmitted to the second control means.
Therefore, even if an optional device which cannot be handled by the second control means is connected, the connection state is arbitrated by the first control means according to the adaptability of the second control means, and the notification is made. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the burden of the second control means for controlling the optional device.

[0222] According to the second invention, the first control means includes: first holding means for holding connection information through communication with the option control means; and the option control means and the second control means. And a second holding unit for holding the adjustment information determined by communication with the printer controller. The printer controller acquires the connection state of the optional device, manages the adjustment information individually based on the acquired connection state, and , The adjustment information can be reliably transferred.

According to the third aspect, the first control means has a plurality of communication control means for enabling mutual communication between the option control means and the second control means. The mutual data communication can be shared without being affected by the difference in the unique communication control by each controller between the option side and the printer side.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first control means controls the reader device for reading the original image. Therefore, the copy function processing control for outputting the image data output from the reader device to the printer, Communication control between the device and the printer controller can be compatible.

According to the fifth aspect, the processing function of the first control means is a copy processing for transferring image data output from the reader device to the second control means and causing the printer body to print the image data. Since it is a function, it is possible to easily extend a copying function for outputting document image data from the reader device in addition to a printing function of the printer.

According to the sixth aspect, the processing function of the second control means is a print processing function of printing input print data by the printer main body.
Based on the adjustment information transferred from the first control means, it is possible to reliably execute the print control even if an unsupported optional device is connected.

According to the seventh aspect, the first control means is connected based on the connection information obtained by communication with the option control means and the printer resource information obtained from the second control means. Determining whether or not the optional device is adaptable, wherein the first control means determines whether the optional device is adaptable by the type signal of the connected optional device when it is determined that the optional device is adaptable. If the determination unit determines that it is not applicable, a status signal indicating that the optional device is not connected is transferred to the second control unit as the adjustment information. Even when the printer is still connected, the printer can recognize that the optional device is not connected, and It is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the original print function processing becomes impossible.

According to the eighth and thirteenth aspects of the present invention, the first control means for controlling the reader device and the control device for controlling an optional device having a plurality of different processing functions and including a paper discharge optional device are provided. A communication control method for a print control device, comprising: an option control means; and a second control means for controlling a printing device capable of connecting the optional device to a printer main body, or a first method for controlling a reader device. A control unit, an option control unit having a plurality of different processing functions, for controlling an optional device including a paper discharge optional device, and a second unit for controlling a printing device capable of connecting the optional device to a printer main body. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a print control apparatus comprising: A first communication step of performing mutual communication between the first control unit and the second control unit, based on connection information obtained through communication with the option control unit and printer resource information obtained from the second control unit. And a second communication step of transferring the result of the determination in the determination step as adjustment information to the second control means. Therefore, even if an optional device that cannot be supported by the second control means is connected, the connection state is arbitrated by the first control means in accordance with the adaptability of the second control means, and the notification is made. Thus, the control load on the optional device by the second control means can be reduced.

According to the ninth and fourteenth inventions, in a ninth invention according to the present invention, the first control means causes the first register to hold connection information by communication with the option control means. Since it has a first holding step and a second holding step of holding the discrimination information in the second register, the connection state of the optional device is acquired, and the adjustment information based on the acquired connection state is separately obtained. The management information can be reliably transferred to the printer controller.

According to the tenth and fifteenth aspects, the first aspect
The processing function of the control means is a copy processing function of transferring the image data output from the reader device to the second control means and causing the printer body to print the image data. The copying function for outputting the document image data from the MFP can be easily extended.

According to the eleventh and sixteenth aspects of the present invention, in the eleventh aspect of the present invention, the processing function of the second control means is a print processing function of causing the printer body to print input print data. Therefore, based on the adjustment information transferred from the first control unit, it is possible to reliably execute the print control even if an incompatible optional device is connected.

According to the twelfth and seventeenth aspects, the second aspect
In the communication step, the type signal of the connected optional device is determined when it is determined that the optional device is applicable in the determining step, and the optional device is not connected when determined that the adaptive signal is not applicable in the determining step. Since the status signal is transferred to the second control means as the adjustment information, even if the optional device which cannot be supported by the printer controller is still connected, the optional device is not connected on the printer side. Thus, it is possible to reliably avoid a situation in which the original print function processing of the printer becomes impossible.

Accordingly, the connection of optional devices that can be connected as an option to the printer main body is checked, and whether or not the printer controller can handle the option device whose connection has been checked is determined, and the determination result is determined by the printer controller. A series of controls that are transferred as possible adjustment information can be replaced on the reader controller side, greatly reducing the control burden on the optional devices on the printer controller side, and printing that can be flexibly adapted to the optional devices with the control resources of the existing printer controller. This produces effects such as the ability to construct a control environment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a use mode of the printer unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an interface between a printer controller and an engine control unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a configuration and a function of a signal sequence of a video I / F illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a configuration of an image forming unit illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart for explaining transmission timing of each signal exchanged between the video interface I / F shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a timing chart illustrating communication timing between the printer controller and the engine control unit illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a serial communication state between the printer controller and the engine control unit illustrated in FIG. 3;

9 is a schematic sectional view of a print control system to which the print control device shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram illustrating a communication state among a printer controller, an engine control unit, and a reader controller illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 11 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a first configuration of the reader controller shown in FIG.

12 is a timing chart illustrating a scanning operation of the optical reading device illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 13 is a detailed block diagram illustrating a second configuration of the reader controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a first communication processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a second communication processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a third communication processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating communication processing between controllers in a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating communication processing between controllers in a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 19 is a timing chart illustrating an interrupt processing operation in a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

20 is a block diagram illustrating a connection state with each controller in a print control system to which the print control device shown in FIG. 1 can be applied.

21 is a block diagram illustrating a communication control configuration of the reader controller shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a fourth communication processing procedure in a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a memory map of a storage medium that stores various data processing programs that can be read by a print control system to which the print control device according to the present invention can be applied.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram illustrating a connection form of an image reading device in a print control system to which a conventional print control device can be applied.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram illustrating a connection configuration of an image reading device in a print control system to which a conventional print control device can be applied.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a printer engine unit in a print control system to which a conventional print control device can be applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2001 Printer main body 2103 Printer controller 2002 Engine control unit 2104 Host computer

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AP07 AQ06 AR01 AS02 HH05 HJ03 HJ04 HJ06 HJ10 HK06 HK08 HK11 HL01 HN04 HN15 HN16 HN17 HN18 HN19 HQ20 HV09 HV10 HV13 HV19 5B02Q CC05 KK

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A printing control apparatus for controlling a printing apparatus having a plurality of different processing functions and capable of connecting an optional device including a paper discharge optional device to a printer main body, wherein the printing control device controls the processing functions. There are first and second control means, and option control means for controlling the optional device, wherein the first control means can communicate with each other between the option control means and the second control means A print control device for transferring adjustment information determined by communication between the option control means and the second control means to the second control means. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first control unit is configured to store connection information by communication with the option control unit, and to be determined by communication between the option control unit and the second control unit. 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second holding unit that holds adjustment information. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first control means has a plurality of communication control means for enabling mutual communication between said option control means and said second control means. The printing control device according to the above. 4. The print control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said first control means controls a reader device for reading a document image. 5. The processing function of the first control means,
2. The print control device according to claim 1, wherein the print control device has a copy processing function of transferring image data output from the reader device to the second control means and causing the printer main body to print the image data. 6. The processing function of the second control means,
2. A print processing function for printing input print data by the printer main body.
The printing control device according to the above. 7. The option device connected to the option device based on connection information acquired through communication with the option control device and printer resource information acquired from the second control device. A determining unit for determining whether or not the option device is connectable; the first control unit determines a type signal of the connected optional device when the determining unit determines that adaptation is possible; 2. The printing control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when it is determined that the option device is not applicable, a status signal indicating that the optional device is not connected is transferred to the second control unit as the adjustment information. 8. A first control means for controlling a reader device, an option control means having a plurality of different processing functions and controlling an optional device including a paper discharge optional device, and the optional device provided in a printer main body. And a second control unit for controlling a printing device to which the second control unit can be connected, wherein the second control unit performs mutual communication between the option control unit and the second control unit. (1) determining whether the connected optional device is adaptable based on the connection information obtained by communicating with the optional control means and the printer resource information obtained from the second control means; A determining step of performing the second determination as adjustment information using the determination result obtained by the determining step.
And a second communication step of transferring to the control means. 9. The first control means includes: a first holding step of holding connection information by communication with the option control means in a first register; and a second holding step of holding the determination information in a second register. 9. The communication control method for a print control device according to claim 8, further comprising: a holding step. 10. The processing function of the first control means is a copy processing function of transferring image data output from the reader device to the second control means and causing the printer body to print the image data. The communication control method for a print control device according to claim 8, wherein 11. The communication control method according to claim 8, wherein the processing function of the second control unit is a print processing function of printing input print data by the printer main body. . 12. The method according to claim 12, wherein the second communication step includes: determining that the type signal of the connected optional device is not applicable by the determining step; A status signal in which the optional device is not connected is used as the adjustment information as the second signal.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the data is transferred to the control means.
The communication control method of the print control device according to the above. 13. An image forming apparatus, comprising: first control means for controlling a reader device; option control means for controlling an optional device having a plurality of different processing functions and including a paper discharge optional device; A storage medium storing a computer-readable program for controlling a printing control device, comprising: a second control unit for controlling a printing device to which the option control unit and the second control unit can be connected. A first communication step of performing mutual communication between the first control means and the first control means, and the option connected based on the connection information obtained by communication with the option control means and the printer resource information obtained from the second control means. A discriminating step of discriminating whether or not the apparatus is adaptable;
And a second communication step of transferring to the control means. 14. The first control means includes: a first holding step of holding connection information by communication with the option control means in a first register; and a second holding step of holding the discrimination information in a second register. 14. The storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 13, further comprising: a holding step. 15. The processing function of the first control means is a copier processing function for transferring image data output from the reader device to the second control means and printing the image data by the printer main body. 14. A storage medium storing a computer-readable program according to claim 13. 16. The computer-readable program according to claim 13, wherein the processing function of the second control means is a print processing function of printing input print data by the printer main body. The storage medium in which it was stored. 17. The method according to claim 17, wherein the second communication step includes: determining that the type signal of the connected optional device is not applicable in the determination step; A status signal in which the optional device is not connected is used as the adjustment information as the second signal.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data is transferred to the control means.
4. A storage medium storing the computer-readable program according to 3.