JP2001096858A - Printing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a printing apparatus which can be actuated without an operation made on a switch for an electric power source of the apparatus main body when the apparatus is to be used again after an automatic shut-off function is actuated. SOLUTION: Switching-on is made again at an electric power source without an operation made on a switch for an electric power source of a printing apparatus main body by setting an external input register in a logic wherewith the switching-on is made at the electric power source without operating a power source control switch.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a printing apparatus having both a printing function and a copying function, and a charging management printing apparatus system including the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional printing apparatus, there is known an apparatus having an automatic shut-off function of turning off the power of the printing apparatus if it does not operate continuously for a predetermined time.

[0003]

When the power is turned on again after the auto shut-off function has been activated, the power supply S
W needs to be operated. Also, in the case of a system with a billing management device, similarly to the above, when the power is turned on again after the auto-shut-off function operates, the power supply S
W needs to be operated.

That is, in the above-described conventional example, when the apparatus is used again after the auto shut-off function is operated, the operation cannot be performed without operating the power switch of the printing apparatus main body, so that the operation is complicated. There's a problem.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing apparatus which can be operated without operating the power switch of the printing apparatus main body when the apparatus is used again after the auto shut-off function is operated. Things.

[0006]

According to the present invention, there is provided a power supply control switch.
Turn ON the power to the external input register without operating
The power switch of the printer main body
The power is turned on again without operating.

[0007]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [Overall Configuration] FIG.
1 is a schematic view showing a printing apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The printing apparatus has a reader 100 and a printer main body 2001.

The reader 100 includes a reader frame 101, a document table 102, a light source 103, a photoelectric conversion unit 104,
It includes an analog-to-digital converter 105, a reader controller 106, an operation unit 107, an operation unit power supply SW 108 on the operation unit 107, and a power supply SW 109 connected to a reader power supply (not shown).

A printer body 2001 includes an engine control unit 2002 for controlling paper transport and image formation of the printer.
, An image forming unit 2003, a power supply SW 2007 connected to the engine control unit 2002, and a power supply cord 2008 for supplying AC power to the printer.

A printer controller 2103 (shown in FIG. 17) is built in the printer main body 2001 (shown in FIG. 16) and has a host computer 2104 (shown in FIG. 17).
Are connected to a printer controller 2103 via a one-to-one or network 2105. A paper cassette deck 2004 and a sorter 2005 can be added as options, and an optional controller 2006 includes an optional cassette deck 2004 and an optional sorter 200.
5 is controlled.

The reader controller 106 includes a digital image processing unit output from the analog-to-digital conversion unit, a motor control unit (not shown) for reading a document, an engine control unit 2002 and a printer controller 2.
It has a function of controlling communication with the communication terminal 103.

[Configuration of Printer Controller 2103 and Printer] In the above embodiment, the reader controller 1103
06 is actually provided in the reader 100,
Printer controller 2103 and engine control unit 200
2 and performs processing between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002. here,
First, a description will be given of the printer controller 2103 and the configuration of the printer, which are premised thereon.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the general outline of the above embodiment.

The video I / F 2101 is actually a signal line, and performs communication between a printer 2102 and a printer controller 2103 described later. Video I
The details of each signal of / F2101 will be described later. The printer 2102 forms the electric image signal received via the video I / F 2101 in a visible form, transfers it to recording paper, fixes it, and outputs it. In order to realize these image forming sequences, various loads are controlled. In addition, the status of the printer is detected and the printer controller 2
Notify 103.

The printer controller 2103 receives data transmitted via the host computer 2104 or the network 2105. This includes bitmap data and PDL (Page Discrete).
The data is transmitted in various formats, such as data described in “ion Language”. This data is developed in a memory and transferred to the printer 2102 as raster format data.
In this way, the data generated by the host computer is output to a printer.

Next, the video I / F (signal line) 2101 for connecting the printer controller 2103 and the printer will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002.

Engine control unit (DC controller) 20
02 is provided inside the printer 2102 and controls the engine. Printer controller 210
2 is exchanged between the engine control unit 2002 and the engine control unit 2002.

FIG. 3 shows a video I / F 2101 (signal line).
3 is a diagram showing a signal list in FIG.

Here, only the representative signals shown in FIG. 2 will be described.

First, / PPRDY is a signal indicating that communication with the printer controller 2103 is enabled after power is supplied to the printer and processing such as initialization is completed.

/ CPRDY is the printer controller 2
This signal indicates that communication with the engine control unit 2002 has been enabled after power is supplied to the power supply 103 and processing such as initialization has been completed.

The / RDY signal is output from the engine control unit 2002
Is a signal indicating that a print operation has been enabled by a print start instruction (/ PRNT described later) from the printer controller 2103. The conditions under which this signal becomes true include various conditions of the printer, such as whether the temperature in the fixing unit has reached a predetermined temperature, whether recording paper has remained in the printer, and whether the polygon mirror is rotating at a predetermined speed. The only condition is that the part is working properly.

The / PRNT signal is a signal that the printer controller 2103 instructs the engine control unit 2002 to start or continue a printing operation.

The / TOP signal is output from the engine control unit 2002
Is a signal passed from the printer controller 2103 to the printer controller 2103, and is a synchronization signal serving as a reference for vertical scanning of an image. The / PRNT signal is a signal output a fixed time after the printer controller 2103 outputs the / PRNT signal.

The / LSYNC signal is a synchronization signal used as a reference for horizontal scanning by the printer controller 2103.
Similarly to the TOP signal, the / PRNT signal is output from the printer controller 2103 to the printer controller 2103 a fixed time later.

The / VCLK signal is applied to a / VDOEN described later.
This is a synchronous clock for the signal and the / VDO signal, and a clock having a frequency corresponding to the image signal is generated from the printer controller 2103.

The / VDOEN signal is used to output the image signal output from the printer controller 2103 to the engine controller 200.
2 is a signal for controlling the capture into the memory. The engine control unit 2002 synchronizes with the / VCLK signal, and this signal
It is detected whether or not the signal is UE / FALSE. In the case of TRUE, the image signal is captured, and in the case of FALSE, the capturing is not performed.

The / VDO signal is image data. The printer controller 2103 operates as follows in the vertical direction.
With reference to the TOP signal, in the horizontal direction, / LSY
The signal is output in synchronization with the / VCLK signal based on the NC signal.

The / CCLK signal is sent from the printer controller 2103 to the engine controller
And a synchronous clock when the engine control unit 2002 responds to the printer controller 2103 with the serial status, and is output from the printer controller 2103.

The / CBSY signal indicates to the engine control unit 2002 that the printer controller 2103 is transmitting a serial command using the / CMD signal described later.
This is the signal shown in FIG.

The / CMD signal is output to the printer controller 2
Reference numeral 103 denotes a signal used when transmitting serial information to the engine control unit 2002. Thereafter, the serial information transmitted from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 is referred to as a “command” / SBSY signal.
This signal indicates to the printer controller 2103 that the engine control unit 2002 has returned a serial status using the / STS signal.

The / STS signal is output from the engine control unit 2002
Is a signal used when replying serial information to the printer controller 2103. Hereinafter, the engine control unit 2
The serial information that 002 replies to the printer controller 2103 is called “status”.

The / CCRT signal is a signal that is reported to the printer controller 2103 when the status inside the printer changes. When the printer controller 2103 receives this report signal, it issues a command inquiring about what has changed in the state of the engine using the / CMD signal, and the engine control unit 2002 responds to the command with the / S signal.
The state is notified by a TS signal.

Next, a printer controlled by the engine control unit 2002 will be described.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the printer.

The scanner 401 receives the image signal / VDO output from the printer controller 2103, converts it into a laser beam, irradiates the photoconductor 402, and forms an image on the photoconductor. The photoconductor 402 reaches the color developing device 403 and the black developing device 404 while rotating counterclockwise. The developing devices 403 and 404 place (develop) a tray on the photoconductor in accordance with the electric charge charged on the photoconductor.
Make a move. When the image is black and white, only the developing device 404 operates, and when the image is color, both the developing devices 403 and 404 are used.

Next, the image generated on the photosensitive member is transferred to the intermediate transfer member 405 rotating clockwise. The intermediate transfer member 405 makes one rotation for black and white and four rotations for color, and completes image generation on the intermediate transfer member.

On the other hand, the pickup roller 411 or 4 is supplied from the upper cassette 408 or the lower cassette 409.
The recording paper fed at 12 is fed to the feed rollers 413 or 4
14, and further conveyed by a conveying roller 415 to a position before the registration.

Then, at the timing when image formation is completed on the intermediate transfer member 405, the intermediate transfer member 405 and the transfer belt 4
The timing is controlled so that the recording paper arrives between the timings of the recording time and the time 06. Here, when the recording paper arrives, the transfer belt contacts the intermediate transfer body, and the toner is transferred to the recording paper. The image transferred to the recording paper is fixed by a fixing roller 407.
It is fixed on the recording paper by heat and pressure.

The recording paper on which the image has been fixed is conveyed to one of the face-up discharge port 417 and the face-down discharge port 418 specified in advance by the printer controller 2103 and discharged.

With the above operation, the image information sent from the printer controller 2103 is output.

FIG. 5 shows a video I / O in the above embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating timing of a signal flowing through an F (signal line) 2101.

First, when the printer controller 2103 completes the preparation of the image information, the / PRNT signal is set to Low.
(True) and inform the engine control unit 2002. At the same time, the image synchronizing signal / V used to transfer the image signal
A CLK signal is also generated.

In response, engine control unit 2002
Performs various settings inside the printer, and when an image can be received, outputs a vertical synchronization signal / TOP and a horizontal synchronization signal / LSYNC to the printer controller 2103. Vertical sync signal / TOP and horizontal sync signal / LS
Printer controller 2103 in accordance with YNC
Are the image signal / VDO and the image valid signal / VDO
EN to the engine control unit 2002.

Next, a description will be given of what commands and status are exchanged by serial communication during these printing operations.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the timing of communication between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 in the above embodiment.

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

When the printer controller 2103 wants to issue a command to the engine control unit 2002, the / CB
The SY signal is set to Low (true), and the clock signal / CCLK
And sends command data to the / CMD signal. Upon receiving this, the engine control unit 2002 generates the / CBSY
After confirming that the signal is High (false), / SBS
Y is set to Low (true), and engine-side status data corresponding to the command is sent to / STS in synchronization with the / CCLK signal generated from the printer controller 2103. This status data is transferred to the printer controller 2
The print control 103 continues or suspends print control depending on the state.

Next, the / CCRT signal in the above embodiment will be described.

This / CCRT signal is a signal that goes low (true) when a change occurs in the state of the engine specified by the printer controller 2103 in advance.
For example, when a paper-out state occurs, the printer controller 2103 causes the / CMRT signal to be valid so that the / CMRT signal is valid.
It is assumed that D is set in advance.

Here, 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, since 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 RT signal is changed from High to Low.

This signal is sent to the printer controller 210
It is conveyed to 3. When this is detected, the printer controller 2103 immediately issues a command requesting a paper feed unit paper presence status to the engine control unit 2002 in order to know which paper feed cassette is out of paper.
Therefore, the engine control unit 2002 returns the status of the paperless cassette to the controller. Return status / When the SBSY signal goes low,
The CCRT signal is cleared to High.

Next, the printing operation in the above embodiment will be described.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the exchange of the command / status of the engine control with the printer controller 2103 in the above embodiment.

Here, a color output is assumed. When a print start request occurs, the printer controller 2
103 checks the ready state of the printer for the engine control unit 2002 while performing the conversion processing of image data and the like. Then, a command for designating the paper feed stage of the recording paper is issued. In addition, a command for requesting the recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status.

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

Thereafter, the printer controller 2103
Sends a print request /
Generate the PRNT signal. In response to this, a / TOP signal is returned from engine control unit 2002 after a predetermined time. The vertical scanning direction is synchronized with the / TOP signal, the horizontal direction is synchronized with the / LSYNC signal, and / VDO
The signal is adjusted to / VCLK, and the image is transferred to the engine control unit 2002. Here, since the color mode is set, the / TOP signal is generated four times, and an image for four colors of CMYK is formed.

After the last / TOP signal is generated, the / PRNT signal is returned to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer body. The transferred recording paper is discharged to a designated discharge port after passing through the fixing roller. Finally, the printer controller 2103 includes the engine control unit 20
02 is not in the recording paper transport state (discharge end)
Is confirmed, printing is completed, and the printer waits in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

If an illegal state such as a recording paper jam, the absence of the recording paper, or the opening of a door by the user occurs during the above operation, the engine controller 2002 uses the / CCRT signal to notify the printer controller 2103 of a printer abnormality. Tell instantly. Printer controller 2
103 performs a corresponding process in response thereto.

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

FIG. 16 is a schematic view of a printer main body 2001 having the above-described electrical configuration.

The printer main body 2001 includes an engine control unit 2002 for controlling paper transport and image formation of the printer.
, An image forming unit 2003 (printer controller 2103 in FIG. 17), a paper cassette deck 2004 that can be added as an option, a sorter 2005 that can be added as an option, and an option controller 2006 that controls the optional cassette deck 2004 and the optional sorter 2005. , A power switch 2007 connected to the engine control unit 2002, and an AC cable 2 of the printer.
08.

The host computer 2104 is connected to the printer controller 2103 via one-to-one or a network 2105.

[Structure when Reader Controller 106 is Attached] FIG. 8 shows the printing apparatus (printer main body 20).
01), a reader 101 for optically reading not only image data output from the printer controller 2103 but also an original image on paper based on data transferred from the computer, converting the image into a digital signal, and outputting the digital signal is attached. FIG.

A document feeder 801 for transporting a document to a portion where it can be read optically, and an optical reader 802
, A printer body 803, a photoelectric conversion unit 804, and a document table glass 805.

The original feeding device 801 is driven in synchronization with the optical reading device 802, and is driven by the feeding device 801.
When the document image is transferred onto the platen glass 805, the optical reading device 802 scans the image while moving in the left and right direction in FIG. 8 and sends reflected light subjected to appropriate optical processing to the photoelectric conversion unit 804. send.

FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical connection when a reader controller 106 for reading a document image is mounted between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows the content of an Example best.

That is, the reader controller 106
Is the printer controller 2103 and the engine controller 2
The type of signal line between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 106 and the type of signal line between the engine control unit 2002 and the reader controller 106 are shown in FIG. It is the same as the type of the signal line. However, the signal between the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 106, the engine control unit 2002 and the reader controller 1
Since the signal is physically different from the signal between 06 and 06, the former is denoted by C and the latter is denoted by P to distinguish them from each other.

An image signal processing unit 902 and a document scanning optical system control unit 903 for controlling the optical reading device 802
And a document feed controller 90 for controlling the document feeder 801
4, an operation unit 905, and an image input unit 906.

The image signal converted by the photoelectric conversion unit 804 is input from the image input unit 906 and transferred to the image signal processing unit 902 inside the reader controller 106.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the inside of the reader controller 106 in the above embodiment.

The reader controller 106 is a reader controller 106 shown in FIG. 9, and communicates with the image processing unit 902 shown in FIG. 9, the image input unit 906 shown in FIG. 9, the selector 2201, and the engine control unit 2002. A serial communication controller 2202 for performing communication with the communication controller, an input / output port 2203 for exchanging signals supplementing communication with the communication controller, an interrupt controller 2204, a serial communication controller 2205 for performing communication with the printer controller 2103, and communication between the communication controllers. An input / output port 2206 for exchanging supplementary signals, a gate 2207, a control circuit 2208 having a gate function and a flag setting function, and a CPU 2209 for controlling the whole
Are provided.

The control circuit 2208 controls the printer status change signal / CCRT, and by opening and closing the gate, the printer status change signal / P issued by the engine control unit 2002.
By controlling whether or not to transmit the CCRT to the printer controller 2103, and by setting a flag,
The reader controller 106 issues a printer status change signal / CCRT to the printer controller 2103.

The selector 2201 selects either the output of the image processing unit 902 or the signal sent from the printer controller 2103, and selects the signal from the engine control unit 200.
Output to 2. The signal system switched by the selector 2201 includes an image clock / VCLK and an image enable / VD
OEN and image data / VDO.

The interrupt controller 2204 includes an image leading end request signal / PTOP and a printer state change signal / PC
CRT is input.

A gate 2207 controls whether a signal sent from the printer is sent to the printer controller 2103. The gate control is performed by controlling the image leading end request signal / TOP and the line synchronization signal / LSYNC.
And

[Operation at Copying] Next, a method of 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 106
Closes the gate unit 2207 and the signal control 2208 for the copy mode, and sets the selector 2201 so that the output of the image processing unit 902 is selected.

Next, the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer is checked with the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203. Then, various settings are performed using the serial communication controller 2202. First, a command for designating a paper feed stage for recording paper is issued, and a command for requesting a recording paper size in the designated cassette is issued. In response to these series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status.

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

After the original is fed onto the original table by the original feeder 801, the reader controller 106 generates a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, the engine control unit 2002 returns a / PTOP signal after a predetermined time.
This is processed by the interrupt controller 2204, and / P
The optical reading device 80 is synchronized with the TOP signal.
Operate 2 The / PTOP signal synchronizes the vertical scanning direction, the / PLSYNC signal synchronizes the horizontal direction, the / PVDO signal is synchronized with / PVCLK, and the signal input from the photoelectric conversion device 804 to the image processing unit 902 is the engine. Transfer to control section 2002. Here, since the color mode is set, the optical reading device 2002 is operated four times, and an image for four colors of CMYK is formed in response to the / PTOP signal generated four times.

After the final / PTOP signal is generated, the / PPRNT signal is returned to High (false). As a result, the engine control unit 2002 detects that the print request has been completed, and shifts to post-processing such as a cleaning operation of the intermediate transfer body. The transferred recording paper is discharged to a designated discharge port after passing through the fixing roller. Finally, the reader controller 106 controls the engine control unit 2
In contrast to 002, after confirming that the recording paper is not in the conveyance state (the end of paper discharge), the printing is completed, and the printer stands by in a ready state until the next print request is issued.

[Operation During Printing] Next, a method of outputting an image from the printer controller 2103 from the image forming apparatus will be described.

At the stage where the copying operation has been completed, the reader controller 106 enters the ready state. At this time, the reader controller 106 opens the gate unit 2207 and the signal control 2208 for the operation at the time of printing. The reader controller 106 checks the ready status signal / PRDY of the printer with respect to the engine control unit 2002 using the input / output port 2203, and if OK, the printer controller 21 uses the input / output port 2206.
03 is set to the ready state signal / CRDY of the printer.

Next, the printer controller 2103
Communication is performed to perform various settings, and the reader controller 106 transmits the communication to the serial communication controller 2205.
, And is interpreted by the CPU 2209. According to the contents, the reader controller 106 performs various settings using the serial communication controller 2202. In response to the series of commands, the engine control unit 2002 returns a corresponding status to the reader controller 106, and the reader controller 106 receives the status using the serial communication controller 2202. The received contents are interpreted by the CPU 2209 and communicated to the printer controller 2103 using a serial communication controller.

Next, the printer controller 2103 sends a print request / C to the reader controller 106.
The reader controller 106 receives the PRNT signal, and generates a print request / PPRNT signal to the engine control unit 2002. In response to this, after a predetermined time, the engine control unit 2002 sends the / PT
An OP signal is returned. This is passed through the gate control unit 2208, and the / CTOP signal is input to the reader controller 1
06. In the reader controller 106, the selector 2201 is set so as to select the signal sent from the controller, and the signal sent from the controller is set to / PVCLK, / PVDOEN, /
The data is sent to the engine control unit 2002 as PVDO.

[Difference Between Operation During Printing and Operation During Copying] Next, the difference between the operation during printing and the operation during copying will be described with respect to 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 to be printed is prepared in the image memory in advance. Therefore, if the printer controller 2103 issues the received paper feed cassette change command to the engine control unit 2002 without any change, such as performing a copy operation by designating a cassette, the copy operation will not be performed normally. In the state, the commands to be issued from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002 are stored in the engine command queue in the order of issuance without issuing the command to the engine control unit 2002.

Since a response to the command must be returned to the printer controller 2103, the reader controller 106 simulates that the command has been successfully executed, and uses the serial communication controller 2205 to return the response to the printer controller 2103 via the / CSTS signal line. I do.

Next, in the above embodiment, the engine controller 2002 receives the command received from the printer controller 2103 without affecting the state of the reader controller 106 itself, using the left diagram of FIG. Will be described.

In such a state, the reader controller 106 operates as the serial communication controller 2202.
The command stored in the engine command queue is issued to the engine control unit 2002 through the signal line / PCMD through the signal line / PCMD, and a response is waited.

The command issued by the reader controller 106 itself is also transmitted to the engine control unit 2002 through the / PCMD signal line. When the command execution is completed, a response is returned from the engine control unit 2002 to the reader controller 106 via the / PSTS signal line. If the command execution is successful, delete this command from the engine command queue.

If it is found at this point that the engine has failed in executing the command, it is processed as an error occurrence state.

As described above, the reader controller 10
6 is between the engine control unit 2002 and the printer controller 2103, when a normal command is issued from the printer controller 2103 to the engine control unit 2002, there is no inconsistency in the operation, and the command processing sequence is executed. You can move it.

[Control for State Change Signal] Next, when the reader controller 106 uses the engine control unit 2002 to read and output a document image (copier mode), the printer controller 2103 sends a setting command to the printer. For example, a case where a paper feed cassette change command) is issued will be described.

FIG. 10 shows the reader controller 106.
Is a flowchart showing a command issuance in a case where it cannot be interposed (case shown in FIG. 2).

The left figure in FIG. 10 shows the printer controller 2
3 is a flowchart illustrating a process in 103.

After issuing the paper cassette change command (S1), the printer controller 2103 waits for a response from the engine control unit 2002, and when a response comes (S1).
2), the success of the command is determined (S3), and a series of command issuing sequences is terminated.

The right side of FIG. 10 shows an engine control unit 2002.
5 is a flowchart showing a process in.

When the engine control unit 2002 receives a command from the controller (S11), it determines the content of the command, and if the command is a paper cassette change command (S1).
2) When the change is successful, the printer controller 2
103 is notified of the command execution success (S13).

FIG. 11 shows the reader controller 106.
Is in the middle (as shown in FIG. 9),
5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the reader controller 106.

Note that the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 perform exactly the same control as described above with reference to FIG.

The left figure in FIG. 11 shows the printer controller 2
103 from the engine control unit 2002
It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which is issued to and receives a reply.

The right figure in FIG. 11 shows the printer controller 2
10 is a flowchart illustrating control for receiving a command from the MFP 103 and returning a status to the printer controller 2103.

The reader controller 106 receives the / CCMD shown in FIG. 9 from the printer controller 2103.
Through the signal line, the serial communication controller 2205
Receives the command and determines whether or not the command can be issued to the engine control unit 2002 as it is.

For example, at present, the reader controller 1
If there is no command being executed for the engine control unit 2002 to perform the copy mode operation, the same command as the command sent from the printer controller 2103 is transmitted to the serial communication controller 2202.
To the engine control unit 2002 through the signal line / PCMD.

On the other hand, for example, the time required for the reader controller 106 to output the print data / VDO in response to the image leading end request signal / TOP signal sent from the paper feed engine control unit 2002 is an electric time. It is only the target delay time.

On the other hand, in the copy mode,
The original is read while the optical reading device 802 is moved, and image data is output.

As shown in FIG. 20, it takes time to accelerate from the state where the reading device is stopped to the state where the document is moving at a high speed for reading the document, for example, about several hundred ms. Cost.

Therefore, the engine control unit 2002
If the image leading end request signal / TOP signal in the copy mode is sent at the same timing as the signal in the print mode, the arrival of the print image data / VDO to the engine is delayed by several hundred ms in the copy mode. Would.

As the countermeasure, the following two plans can be considered. First plan: At the time of copying, / TOP is sent earlier than at the time of printing. Second plan: A separate signal (RSTART) is provided for use in the copy mode.

In order to execute the first plan, the configuration in the reader controller 106 may be the same as that shown in FIG. 18. In the copy mode, the reader controller 106 starts the movement of the document reading apparatus by the / TOP signal. .

Further, in order to execute the second plan, FIG.
The configuration shown in FIG. That is, the engine control unit 2
The image leading end request signal / PTOP sent from 002 is
This signal is necessary only when the printer controller 2103 performs printing, and does not need to be interrupted by the reader controller 106 or input to the controller. Also,
The reading device movement start request signal / RSTART sent from the engine control unit 2002 is a signal required only in the copy mode, and need not be sent to the printer controller 2103.

[Control for Setting Command] Next, the characteristic control of the above embodiment will be described.

A reader controller 106 is provided between the printer controller 2103 and the engine controller 2002.
Is connected, the printer controller 21
03 and the engine control unit 2002 are as follows.

In a configuration in which the reader controller 106 is interposed, a state change on the engine side (for example, a state where an error has occurred) is transmitted from the engine control unit 2002 side to the reader controller 106 using the / PCCRT. The processing when the information is transmitted will be described.

When the reader intervenes, there is a possibility that the change of the state to be known is different between the reader controller 106 and the printer controller 2103. For example, there is a case where a state change occurs such that the paper being transported is jammed.

Under the control of the reader controller 106,
If a jam occurs during the copying operation of the engine, this state is a state that only the reader controller 106 wants to know. Printer controller 2103
As it is not the jam that is outputting itself, even if you are notified of this state. Optimal post-processing cannot be performed.

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

Therefore, it is basically necessary to notify the printer controller 2103 in the print mode, and to the reader controller 106 in the copy mode. However, even in copy mode,
The printer controller 2103 may want an engine state change signal in some cases. For example, information such as a change in cassette size or no paper is sent to the printer controller 210.
3 must also be notified. These are the engine control unit 2
The time from when the state change signal is issued in 002 to when the processing is performed in each controller is not strictly asked.

Therefore, the following processing is performed.

That is, in the copy mode in which the reader controller 106 controls the engine control, the state change signal / notification sent from the engine control unit 2002 is notified using the gate function of the control circuit 2208.
The PCCRT is masked for the printer controller 2103, and only the reader controller 106 receives the PCCRT through the interrupt controller 2204. The reader controller 106 performs processing according to the control flow of FIG. That is, when the / PCCRT signal becomes true,
The reader controller 106 issues a command for acquiring a state change to the engine control unit 2002. After that, the returned status is checked to understand the content of the engine status change.

Then, it is determined whether or not the content is a content to be notified also to the printer controller 2103. For example, a state change such as a change in the size of the sheet cassette is notified. If it is determined that the notification is to be made, a flag is set using the control circuit 2208, and a state change signal / CCCRT is generated.
Notify 103.

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

[Control for Execution Command] Next, control of the execution command will be described. For example, how the reader controller 106 controls when the printer controller 2103 and the reader controller 106 simultaneously issue a use request to the engine control unit 2002 will be described.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the location of data and the exchange of data when a print request is issued during a copy operation.

At this time, the engine control unit 2002 outputs the image signal / P sent from the reader controller 106.
VDO is received and an image is formed. Its behavior is
As described with reference to FIG. 7, settings such as sheet cassette designation, sheet ejection port designation, and image forming mode have been set by serial communication between the reader controller 106 and the engine control unit 2002.

The buffer 1301 of various setting values is provided by the reader controller 106 by the engine control unit 2002 by itself.
And the value set by the printer controller 2103 in the engine control unit 2002 are stored.
Among the various setting values shown in the buffer 1301, the setting value for the reader stores the specified value.

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

However, in response to / CCMD from the printer controller 2103, / CSTS must be returned. Therefore, of the setting values 1301, only the setting value from the printer is set as the PDL setting value in response to a request. When the setting value for the reader is different from the setting value for the PDL, the setting may be performed from the reader controller 106 to the engine control unit 2002 after the copying operation is completed and before the printer operation is started. 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. The image forming mode is set to the color mode based on the determination that the original is color. Suppose it had been. 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, discharging the paper to the face-down discharge port, and further outputting a monochrome image. For the paper cassette designation, the reader controller 106,
Both the printer controller 2103 specifies the upper cassette.

Therefore, when the copy operation is completed and the operation is switched to the print operation, the engine control unit 2002
It is not necessary to issue a paper feed cassette designation command to the printer. Since the designation of the discharge port and the image forming mode is different between the copy operation and the print operation, when the copy operation is completed, the reader controller 106 instructs the engine control unit 2002 to specify the discharge port and the image forming mode. The specified command needs to be issued again.

As described above, the reader controller 10
No. 6 does not judge that a command from the printer controller 2103 is only postponed to the command execution to the engine control unit 2002, but the reader controller 106 has already executed the engine control unit 2002.
For those that have already been set, a determination is made so that duplicate settings are not made.

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

In this case, on the contrary to the case of FIG. 13, from the viewpoint of usability, even if the user presses the copy button in front of the copying machine, the copying operation is not performed because the printing operation is being performed. It is better to be able to perform the operation.

In this case, the printer controller 2103
/ CVDO sent from is selected by the selector 2201,
/ PVDO to the engine control unit 2002. The settings are exactly the same as those described with reference to FIG.
It is assumed that the face-down discharge port is in the monochrome image mode.
The engine control unit 2002 includes the printer controller 21
Since the end can be detected for the first time when the / PPRNT signal from 03 becomes High (false), it is not known how many sheets will be printed out.

Here, it is assumed that the printer is going to print out four images. If the copy operation request is not made by an interrupt from the reader, as shown in the image timing shown in FIG.
Four TOP signals are generated, and an image is sent from the printer controller 2103 to the reader controller 10 in response to the TOP signal.
6 to the engine control unit 2002.

Therefore, it is assumed that an interrupt copy request for copying one color original is issued to the reader controller 106 during the second printout. This will be described with reference to FIG.

/ C from printer controller 2103
With the PRN request, the reader controller 106
A / PPRNT request is issued to the engine control unit 2002, and the / PTOP signal is
The signal is supplied to the printer controller 2103 as a / CTOP signal via the reader controller 106. In this manner, the printing operation of the first image 1501 and the second image 1502 is performed.

Here, a case will be described in which the reader controller 106 generates an interrupt copy request during the printout operation of the second sheet. Reader controller 1
06 is sent to the printer controller 2103 as / C
Generate a CCRT signal. This is not that the state of the engine has actually changed, but the reader requests the printer controller 2103 to open the engine in order to acquire the printer engine. The generation method uses the control unit 2208 as described above.

In response to the / CCCRT signal, the printer controller 2103 issues a command for checking the status of the engine, and the reader controller 106 responds with a status of "copying" to the printer. Return to controller 2103. By doing so, the printer controller 210
3 detects that the engine is performing a copy operation while keeping the / CPRNT signal Low (true),
Continue waiting for the CTOP signal to come. If not in a copy state, / CPRNT remains Low (true) / CTO
If P does not come, a timeout error will occur after a certain period of time.
Set to wait for a signal.

At this time, the / PTOP signal sent from the engine control unit 2002 is for performing a copy operation, and the reader controller 106 uses the / PTOP signal. Also, / P sent from the engine side
The TOP signal 1505 is transmitted to the printer controller 2103.
Is masked. In fact, the reader controller 106
Is only the image signal 1506.

After one interrupt copy is completed,
By unmasking the PTOP signal again and sending it as / CTOP to the printer controller 2103, the image 1503 from the printer controller 2103 is output.
And 1504 can be printed out to the engine control unit 2002. According to the above description, the interrupt copy operation during the print operation can be realized.

Thus, the printer controller 210
3 and the state of the reader controller 106, the reader controller 10 determines which printer engine is to be acquired and when to issue a command.
By judging and controlling everything as the case may be,
Requests from two controllers can be realized for one engine.

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

If the printer controller 2103 wants to check the state set in the engine control unit 2002, the printer controller 2103
Issue a setting confirmation command via / CCMD. The reader controller 106 that has received it checks the setting value storage buffer of FIG. 13, and if the content that the printer controller 2103 wants to confirm is in the buffer, reads the content and sends it to the printer controller 2103 through / CSTS. Notice. Also,
If the content is not in the buffer, the reader controller 1
06 issues a setting content confirmation command through / PCMD. The engine control unit 2002 reads the content, notifies the reader controller 106 of the setting content via / PSTS, and
Notifies the printer controller 2103 of the content via / CSTS.

[Power Supply Control Method for Printer] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a power supply control block for the printer.

In FIG. 23, the printer power switch 2007 shown in FIG. 1 or FIG.
, A power supply unit 2701, a timer circuit 2703
And a reset circuit 2704, and 2705 is a power control signal.

Next, a control sequence in the power supply control block of the printer will be described.

At the start of operation, the operator turns on the power switch 2007 while the power cord 2008 is connected to the outlet of the AC power supply source. As a result, the power supply control signal 2705 is turned on, and various voltages are supplied. At that time, the reset circuit 2704 monitors the 5V voltage, and sets the reset signal to the reset release state after a predetermined time from the reset state. As a result, each circuit inside the printer starts an initialization operation. Note that the output of the timer circuit 2703 is logically turned on by initialization.
It is in the state of. Also, of course, the power switch 200
Even when the power cord 2008 is plugged into a power outlet while the power supply 7 is ON, the same sequence as described above is performed, and the printer operation starts.

Next, the operation at the end of the operation will be described.

The printer of the above embodiment needs to execute an operation of waiting for various data in a backup memory (not shown) when the power is turned off, and an OFF sequence of continuously rotating a cooling fan (not shown) for a predetermined time. For this reason, when the power switch 2007 is turned off, the timer circuit 2703 detects the state, and the timer operation is started by hardware or software. Thereafter, after the execution of the above-described OFF sequence and the elapse of the set time, the output of the timer 2703 is logically turned off, and the power control signal 2705 is turned off.
The state becomes the F state, the supply of various voltages is stopped, and the operation ends.

Before the start of the operation or after the end of the operation, all the power supplies of the control system such as the engine control unit 2002 are stopped, and in order to start the operation from this state, means such as communication with the outside is used. Therefore, there is no other method except to press the power switch 2007 again and forcibly supply AC.

[Power Supply Control Method When Reader Is Connected] FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing power supply control when the reader is connected to the printer and is configured as a copying machine.

In FIG. 24, a power supply 28 for reader operation is provided.
01, an outlet 2802 for connecting the power cord of the printer, and a relay circuit 2803 for controlling whether to supply power to the outlet 2802. When configured as a copier, the printer unit power SW 2007
Is always turned on.

Next, a control method will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operator sets the power switch 109 to O.
In the N state, an AC voltage is supplied to the reader power supply 2801, and a part of the DC voltage is supplied to the reader controller 1801.
06. In this state, the operation unit power SW 108
By pressing (and immediately releasing), reader controller 106 changes the control line to reader power supply 2801 so that all required DC voltages are supplied.
Further, the control line is also changed for relay circuit 2803 so that power is supplied to outlet 2802. As a result, the AC power is also supplied to the printer unit (since the SW 2007 is in the ON state). Therefore, both the reader unit and the printer unit start operating.

Next, a case where the power is turned off will be described.

First, the operator operates the operation section power switch SW108.
By pressing, the reader controller 106
Preparations for terminating the operation of the reader and the printer are started.
That is, as described above, the printer used in this configuration needs the OFF sequence. For this reason, the reader controller 106 issues a command to the engine control unit 2002 to enter the OFF sequence when the above operation is terminated.

Upon receiving the command, the engine control unit 2002 executes the OFF sequence described in the previous section, operates the timer circuit 2703 shown in FIG. 23, and waits for the set time to elapse. After the elapse of the set time, the output of the timer circuit 2703 changes to the logic for turning off the power as described above. In this case, the power is turned off because the printer unit power switch 2007 is turned on. Not done.

In this state, the reader controller 106
Returns a "power off" status. In response to this status, the reader controller 1
06 changes the relay circuit 2803 to a state where power is not supplied, the supply of AC to the printer power supply 2701 is stopped, and the power of the printer is turned off. Similarly, the reader controller 106 may also “turn off the power”.
After receiving the status, the control line is changed so that various DC powers are not supplied to the reader power supply 2801. As a result, the operation of the reader unit also stops.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of a reset circuit and the like in the reader controller 106 in the above embodiment.

In FIG. 25, a CPU 2 for controlling the whole
901 and a watchdog circuit 2902 with a built-in CPU. The circuit does not need to be built in the CPU, but may be an external dedicated IC.
Reset I with voltage monitoring and external input reset function
C2903, an operation unit power SW register 2904 for knowing the state of the operation unit power SW, and a reader power supply 280
1 power supply control register 2905 for controlling
And a relay control register 2906 for controlling the relay 2803.

When the output reset signal of the reset IC 2903 is in a reset state, the registers 2905 and 2906 are cleared, and the output of each register becomes "L".
This state is logically the reader power supply 2801 and the relay 2
Reference numeral 803 denotes a state in which it is turned off.

A relay driving circuit 2907 which receives the output of the relay control register 2906 and drives the relay,
OR logic 29 for calculating the logical sum of the power control from the operation unit power SW and the power control from the power control register
08 and an electrolytic capacitor 29 for temporarily storing electric charge
09, a drive circuit 2910 for receiving the output of the logical sum and controlling the reader power supply 2801, a current limiting resistor 2911 for charging the electrolytic capacitor, and a current limiting resistor 2912 for discharging the electrolytic capacitor. Having. Each of the current limiting resistor 2911 and the current limiting resistor 2912 has a time constant with the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor.

Here, the charging time constant determined by the limiting resistor 2911 at the time of charging and the electrolytic capacitor 2909 needs to be set as short as possible.
2 and the electrolytic time constant determined by the electrolytic capacitor 2909 are:
It is necessary to set a sufficiently long reset holding time of the reset IC. For example, the charging time constant is 20m
s, the reset holding time is set to about 100 ms, and the discharge time constant is set to about 1000 ms.

In this figure, there are two systems of logic 5V power supply, and one system is provided with a power supply SW 109 shown in FIG.
The power supply is a nighttime power supply of 5 V, which is energized just by turning on the power. Another one
The system includes the OR logic 2908 to the power supply drive circuit 29
Normally 5 V controlled and driven by up to 10 circuits. In FIG. 24, the power supplied to the resistor connected to the operation unit power SW 108 and the OR logic 2
908 and the power supply drive circuit 2910
The power supplied to the power supply is 5 V at night.

Next, the operation will be described in detail mainly with reference to FIG.

[Turning ON / OFF the Operation with the Operation Unit Power SW] First, the case where the operation is turned ON will be described.

When the operation unit power supply switch 108 is pressed while the power supply switch 109 in FIG. 24 is turned on, that is, in the state where the power supply 5V is turned on, the logical sum 2908 changes the logic “H”. Is output, and while the charging of the electrolytic capacitor 2908 is started, the potential at the point A in FIG. 25 rises and exceeds a threshold value for turning on the driving circuit 2910, the reader power supply 2801 in FIG. It is turned ON. As a result, the reset output of the reset IC, which normally turns on 5V and monitors the voltage, enters the reset release state after a certain period of time, the circuit components including the CPU 2901 enter the reset release state, and the control software operates. Start.

Then, by writing a logical "H" for keeping the power on in the power control register 2905, the output of the OR 2908 keeps the logical "H". Here, as described above, a charging time constant of 20
ms, the reset hold time is about 100 ms, and the discharge time constant is about 1000 ms.
The time to hold down the operation unit power SW 108 is several tens of ms.
The drive circuit is turned on if the potential at the point A is maintained for about 1000 ms even if the switch is released thereafter.
And the reset hold time is 100 m
Since there are about s, during that time, the CPU starts the operation as described above, and the operation of writing “H” to the power control register is performed.

The relay control register 2906 is at “L” in the reset state as described above, and the relay 2803 is turned off via the relay drive circuit 2907. Therefore, no AC is supplied to the printer. After the reset is released, "H" is written to the power control register, and then the relay control register 29 is written.
"H" is also written in 06, thereby starting AC supply to the printer.

Next, in the above embodiment, the operation is turned off.
The case in which it is performed will be described.

While the operation is being performed, the operation unit power switch SW
When the key 108 is pressed, as described above, the CPU 2
901 recognizes that the operator is about to turn off the operation, and executes an OFF sequence. That is,
A command to execute the OFF sequence is issued to the printer unit, and since the apparatus cannot operate as a device, the display unit and the like of the operation unit are turned OFF. In this state, "Power OFF" from the printer
May wait for status.

Thereafter, when the status of “power off” is received from the printer, the relay control register 2
“L” is written in 906 to cut off the AC supply to the printer. Further, “L” is set in the power control register 2905.
Is written, and as a result, the output of the logical sum 2908 becomes logical "L", the capacitor 2909 starts discharging, and falls below a threshold value for turning on the power supply driving circuit 2910,
The reader power supply 2801 shown in FIG. 24 is turned off.

[Case of Re-operating During Execution of OFF Sequence] One of the objects of the printer OFF sequence of the present invention is to cool the apparatus.
The execution time of the F sequence may be tens of minutes. Therefore, it is fully conceivable that the operator needs to operate the apparatus again during this time. The operation in such a case will be described next.

When the operator wants to operate the apparatus again as described above during the execution of the OFF sequence,
Press the operation unit power switch 108. In this case, the CPU 290
1 executes a sequence for operating the device again. That is, a watchdog reset is forcibly issued from the watchdog timer 2902 built in the CPU 2901. The watchdog reset signal is input to the reset IC 2903, and the reset IC sets the reset signal to a reset state by an external reset function, and returns to the release state after a predetermined time. Therefore, the CPU presses the operation unit power switch 108 from the power OFF state and executes the initial routine as in the case where the power is turned ON.

When the reset signal is in the reset state, as described above, the power supply control register 2905 has a logic "L", that is, a logic of turning off the power. However, when the electrolytic capacitor 2909 is sufficiently charged and the time constant is set as described above, the discharging time of the electrolytic capacitor (for example, 1000 ms) is sufficiently longer than the time for which the reset IC keeps the reset state (for example, 100 ms). Because of the long period, during the reset state here, the potential at the point A in FIG. 25 is sufficient to keep the drive circuit 2910 ON, and the reader power supply remains ON.

When the reset signal is in the reset state, as described above, the relay control register 290
6 is cleared, the relay 2803 is turned off by the relay driving circuit 2907, and the AC supplied to the printer is turned off.
The power supply is cut off once. Thereafter, the reset state is released, "H" is written to the relay control register 2906, and the supply of AC to the printer is restarted. Thus, once the AC supply to the printer is cut,
The printer interrupts the OFF sequence and stops the operation. Then, when the AC supply is resumed, the operation is normally resumed.

The means for forcibly issuing a watchdog reset is not particularly limited to any means.
For example, if the timer set value for issuing the reset can be changed, the set value is set to a lower limit unlike the normal setting, or the operation of the CPU is temporarily set to the HALT state, and the watchdog is set. A method of issuing a reset may be used.

[Operation at the Time of Illegal Reset Occurrence] Next, a case where runaway of the CPU occurs will be described.

Also in this case, a watchdog reset occurs. As described in the previous section, the reset IC 29
03, a reset signal to the entire apparatus is reset, whereby the CPU is also reset,
You can recover from a runaway condition.

Thereafter, after the set time of the reset IC elapses, the reset IC enters the reset release state, and the initialization operation is normally performed.
The relay control register is “L” while the reset signal is in the reset state, the relay is turned off,
The supply of AC to the printer is cut off. Then, after reset release, the relay is turned on again, and A
The supply of C is restarted, and the printer is also initialized normally.
The power supply control register 2905 also operates only while the reset signal is in the reset state (for example, 100 ms).
Although it is "L" and the power is logically turned off, the discharge time (for example, 1000 ms) of the electrolytic capacitor 2909 is sufficiently longer.
10 remains in the ON state, and the power supply also remains in the ON state.

When the reset signal is fixed to the reset state for some reason or intentionally,
That is, when the CPU is in the non-control state during the reset, the power control register 2905 outputs “L”.
Since the power supply is theoretically turned off and the power supply is fixed to the reset state, the electrolytic capacitor 2909 continues to discharge, the drive circuit 2910 is turned off, and the power is turned off.

[Power Control When External Device is Connected] FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a power control unit when an external device is connected.

In FIG. 28, a three-input theoretical sum 3201 is shown.
And connection connectors 3202 and 3204 with external devices;
Communication controller 3203 and external signal input register 3
205 is provided.

The logical sum 3201 is obtained by
If any of the output 05, the power control SW 108, and the output signal from the external device is in the logic of turning on the power, a signal of the logic of turning on the power is output to the next power control circuit. Things. A signal from the external device is connected to the external device via the connector 3202.
The communication controller 3203 is a controller for communicating with an external device, and is connected to the external device via a connector 3204.

FIG. 30 is a main block diagram of charging management apparatus (coin vendor) 3301 which is an external device connected via connectors 3202 and 3204.

The charging management device 3301 is provided with a charging management unit 3302 for managing the state of coins, a communication management unit 3303 for managing a communication part, and a clock function unit 3401.

If the charging management unit 3302 recognizes that sufficient money has been inserted to operate the printing apparatus, the charging management unit notifies the communication management unit 3303 of that fact, Device 3301
Communicates with the communication controller 3203 of the printing apparatus, and the printing apparatus becomes operable. Further, when the money is not enough, the printing device is in a state of being unable to perform the printing operation via the above-mentioned route.

A case in which the power of the printing apparatus is turned off by the auto shut-off function, the operation of the power supply control SW, or the like, except for the nighttime 5V system shown in FIG. 28 will be described.

When the billing management unit 3301 detects that money has been newly inserted, it turns off the power of the printing apparatus.
In order to perform N, the external output signal is turned on (to the logic that the power is turned on). In the printing apparatus, an external signal is input to the logic circuit 3201 via the connector 3202, and a power supply control circuit is driven by a 5V power supply that outputs a voltage from the connector 2801 so that the power supply is turned on. Output drive signal. As a result, all the remaining various voltages are output, and the printing apparatus starts operating.

The charging device has a clock function 340.
1 is built in, and control is performed such that an external output signal is turned on when a predetermined time (for example, 8:00 in the morning) comes. Thereafter, the operation in the printing apparatus is the same as described above.

[Other Embodiments] FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a main part of a charging management device (coin vendor) 3301 which is an external device connected via the connection 2 and 3204.

The accounting management device 3301 has an accounting management unit 3302, a communication management unit 3303, and a timer unit 3304.

In the above embodiment, the printing apparatus has an automatic shut-off function, and turns off the power when the operation is stopped for a predetermined time. That is, after the printing operation is completed, a timer (not shown) starts counting, and when the count value reaches a certain value (that is, when a predetermined time has elapsed), data of logic for turning off the power is set in the power control register 2905. . If the printing operation is performed again before the elapse of the predetermined time, the counter is cleared and the power OFF is postponed first.

The timer function detects the status of the charging management device and the status of the printing device via the communication management device, starts the timer operation after the printing operation or money input ends, and starts the timer operation after a predetermined time has elapsed. , Turn on the external output signal.
At this time, if a printing operation is performed or money is inserted in the middle, the timer is cleared.

In this embodiment, the power supply of the printing apparatus is completely output. In the printing apparatus, the external signal is input to the external input signal register 3205 via the connector 3202, thereby , CPU2
Reference numeral 901 clears the auto shut-off timer that has been operating after the printing operation in the printing apparatus. Accordingly, as in the case where the printing apparatus performs an operation, the power supply OFF is postponed first.

[0201]

According to the present invention, it is possible to turn on the power again by using an external input register for the logic of turning on the power without operating the power control SW.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a printer controller 2103 and an engine control unit 2002.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a signal list in a video I / F 2101.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the printer.

FIG. 5 shows a video I / F (signal line) in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating timings of signals flowing through the signal line 2101.

FIG. 6 illustrates a printer controller 2 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating timing of communication between the engine control unit 103 and an engine control unit 2002.

FIG. 7 illustrates a printer controller 2 according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing exchanges of commands and statuses with an engine control.

FIG. 8 optically reads not only image data output from a printer controller 2103 but also an original image on paper based on data transferred from a computer into the printing device (printer main body 2001), FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a case where a reader controller 106 that converts and outputs the result is attached.

9 is a circuit diagram showing an electrical connection when a reader controller 106 for reading a document image is mounted between the printer controller 2103 and the engine control unit 2002 shown in FIG. 2; FIG. It is a figure which shows the content best.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing command issuance when the reader controller 106 does not intervene (the case shown in FIG. 2).

11 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the reader controller 106 when the reader controller 106 is interposed (in the case shown in FIG. 9).

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a state change in / CCRT when a reader is attached.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the location of data and the exchange of data when a print request is issued during a copy operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a copy request during a printing operation in the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a timing chart at the time of interrupt copying in the embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a printer main body 200 having the above-described electrical configuration.
FIG.

FIG. 17 is an overall configuration diagram of the embodiment.

FIG. 18 shows a reader controller 1 in the embodiment.
It is a block diagram which shows the inside of 06.

FIG. 19 is a reader controller 1 according to the embodiment.
It is a block diagram which shows 06.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a timing difference between copying and printing in the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing how to attach a conventional reader.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing how to mount a conventional reader.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a power supply control block of the printer.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing power supply control when a reader is connected to the printer and is configured as a copying machine.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating a reader controller 1 according to the embodiment.
It is a block diagram of a reset circuit in 06.

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the above embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a block diagram showing the above embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a block diagram of a power control unit when an external device is connected.

FIG. 29 is a billing management device (coin vendor) 33 which is an external device connected via connectors 3202 and 3204
It is a block diagram which shows the main part of No. 01.

FIG. 30 is a billing management device (coin vendor) 33 which is an external device connected via connectors 3202 and 3204.
It is a main block diagram of No. 01.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2008: Power cord, 2007: Printer power switch, 2701: Power supply unit, 2703: Timer circuit, 2704: Reset circuit, 2705: Power supply control signal, 2801: Power supply for reader operation, 2802: Outlet, 2803: Relay circuit, 2901 ... CPU, 2902 ... Watchdog line, 2903 ... Reset IC, 2904 ... Operation unit power SW register, 2905 ... Reader power control register, 2906 ... Relay control register.

Claims (8)

[Claims] A power switch for directly opening and closing an AC input; a power control switch for notifying power control; a power control SW input register for storing a state of the power control SW; and a power control output for controlling a power supply. A register; an external signal input register for storing a state of a signal supplied from the outside of the printing apparatus; and a state in which the power supply control SW is pressed or a logic for turning on the power supply. When the power is turned on or when the external signal input register is set to the logic to turn on the power, the power is turned on.
A logic circuit that outputs a control signal of a logic to perform the operation; a power control drive unit that drives when an output of the logic circuit is a logic that turns on a power supply; an output system controlled by the power control drive unit; A power supply unit having an output system that is not controlled by the power supply control drive means and outputs when the power supply SW is in an ON state; and a CP that controls the entire control.
U; the power supply control SW, the logic circuit, and the control drive circuit are driven by an output system that outputs when the power supply SW is turned on. A printing device driven by a power supply output controlled by the means. 2. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power control switch is disposed on an operation unit. 3. The output of the power control output register according to claim 2, wherein a power output controlled by the driving means starts to be supplied, and the power is turned on after the CPU starts operation after reset release. A printing device characterized by outputting logic. 4. The printing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the device connected to the external signal input register is a charge management device. 5. The charging management device according to claim 4, wherein the charging management device has a clock function and turns on the power to the external signal input register at a predetermined time.
A printing device for outputting a logic signal. 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a signal of a logic for turning on the power is output to the external signal input register upon detecting that money is input to the charging apparatus. 7. The printing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the CPU is cleared every time a printing operation is performed, the printing apparatus has a timer managed by the CPU, and the logic signal for turning on the power is supplied to the CPU. A printing apparatus characterized in that the timer is cleared even when the timer is input to an external signal input register. 8. The device according to claim 7, wherein the device connected to the external signal input register is a charging management device, wherein the charging management device has a timer and turns on the power at a predetermined timing. A printing device for outputting a logic signal to the external signal input register.