JP2001301283A - Imaging apparatus, control method for imaging network system and computer readable recording medium recording program for executing that method on computer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a transfer sheet under linking operation from being mixed with a transfer sheet released from linking operation. SOLUTION: When a digital copy machine 901 is set in a linking operation mode, the digital copy machine 901 cooperates with another digital copy machine (e.g. a digital copy machine 902) connected with a network line 910 to processes one print job. When a transfer sheer discharged to the sheet discharge tray of the digital copy machine 902 is removed following to the linking operation, the linking operation mode is released and the digital copy machines 901, 902 can be used independently.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control method for an image forming apparatus and an image forming network system for controlling release of a connection operation mode for sharing and processing one print job by a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method is recorded.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of image signal output means, such as an image scanner, a word processor, and a personal computer, for outputting image signals, and a plurality of printers for forming an image based on the image signals output therefrom, etc. Has been proposed.

For example, in the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2-21190, a plurality of image signal output apparatuses and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are organically controlled by respective functions such as recording, storage, and communication of image information. To allow free access from any place to other places. In the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-304575, a plurality of digital copying machines are connected to a network line to form an image forming network system, thereby improving the usability of the digital copying machines.

When a digital copying machine is networked as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-304575, for example, when copying 100 copies of one original, two digital copying machines are used. 50 copies of the same manuscript
It is possible to perform a process of copying each copy and shortening the copy time (referred to as a connection operation) by a simple operation.

[0005]

However, when the above-described connecting operation is performed by a networked digital copying machine, the following problems are expected to occur. When copying is performed by the connecting operation, copies of the same document (transfer paper) are discharged to the discharge trays of a plurality of digital copying machines. Before the user who instructed the connection operation removes the transfer paper from the output tray of the digital copying machine that has been connected, if another user releases the connection operation of one of the digital copying machines and makes a copy, the digital In the paper ejection tray of the copying machine, the transfer paper at the time of the connection operation and the transfer paper after the connection operation is released are mixed. For this reason, the user is forced to sort the transfer paper at the time of the connection operation and the transfer paper after the connection operation is released, which is not convenient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in order to solve the problems of such a conventional networked digital copying machine. The transfer paper during the connection operation and the transfer paper after the release of the connection operation are separated. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a control method of an image forming network system, and a computer-readable recording medium that records a program for causing a computer to execute the method without being mixed.

Further, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus, a method of controlling an image forming network system, and a method thereof, which enable a user to easily know that networked digital copying is being connected. To provide a computer-readable recording medium in which a program for causing a computer to execute the program is recorded.

Further, according to the present invention, an image forming apparatus, a control method of an image forming network system, and a computer-readable recording program for causing a computer to execute the method can surely prevent forgetting to release the connection operation. It is intended to provide a possible recording medium.

[0009]

[MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS] To solve the above-mentioned problems,
In order to achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention includes a reading unit that reads a document, and another unit that connects image data obtained by reading the document via a network line. A link operation mode setting unit for setting a link operation mode between the image forming apparatus and another image forming apparatus so as to transfer the image data to the image forming apparatus; Input means for inputting, from the other image forming apparatus, information as to whether or not the paper remains in the paper output tray of the forming apparatus; and transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode remains in the paper output tray of the other image forming apparatus. And a prohibition unit for prohibiting release of the connection operation mode.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the connecting operation mode setting means converts the image data obtained by reading the original by the reading means to another image forming apparatus connected via a network line. Is set to a connection operation mode with another image forming apparatus in order to transfer the image data to another image forming apparatus. The input unit inputs, from the other image forming apparatus, information on whether or not the transfer sheet on which the image data has been printed in the connection operation mode remains in the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. The prohibition unit prohibits the release of the connection operation mode when transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode remains on the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus.

Therefore, the connection operation mode once set cannot be canceled unless the transfer sheet is removed from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatuses that are connected to each other in the connection operation mode can be used independently only after the connection operation mode is released. Therefore, the transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode
The transfer paper discharged after the connection operation mode is not mixed.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, comprising: a determination unit configured to determine whether a connection operation mode has been set with another image forming apparatus connected to a network line; A printing unit for printing image data transferred from another image forming apparatus when the connection operation mode is set; and information on whether or not a transfer sheet on which the image data has been printed remains in a discharge tray. And an output unit for outputting to the image forming apparatus.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the determining means determines whether or not the connection operation mode has been set with another image forming apparatus connected to the network line. The printing unit prints image data transferred from another image forming apparatus when the connection operation mode is set. The output unit outputs information on whether or not the transfer paper on which the image data has been printed remains in the discharge tray to another image forming apparatus.

Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be connected to another image forming apparatus, and for example, a plurality of copies can be made jointly by a plurality of image forming apparatuses. Further, information as to whether or not the transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode has been removed can be output to another image forming apparatus, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode. .

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the reading means, the connection operation mode setting means, the input means, the prohibiting means, the determining means, the printing means, It is characterized by having all output means.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the connection operation mode setting means converts the image data obtained by reading the original by the reading means to another image forming apparatus connected via a network line. Is set to a connection operation mode with another image forming apparatus in order to transfer the image data to another image forming apparatus. The input unit inputs, from the other image forming apparatus, information on whether or not the transfer sheet on which the image data has been printed in the connection operation mode remains in the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. The prohibition unit prohibits the release of the connection operation mode when transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode remains on the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. The determining means determines whether or not the connection operation mode has been set with another image forming apparatus connected to the network line. The printing unit prints image data transferred from another image forming apparatus when the connection operation mode is set. The output unit outputs information on whether or not the transfer paper on which the image data has been printed remains in the discharge tray to another image forming apparatus.

Accordingly, the image forming apparatus can be connected to another image forming apparatus. For example, a plurality of copies can be made by a plurality of image forming apparatuses in cooperation. The connection operation mode once set cannot be released unless the transfer sheet is removed from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. Further, information as to whether or not the transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode has been removed can be output to another image forming apparatus, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to remove the transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode. . The image forming apparatuses that are connected to each other in the connection operation mode can be used independently only after the connection operation mode is released. Therefore, the transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode and the transfer paper discharged after the connection operation mode are not mixed.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or third aspect, when the release of the connection operation mode is prohibited by the prohibiting means, It further comprises a notifying means for notifying the user to the effect.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the release of the connection operation mode is prohibited, the user is notified by the notification means so that the connection operation mode is released. It is possible to easily know the reason why the transfer paper cannot be used, and it is possible to prevent the transfer paper discharged to the paper discharge tray of another image forming apparatus from being forgotten by the connection operation mode.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus of the first, third, or fourth aspect, printing is performed from the discharge tray of the other image forming apparatus in the connection operation mode. If the transfer paper is removed,
The apparatus may further include a release unit configured to release the connection operation mode.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the connection operation mode is released only by removing the transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. A situation in which the image forming apparatus is monopolized as necessary can be prevented.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the network line includes a public communication line network. .

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to set a connection operation mode via a public communication line network even with an image forming apparatus installed at a place distant from a distance. Become.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for controlling an image forming network system, wherein a plurality of image forming apparatuses each including a reading unit for reading a document and a printing unit for printing the read document are connected to a network line. A method of controlling an image forming network system capable of printing an original read by an arbitrary image forming apparatus on another image forming apparatus, wherein image data obtained by reading the original by one of the image forming apparatuses is stored in another image forming apparatus. A link operation mode setting step of setting a link operation mode for transferring and printing to the image forming apparatus; and a transfer sheet on which the image data is printed in the link operation mode remains in a discharge tray of the another image forming apparatus. An input step of inputting information on whether or not the image forming apparatus is connected to the other image forming apparatus; If there remains transfer paper printed in over de it is characterized in that it comprises a prohibition step of prohibiting the release of the coupling operation mode.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in the connecting operation mode setting step, the image data obtained by reading the original is transferred to another image forming apparatus connected via a network line. A connection operation mode is set with another image forming apparatus for printing. In the input step, information on whether or not the transfer paper on which the image data has been printed in the connection operation mode remains in the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus is input from another image forming apparatus. In the prohibition step, if transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode remains on the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus, release of the connection operation mode is prohibited.

Therefore, the connection operation mode once set cannot be canceled unless the transfer paper is removed from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatuses that are connected to each other in the connection operation mode can be used independently only after the connection operation mode is released. Therefore, the transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode
The transfer paper discharged after the connection operation mode is not mixed.

[0027] A computer-readable recording medium according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is characterized by recording a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to the seventh aspect.

Therefore, the computer can execute the control method of the image forming network system described in claim 7, and can perform a connection operation with all the image forming apparatuses connected to the network line. become.

[0029]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to the accompanying drawings, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, a control method for an image forming network system, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the method are described. A preferred embodiment will be described in detail. This description is based on (1) mechanical configuration of the image forming apparatus, and (2)
A configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus, (3) a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus, (4) a configuration of an image processing unit of the image forming apparatus,
(5) Configuration of image forming network system, (6) Configuration block of image forming network system, (7) Configuration block of other image forming network system,
(8) Explanation and definition of terms, and (9) Specific processing of the image forming network system.

(1) Mechanical Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention.
A document bundle (not shown) is placed on a document table 102 of an automatic document feeder (ADF) 101 with a document image surface facing up. When a print start key 202 of an operation unit 201 (to be described later) shown in FIG. 2 is pressed, the originals are fed onto a contact glass 105 by a paper feed roller 103 and a feed belt 104 in order from the lowermost original of the original bundle. To the original reading position. The document conveyed onto the contact glass 105 is read by the reading unit 1 functioning as a reading unit.
06, the original image is read and the feed belt 1
The sheet is ejected by the ejection roller 04 and the ejection roller 107. The above reading operation is performed until the document set detection sensor 108 does not detect that the next document exists on the document table 102. Note that the paper feed roller 103, the feed belt 104, and the discharge roller 107 are driven by a transport motor (not shown). Also, the number of originals can be counted based on the number of times the originals are fed.

The transfer sheets stored in the first tray 109, the second tray 110, and the third tray 111 are respectively transferred to the first paper feed unit 112, the second paper feed unit 113, and the third paper feed unit 1
The transfer paper fed by the feeder 14 is transported by the vertical transport unit 115 to a position where it comes into contact with the photoconductor 116. The document image read by reading unit 106 is written as a latent image on photoconductor 116 by a laser (not shown) from writing unit 117. This latent image is supplied to the photosensitive member 1 by the developing unit 118.
16 is visualized as a toner image. On the other hand, the transfer paper is transported by the transport belt 119 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 116, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor 116 is transferred thereon. The toner image transferred onto the transfer paper is fixed as an image by the fixing unit 120. The transfer paper on which the image has been fixed is discharged by the paper discharge unit 121 to the finisher 122 of the post-processing device.
The photoconductor 116 and the fixing unit 120 constitute a printing unit.

The finisher 122 transfers the transfer paper conveyed by the paper discharge unit 121 of the apparatus main body to the switching plate 12.
4 can be guided to the discharge tray 126 or the staple table 128, respectively.
For example, when the switching plate 124 is switched to the upper side, the transfer sheet can be discharged to the normal discharge tray 126 via the discharge roller 123 and the transport roller unit 132. When the switching plate 124 is switched to the lower side, the transfer paper can be discharged to the staple table 128 via the transport rollers 125 and the transport rollers 127.

The paper discharge tray 126 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The paper discharge tray 126 moves back and forth for each original or for each copy of a part sorted by the image memory, and sorts out the transfer paper that is simply discharged. The paper discharge tray 126 has a paper discharge detection sensor 15
0 is provided so that it is possible to detect whether or not there is a transfer sheet on the discharge tray 126. Information as to whether or not there is a transfer sheet on the discharge tray 126 is output to another digital copying machine connected via a network line described later. The transfer paper placed on the staple table 128
Each time a sheet is discharged, the end face of the transfer sheet is aligned by the jogger 129 for sheet alignment, and the copy is partially bound by the stapler 130 upon completion of copying. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 130 slides down from the staple table 128 by its own weight, and is stored in the staple completed paper discharge tray 131.

When forming an image on both sides of the transfer paper,
The branch claw 133 for path switching is set on the upper side. Then, the first tray 109, the second tray 110, and the third
The transfer paper fed from the tray 111 and formed thereon is not guided to the discharge tray 126 side, but is temporarily set to the double-sided paper feeding unit 1.
Stock at 34. Then, the two-sided paper feeding unit 134
Is transferred from the double-sided paper supply unit 134 to the photoconductor 116 again, and the toner image formed on the photoconductor 116 is transferred onto the fed transfer paper. The transfer paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 126 with the claw 133 set downward. As described above, the duplex paper supply unit 134 is used when forming images on both sides of the transfer paper.

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

Next, an operation of reading an image in the reading unit 106 and an operation of writing an image in the writing unit 117, that is, an operation until an image is formed as a latent image on a recording surface will be described. here,
A latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image into optical information and irradiating the image on the photoreceptor surface.

The reading unit 106 includes a contact glass 105 on which a document is placed, and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 135, a first mirror 13
6, lens 137, CCD image sensor 138, second
It comprises a mirror 139 and a third mirror 140 and the like. The exposure lamp 135 and the first mirror 136 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown).
The 39 and the third mirror 140 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading the original image, the first carriage and the second carriage are moved so that the optical path length does not change.
The carriage is mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown).

The original image is captured by a CCD image sensor 138.
Is read, converted into an electric signal and processed. The magnification of the image is changed by moving the lens 137 and the CCD image sensor 138 in the horizontal direction in FIG. That is, the positions of the lens 137 and the CCD image sensor 138 in the left-right direction are set corresponding to the designated magnification.

The writing unit 117 includes a laser output unit 141, an imaging lens 142, and a mirror 143. Inside the laser output unit 141, a laser diode (not shown) as a laser light source and a motor (not shown) are provided. ), A rotating polygon mirror (polygon mirror) that rotates at high speed and constant speed. The laser light emitted by the laser output unit 141 is polarized by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through the imaging lens 142, is turned back by the mirror 143, and forms a focused image on the surface of the photoconductor 116.

The polarized laser beam is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the photoconductor 116 rotates, and records the image signal output from a selector of an image processing unit described later in units of lines. Do. By repeating the main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and the recording density of the photoconductor 116, an image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 116.

As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 117 is applied to the photoconductor 116. A beam sensor (not shown) that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is arranged at a position near one end of the photoconductor 116 where the laser beam is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting and outputting an image signal described later are performed.

(2) Configuration of Operation Unit of Image Forming Apparatus Next, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the configuration of the operation unit 201 for performing various displays for the user and input control of function setting from the user will be described. I do. Operation unit 2
01 is a print start key 202, a clear / stop key 203, which is a start key, as shown in FIG.
A numeric keypad 204, a liquid crystal touch panel 205, an initial setting key 207, and a mode clear key 208 are provided.
The liquid crystal touch panel 205 is used for displaying various messages indicating the number of copies and the state of the image forming apparatus (for example, prohibiting the release of the connection operation mode) and inputting various function settings. Therefore, the liquid crystal touch panel 205
Function as notification means.

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

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

When using the function as a digital copier, as shown in FIG. 3, a message area for displaying a message such as "You can copy" or "Please wait" is provided at the upper left, and on the right side thereof. There is a copy number display area that displays the number of sheets set, an automatic density key that automatically adjusts the image density below it, an automatic paper selection key that automatically selects the transfer paper, and sets the magnification to the same size. A double key, a sort key for designating a process of arranging copies one by one in a page order, a stack key for designating a process of sorting copies by page, a staple key for a process of binding the sorted products one by one, an enlargement / A scaling key to set the reduction ratio, a two-sided key to set the two-sided mode, and an aggregation to specify aggregated copying (copying multiple original images on one sheet of transfer paper) Chromatography, concatenated key for causing by sharing a large amount of copies of a plurality of digital copying machines connected to the network line is provided. Therefore, the link key functions as a link operation mode setting unit.

(3) Configuration of Control System of Image Forming Apparatus Next, referring to FIG. 4 (first configuration example) and FIG. 5 (second configuration example), the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus will be described. Will be described in detail.

(First Configuration Example) FIG. 4 shows a configuration of a control system of the above-mentioned image forming apparatus. As shown in FIG. 4, each part is arranged around a system controller 401 for controlling the entire image forming apparatus. . An image reading unit 402, an image writing unit 403, a memory unit 404, a CSS 407, and a clock 408 are connected to the system controller 401 via a system bus. 405, the human body detection sensor 406, and the operation unit 201 are connected. The image reading unit 402, the image writing unit 403, and the memory unit 404 are connected to each other by an image data bus.

The memory unit 404 includes a compression block, a DRAM block, and a DMA block. A DRAM block in the memory unit 404 is for storing an image signal read from the image reading unit 402, and transfers image data stored in the image writing unit 403 in response to a request from the system controller 401. can do. The compression block is MH
A compression function such as an MR / MMR method is provided, and an image once read can be compressed to improve the use efficiency of a memory (DRAM). The image writing unit 403
The rotation of the image is realized by changing the address read from the address and the direction. Note that this memory unit 404 is not necessary if only the realization of a normal copying machine is considered.

The clock 408 is required only when a specific time is reached, for example, when a machine is booted or when a weekly timer function for shutting down the machine is realized. Further, the human body detection sensor 406 is necessary only when a function of automatically canceling the preheating mode when a user approaches the machine in the preheating mode is realized.

The CSS 407 performs remote diagnosis, that is, automatically notifies a service center when a machine error occurs, monitors the execution / usage state of the machine from a remote location, and performs a connection operation, that is, a network operation. It has a function of setting a connection operation mode with another digital copying machine connected via a line. Therefore, the CSS 407 functions as a connection operation mode setting unit, an input unit, a prohibition unit, a determination unit, an output unit, a notification unit, and a release unit.

It should be noted that the CSS 407 may be provided with only the functions of the connection operation mode setting means, the input means, and the prohibition means, or may be provided with only the functions of the judgment means and the output means. In this case, the image forming apparatus having the former function can be used as a master device for setting the connection operation mode. Further, the image forming apparatus having the latter function can be used as a slave unit that operates according to the connection operation mode set by the master unit. An image forming apparatus having all the functions of the former and the latter can be used both as a master unit and as a slave unit.

(Second Configuration Example) FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another configuration example of the control system of the image forming apparatus. In the first configuration example described above, the CPU of the system controller 401 includes the image reading unit 402, the image writing unit 403, and the memory unit 40.
4, and a central control method for controlling the CSS 407, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG.
03, each of the memory units 404 includes a CPU,
A distributed control method may be used in which commands from the system controller 401 to each controller are transmitted through control signal lines. Note that the configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus is not limited to the above configuration examples 1 and 2, but may be another configuration.

(4) Configuration of Image Processing Unit of Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration of an image processing unit (image reading unit 402 and image writing unit 403) of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Hereinafter, the configuration of the image processing unit will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the irradiation light from the exposure lamp 135 is
The document surface is irradiated, and an image is formed on a CCD image sensor 138 of the reading unit 106 by an imaging lens (not shown). CCD image sensor 138 of reading unit 106
Generates image data (analog signal) by photoelectrically converting the received document image, and this image data is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 603. After the shading correction is performed by the shading correction circuit 604, the MTF · γ correction circuit 605 calculates the MTF ·
Gamma correction processing and the like are performed.

The selector 602 includes an MTF / γ correction circuit 6
The image data inputted from the first print synthesizing unit 605 through the first print synthesizing unit 606 is converted into a scaling circuit 608 through the second print synthesizing unit 607.
To the memory controller 610. The image data that has passed through the scaling circuit 608 is scaled according to the scaling factor, and
7

On the other hand, between the memory controller 610 and the selector 602, image data can be input and output bidirectionally. Although not specifically shown in FIG. 6, the image processing unit (IPU) includes an I / O port 614 and an SCS in addition to the image data input from the reading unit 106.
It has a function of selecting input and output of a plurality of data so that image data supplied from outside via the I driver 615, for example, image data input from a data processing device such as a personal computer, can be processed.

The image processing unit stores a CPU 611 for setting various information (commands) to the memory controller 610 and the like and controlling the reading unit 106 and the writing unit 117, and stores programs and data of the CPU 611. A ROM 612 and a RAM 613 are provided. The CPU 611 further includes a memory controller 610
Can write or read data in the image memory 601 via the.

Next, referring to FIG.
1 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a timing chart of image data for one page. A frame gate signal (hereinafter abbreviated as / FGATE) indicates an effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. Main scanning synchronization signal (hereinafter, / LSYNC)
Is a line-by-line basis, and image data becomes valid at a predetermined clock after / LSYNC rises.

A signal indicating that image data in the main scanning direction is valid is a line gate signal (hereinafter abbreviated as / LGATE). These / FGATE, / LSYN
C and / LGATE are image synchronization signals (hereinafter / VCL)
K), and data of one pixel is sent for one clock of VCLK.

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

Next, the memory controller 610 and the image memory 601 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the memory controller 610 and the image memory 601. The memory controller 610 includes an input data selector 801,
An image synthesizing unit 802, a primary compression / expansion unit 803, an output data selector 804, and a secondary compression / expansion unit 805 are provided. The setting of the control data in each section is performed by the CPU 611. The addresses and data shown in FIG. 6 indicate the addresses and data of the image data.
Data and addresses of control data connected to the PU 611 are omitted.

The image memory 601 has a primary storage device 806
And a secondary storage device 807. The primary storage device 806 is, for example, a DRAM or the like so that writing to the image memory 601 or reading from the image memory 601 at the time of image output can be performed at a high speed substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of the input image data. Use one that allows high-speed access. The primary storage device 806 has a configuration (not shown, but an interface unit with the memory controller 610) capable of simultaneously executing input and output of image data by dividing into a plurality of areas according to the size of image data to be processed. ).

Two sets of address data lines for reading and writing are connected to the interface with the memory controller 610 so that input and output of image data can be executed in parallel in each divided area. Accordingly, an operation of outputting (reading) an image by area 2 while inputting (writing) an image to area 1 is enabled.

The secondary storage device 807 is a large-capacity memory for storing data for synthesizing and sorting input images. If both the primary storage device 806 and the secondary storage device 807 can be accessed at high speed, data processing can be performed without distinction between the primary storage device 806 and the secondary storage device 807, and the control of the memory controller 610 can be performed. Is also relatively simple. However, since an element such as a DRAM is expensive, the access speed of the primary storage device 806 is increased, and the access speed of the secondary storage device 807 is not so high. Used and processes input / output data in the primary storage device 80
6. The primary storage device 8
Of course, a high-speed device such as a DRAM may be used for the secondary storage device 807 as well as the secondary storage device 806.

As described above, by configuring the image memory 601 with the primary storage device 806 and the secondary storage device 807, an image forming apparatus capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be provided. It can be realized at a low cost and with a relatively simple configuration. Note that the aggregated image in the aggregated copy function is stored in the primary storage device 806 in a format in which a plurality of original images are written on one transfer sheet.

Next, an outline of the operation of the memory controller 610 will be described. First, image input (image memory 601)
Will be described). Input data selector 80
1 selects image data to be written into the image memory (primary storage device 806) from a plurality of data.
The image data selected by the input data selector 801 is supplied to the image synthesizing unit 802,
Is combined with the data already stored in the image memory 601. The image data processed by the image synthesis unit 802 is subjected to data compression by a primary compression / decompression unit 803, and the compressed data is written to a primary storage device 806. The data written in the primary storage device 806 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression unit 805 as necessary, and then stored in the secondary storage device 807.

Next, image output (reading of image data from the image memory 601) will be described. First, at the time of image output, image data stored in the primary storage device 806 is read. Even when an image to be output is stored in the primary storage device 806, the primary compression / decompression unit 803 decompresses the image data in the primary storage device 806 and outputs the decompressed data or the decompressed data. The output data selector 804 selects and outputs the data after the image synthesis of the input data and the input data.

The image synthesizing unit 802 includes a primary storage device 806
(Has a function of adjusting the phase of the image data), selects the output destination of the synthesized data (image output, write-back to the primary storage device 806, simultaneous output to both output destinations) Is possible).

The image to be output is the primary storage device 806
Is not stored in the secondary compression / expansion unit 8
After decompression at 05 and writing the decompressed data to the primary storage device 806, the above-described image output operation is performed. In the connection operation mode, it is necessary to transmit / receive command / image data to / from another digital copying machine in order to share work, but in the present embodiment, this is realized using a SCSI interface. That is, the memory controller 610 of FIG. 6 transmits and receives command / image data via the SCSI driver 615.

(5) Configuration of Image Forming Network System FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming network system for implementing the present invention. In this figure, eight digital copying machines 901 to 908 are connected to a network line 910.
To form an image forming network system. In this image forming network system, a document read by an arbitrary digital copying machine can be printed by another image forming apparatus (connection operation). The present invention
The present invention is not limited to this image forming network system. That is, an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile is used instead of the digital copying machine.
A system connected to the digital copying machine 10 may be used, or an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a facsimile may be mixed in place of one digital copying machine. Also, the network line 910
The number of connected digital copiers and image forming apparatuses may be two or more, and the number of connected apparatuses is not particularly limited.

(6) Configuration Block of Image Forming Network System FIG. 10 shows a schematic configuration of two digital copying machines connected via a network line 910 in an image forming network system for carrying out the present invention. It is a block diagram. As shown in FIG. 10, the configuration of one digital copying machine is almost the same as that shown in FIG. 4, but the digital copying machine shown in FIG. And a SCSI controller for transferring image data obtained from a network line to the DRAM block.

As shown, the digital copying machine 901,
902 are system controllers 1001,
An image reading unit 1003, an image writing unit 1005, a memory unit 1007, a CSS 1009, a clock unit 1011, a user restriction device 1013, and a human body detection sensor 1015 are provided. Note that, except for the memory unit 1007 of the digital copying machines 901 and 902,
2 system controller 1001, image reading unit 100
3. Image writing unit 1005, CSS 1009, clock unit 10
11, user restriction device 1013, human body detection sensor 101
5 performs exactly the same operation as the same part of the image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) shown in FIG. 4, and therefore detailed description of these parts is omitted.

Next, a memory unit 1007 of the digital copying machine, which has not been described, will be described. The memory unit 1007 includes a DRAM block 1020, a compression block 1022, a DMA block 1024, an SCS
An I controller 1026 is provided. The DRAM block 1020 stores image data in a DRAM (Dynamic).
Random Access Memory). The compression block 1022 includes a DMA (Dir)
ct Memory Access) block 1024
In order to improve the use efficiency of the image, the input image data is encoded by MH method, MR method or MMR method,
While the image data is compressed based on the compounding method, the image data compressed by any of these methods is expanded.

The DMA block 1024 transfers the input image data irrespective of the control of the system controller 1001. The SCSI controller 1026 controls data transfer with peripheral devices connected in a daisy chain system. In particular, in the present embodiment, S
CSI (Small Computer System)
The interface 1030 is used as a network interface for connecting a plurality of digital copying machines.

As shown in FIG. 10, the digital copying machine 90
The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1902 is almost the same as that of the image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) shown in FIG. Memory unit 100
Reference numeral 7 denotes S for transferring the read image to an external network line or storing image data from the network line in the DMA block 1024.
A CSI 1030 and a SCSI controller 1026 are used. As a means for communicating with the network line, for example, Ethernet (registered trademark) is used as a physical means, and OSI (Open S) is used as digital communication.
system interface) TCP of reference model
Various means such as using / IP communication are conceivable. By using such a configuration, as described above, not only the transfer of image data but also the notification of the internal state of each device existing on the network line and the transfer of a remote output command and a setting command described later are performed. Can be.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the network software of the image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11, the network software of the digital copying machines 901 and 902 includes a device control layer 1101 and a system control layer 110.
2 and an application layer 1103. The device control layer 1101 is a layer (device driver) that performs logical / physical conversion of data between the digital copying machine 901 and the digital copying machine 902 in input / output control.

The SCSI controller 1026 manages the ID number of the partner SCSI controller 1026 set individually with the peripheral device connected in the daisy chain system, and controls the data transfer by designating the ID number. Has become. SCSI controller 1026 is widely used as an interface for small computer systems. The SCSI controller 1026 communicates control commands and image data via the memory unit 1007.

Here, the SCSI controller 1
026, but in the present invention, SC
A LAN controller can be used instead of the SI controller 1026. The LAN controller has TC
P / IP software and the like.

A system control layer 1102 includes a system controller 1001 for controlling each part of the system of the digital copying machines 901 and 902 and an operation unit controller 1.
110, a peripheral device controller 1111, an image forming device controller 1112, an image reading device controller 1113, and a memory unit 1007.

A system controller 1001 controls a paper transport process and an electrophotographic process process for forming an image in the image writing unit 1005 in the copy mode, and also controls a sheet cassette state including an abnormal state and the presence or absence of a recording sheet. Perform in-flight monitoring such as. Further, the system controller 10
Reference numeral 01 controls a scanner operation for reading an image by the image reading unit 1003 and ON / OFF of a light source.

The operation unit controller 1110 is a unit for controlling the LCD display, LED on / off, and key input scanning.
This is a layer that performs MI at a logical level. The peripheral device controller 1111 is a layer that executes, at a logical level, control of peripheral devices mounted on a copying machine such as an automatic duplex unit, a sorter, and an ADF. The image forming apparatus controller 1112 converts the image data into an electrophotograph,
This is a layer that controls so as to form an image such as thermal recording and ink jet recording paper. The image reading device controller 1113 is a layer that controls quantization, shading correction, MTF correction, scaling processing, and the like. The memory unit 1007 is a layer that controls compression processing, DMA transfer setting processing, and the like.

The application layer 1103 includes a copy application 1120 and a daemon process 1130. The copy application 1120 is an application that executes a copy operation based on a copy sequence. When a print request is requested from another digital copying machine via a network line, the daemon process 1130 reads out the image data stored in the memory unit 1007, and reads the image data from its own image writing unit 1005.
Is an application that transfers image data to the application. As a matter of course, before the daemon process 1130 reads an image from the memory unit 1007 and performs a print operation, image transfer from another machine connected to the network line must be completed.

The input / output control unit 1140 is a layer (device driver) for performing logical / physical conversion of data. Here, the operation unit 201, the peripheral device, the image forming apparatus, the image reading device, and the memory unit 1007 are handled as resources (resources) possessed by each copying machine.

With the connection operation mode set,
The operation (remote operation) of transferring the image read by the digital copying machine 901 to the image writing unit 1005 of the digital copying machine 902 is performed as follows. When the digital copying machine 901 performs a copying operation using its own resources (when the print start key 202 is pressed), the digital copying machine 901 sends an image forming device, an image reading device, or a peripheral device as necessary to the system controller 1001. It requests each resource such as the device and the memory unit 1007 from the system controller 1001 constituting the system control unit. The system controller 1001 arbitrates for the right to use resources in response to a request from the copy application 1120, and notifies the copy application 1120 of the result of the arbitration (usability).

When the digital copying machine 901 is used in a stand-alone mode (when not connected to a network line), the copy application 1120 can occupy all resources held by the system. Be executed. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, a system controller of a remote digital copying machine that executes a print operation using resources of another device (hereinafter, referred to as a remote digital copying machine) existing on a network line is not provided. Request resource usage rights.

The system controller of the remote digital copying machine arbitrates resources according to the request, and notifies the result to the application of the requesting apparatus. When the right to use is granted, the application executes image reading, and when storage of the image in its own memory unit is completed, the remote output destination via the external interface (SCSI in the present embodiment). Image transfer to the memory unit of the device. When the image transfer is completed, a print start command is transmitted after transmitting various conditions (a paper feed port, a paper discharge port, the number of prints, etc.) for executing printing to the daemon process of the remote output destination machine.

When the remote output destination daemon process receives the print start command, it requests the system controller of itself (the machine that executes remote output) to start printing, and the remote output is executed by the system controller. When the digital copying machine 901 uses the memory unit 1007 of the digital copying machine 902, the memory unit 1007 of the digital copying machine 902 cannot use the application of the digital copying machine 902. Further, even when a plurality of digital copying machines are connected on a network line as shown in FIG. 9, applications of the digital copying machines 902 to 908 other than the digital copying machine 901 cannot be used.

In the embodiment described above, a relatively small-scale LAN is assumed as the network line. However, the network line may include a public communication network (public network). . As described above, when a public line network is also included, each digital copying machine may be connected to the public line network via a communication control device. Next, a case where the image forming apparatus of the present invention is connected to a public line network will be described with reference to FIG.

(7) Configuration Blocks of Another Image Forming Network System FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of another image forming network system including a public line network. The management apparatus 1200 installed at the service base and the digital copiers 901 to 905 installed at the user's use place are connected via a public network 1210 and a communication control apparatus 1220. A communication control device 1220 for controlling communication with the management device 1200 is installed on the user side, and digital copying machines 901 to 905 installed at the user's use place are connected to the communication control device 1220.

A telephone 1230 and a facsimile 1240 can be connected to the communication control device 1220, and can be installed by being inserted into a user's existing network line. Communication control device 12
Although a plurality of digital copiers can be connected to 20, a single digital copier may of course be used. These digital copying machines need not be of the same type, but may be different types. Further, devices other than the digital copying machine may be used. Here, for convenience of explanation, one communication control device 122
It is assumed that five digital copying machines 901 to 905 can be connected to 0.

The communication control device 1220 and the plurality of digital copying machines 901 to 905 are connected in a multi-drop manner according to the RS-485 standard. Communication control between the communication control device 1220 and each of the digital copying machines 901 to 905 is performed by a basic data transmission control procedure. By establishing a data link by a polling / selecting method of centralized control using the communication control device 1220 as a control station, communication with any of the digital copying machines 901 to 905 is possible. Each of the digital copying machines 901 to 905 can set a unique value by an address setting switch, and thereby a bowling address and a selecting address of each of the digital copying machines 901 to 905 are determined. With such a configuration, for example, a digital copying machine installed at the head office in Tokyo and a digital copying machine installed at the branch office in Osaka can be operated in the connection operation mode.

(8) Explanation and Definition of Terms Next, terms used in this specification will be explained.
｛Image reading device (image reading unit) 「As an“ image reading device ”used in a digital copying machine, a light source is irradiated on a document, and the reflected light is converted into an electric signal by a“ solid-state imaging device = CCD ”. An apparatus having a function of performing "necessary image processing" is used. Here, "necessary image processing" means
Quantization (conversion of analog data converted into electric signals by CCD into binary or multi-valued data), shading correction (correction of irradiation unevenness of a light source for irradiating a document and sensitivity variation of CCD). MTF Correction (correction of blur caused by the optical system), magnification change processing (indicating processing such as changing the image reading density and performing data interpolation using the read image data).

{Image Forming Apparatus (Image Writing Unit)} The "image forming apparatus" is a medium such as plain paper, thermal paper, etc., based on image data sent by an electric signal, using means such as electrophotography, heat sensitivity, thermal transfer, and ink jet. This is an apparatus for forming an image on a paper. Specifically, it is a digital copying machine, various printers for forming images using the above-described means, and facsimile machines.

{Video signal}, {Image data} An electric signal of an image converted by the above-mentioned "image reading device",
An electric signal of an image input to the “image forming unit”, and
Signals for synchronizing with the electric signal of the image are collectively expressed as "video signal" or "image data".

{Control Signal}, {Command} In order to exchange the “video signal” between the “image reading device”, the “image forming device”, and the “application”, it is necessary to transmit information between the devices. . This means is expressed as "control signal" or "command".

{Extended Function}, {Application (abbreviated as application)}, {Memory Function}, {Memory Unit} One of the major features of a digital copying machine is that an image is converted into an electric signal and read, and the electric signal is converted into an image forming apparatus Can be restored. By providing means for changing and transmitting the read electrical signal in various ways, it can be applied to fields other than the conventional analog copying machine. FAX, page printer, scanner, file system, and other functions can be realized. Recently, even when a copier function is executed, read image data is temporarily stored in a storage device such as a DRAM, and image data is stored as needed. By reading the data, a function of executing a plurality of prints by one scan at the time of a plurality of copies or printing a plurality of documents on one transfer sheet (= memory function) is also realized. Functions that can be realized by these digital copier systems are referred to as “extended functions” or “apps”. In the present invention, the memory unit is also used as a buffer for transferring image data between machines on a network line.

{System Controller}, {System} In executing the copy mode, in order to form an image in the image writing unit, a paper transport process, an electrophotographic process process, an abnormal state and a paper cassette state (paper presence / absence state). In-flight monitoring,
In addition, a controller that controls a scanner operation and ON / OFF of a light source in order to read an image by the image reading unit is generically referred to as a “system controller”. Furthermore, recent digital copiers have been equipped not only with one extended function but also with a plurality of applications simultaneously. Thus, digital PPC sharing one resource
May be expressed as a “system”, and a controller that controls this system may be expressed as a “system controller”.

{Resource}, {Resource} Functional unit units shared by a plurality of applications are expressed as "resource" and "resource". The above-mentioned “system controller” controls the system in resource units. The resources managed by the digital copying machine of the present embodiment are “image reading device”, “image forming unit”, “operation unit”, “memory”, and “peripheral device (= ADF, sorter, automatic duplex unit, etc.) "and so on.

{User Restriction} In particular, a copying machine using an electrophotographic process is frequently used, so that it may not be desired to permit unlimited use. At this time, "user"
"Coin rack" to identify, limit, and manage
Use a "user restricted device" such as a "key counter", "key card", "prepaid card", or a "password".

{User Settings} When the system becomes complicated, it is necessary to individually deal with each user. Since it is impossible to satisfy all of these responses at the time of factory shipment, response in the market is indispensable. Therefore, normally, a nonvolatile RAM is provided to enable system setting according to a user's request, but this function is expressed as "user setting".

{Idle State} A state in which no operation is performed by the user for a certain period of time is referred to as an “idle state”, and other states are referred to as a “busy state”.
The time until the transition from the “busy state” to the “idle state” can be set by the user. For example, during a copying operation, as well as after the copying operation is completed, a transition to the “idle state” will not be made unless a non-operation state by the user is continued for a certain period of time.

{Weekly Timer} This is a function for turning on / off the power supply in accordance with the ON / OFF time set for each day of the week. For this function, an operation for adjusting the time of the clock module and an operation for setting the ON / OFF time for each day of the week are required.

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

{Reload} A state in which the fixing temperature reaches the fixable temperature and copying is possible is called reloading.

{Interrupt Mode} This is a mode in which copying is performed by interrupting the copying operation temporarily during the execution and operation of the copying operation. By setting this mode, the previous copy mode and, if the copying is in progress, the progress information is stored in the nonvolatile RAM, the mode is shifted to the interrupt mode, and the mode is initialized. When the interrupt mode is released after the execution of the copy operation, the mode and information stored in the nonvolatile RAM are returned to the state before the interrupt mode was set, and the mode before the interrupt can be continued by restarting. The setting / cancellation of this mode can be performed with an interrupt key of the operation unit 201.

{Linking Operation Mode} When the digital copying machine is set to the linking operation mode, the copying operation of the original is shared between the operation device (master device) and one slave device (not limited to one device). Can be. For example, as shown in FIG.
Six copies of one original can be made using two digital copying machines connected to a network line. The master unit normally performs the document reading operation and the printing operation simultaneously.
Actually, the image of the document read by the scanner is written in the memory while the image is printed as it is. When the printing operation of the first copy is completed, the image data of the second copy is read from the memory and printed, and the image data of the third copy is read from the memory and printed. The slave unit stores the image data sent from the master unit in the memory. When the storage processing in the memory is completed, the image data of the first copy, the second copy, and the third copy are sequentially read from the memory and printed. Note that FIG.
In the example above, the specified number of copies is printed in half,
The number of copies is arbitrary. Therefore, even if the processing of any one of the digital copiers is interrupted, the number of assigned copies can be changed in units of copies, and the remaining number of interrupted copies can be allocated.

Next, in the image forming apparatus and the image forming network system configured as described above, the operation in the linked operation mode in which one print job is shared and processed by a plurality of digital copying machines will be described with reference to FIG. ~ FIG.
This will be described in detail based on the drawings such as the flowchart of FIG.

(9) Specific Processing of Image Forming Network System FIG. 14 is a main flowchart of the connection operation mode. The flowchart includes a process for setting the connection operation mode when the connection operation mode is not set, a process for releasing the connection operation mode when the connection operation mode is set, and a transfer discharged in the connection operation mode. Processing to warn when paper is left in the output tray of the slave unit, automatically set the connection operation mode when the transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode is removed from the output tray of the slave unit The processing to cancel is included.

When the link key of the operation unit 201 (see FIG. 2) of any digital copying machine (for example, digital copying machine 901) connected to the network line 910 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed, the digital copying machine 901 is pressed. Determines whether the connection operation mode is currently set to OFF (S1401). If the link operation mode is currently set to OFF (S1401: Yes), the digital copier 901 is set to the link operation mode because the link operation mode is not set (S1402). Then, the digital copying machine 901 notifies the digital copying machine (for example, the digital copying machine 902) serving as the child machine that the link operation mode has been turned on (S1403). By the above processing, the digital copying machine 901 and the digital copying machine 902 are set to the linked operation mode in which one print job is shared and processed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1401 that the connection operation mode is not currently set to OFF (S1401: No), the digital copier 901 stands when the connection operation mode is executed. It is determined whether or not the “linked operation job executed flag” is ON (S1404). If the “linked operation job executed flag” is not ON (S1404: No),
The link operation mode is set to OFF (S1405), and the fact that the link operation mode has been turned OFF is notified to the digital copying machine 902 which is the child machine (S1406).

If it is determined in step S1404 that the "linked operation job execution completed flag" is ON (S1404: Yes), the digital copying machine 901 as the parent machine sets the digital copying machine as the child machine. From the machine 902,
Information as to whether or not transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode remains in the discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902 is input, and it is determined whether or not transfer paper is present in the discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902 ( S1407).

If no transfer paper remains on the paper discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902 (S1407: No), the digital copying machine 901 sets the connection operation mode to OFF (S1407).
1405) The digital copier 902, which is a slave, is notified that the link operation mode has been turned off (S140).
6). On the other hand, if the transfer paper remains in the paper discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902 (S1407: Yes), the digital copying machine 901 displays on the liquid crystal touch panel 205 of the operation unit 201 (see FIG. 2) as shown in FIG. A warning message is displayed, stating "Paper remains at the paper discharge destination of the child device. Please remove the paper from the child device." (S140
8). Therefore, the warning message continues to be displayed as long as the transfer sheet is present in the discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902, and the connection operation mode cannot be released as long as the transfer sheet exists in the discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902. .

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the processing after the print start key provided on the operation unit of the digital copying machine is pressed. The digital copier 901 as the parent machine determines whether or not the connection operation mode is currently set to ON (S1601). If the connection operation mode is currently set to ON (S1601: Ye
s), the digital copying machine 901 executes a linked operation job for sharing and processing one print job (S16).
02), “Connected operation job executed flag” is turned ON (S1603). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1601 that the connection operation mode is not currently set to ON (S1601: No), the digital copying machine 901 determines that the normal operation job ( (Single print job) (S1)
604).

FIG. 17 is a flow chart showing a process when the digital copier of the slave receives a notification from the digital copier of the master that the link operation mode has been turned on. The digital copier 902 serving as a slave determines whether or not a “notification of turning on the connection operation mode” has been received from the digital copier 901 serving as the parent via the network line 910 (S1701). When the “notification that the connection operation mode has been turned ON” is received (S1701: Ye
s) The connection operation mode is set (S1702). When the connection operation mode is set, the digital copying machine 902 cannot be used alone.

Then, the digital copying machine 902 determines whether or not transfer paper exists in the paper discharge tray by the paper discharge detection sensor 150.
(See FIG. 1), and stores the “exit tray transfer sheet presence / absence state” (S1703). Digital copier 90
2 outputs the stored “paper ejection tray transfer paper presence / absence state” to the digital copier 901 as the parent machine via the network line 910 (S1704). Therefore, the digital copying machine 901 can always recognize whether or not the transfer paper remains in the discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1701 that the “notification that the connection operation mode has been turned on” has not been received (S1701: No), the digital copier 902 is determined.
Turns off the connection operation mode and does not set the connection operation mode (S1705). Therefore, the digital copying machine 902 can be used alone.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a process in the case where the slave digital copying machine sends the transfer tray presence / absence state to the master digital copying machine. The digital copier 902 serving as a child machine is provided with a paper ejection detection sensor 150 (see FIG. 1).
"Exit tray transfer paper presence / absence state" detected by
It is determined whether or not there is a change (S1801). If there is no change in the "exit tray transfer sheet presence / absence state", nothing is done (S1801: No). On the other hand, if there is a change in the “output tray transfer paper presence state” (S1801: Yes), the “output tray transfer paper presence state” is stored (S1802), and the stored “output tray transfer paper presence state” is stored. Is output via the network line 910 to the digital copier 901 as the parent machine (S1803).

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing the processing when the parent digital copier receives the output tray transfer paper presence / absence state from the child digital copier. Digital copier 90 which is a parent machine and digital copier 901 which is a child machine
When the digital copying machine 901 receives the “output tray transfer paper presence / absence state” sent from the digital copying machine 901, the digital copying machine 902
("Sheet tray transfer paper presence / absence state") (S1)
901). The information of the “paper ejection tray transfer paper presence / absence state” is important information for canceling the connection operation mode as described above.

FIG. 20 shows a state where the link operation key is operated.
15 is a flowchart for performing another process different from the flowchart shown in FIG. This flowchart includes a process of setting the connection operation mode when the connection operation mode is not set, and a process of releasing the connection operation mode when the connection operation mode is set.

When the link key of the operation unit 201 (see FIG. 2) of any digital copying machine (for example, digital copying machine 901) connected to the network line 910 shown in FIG. 9 is pressed, the digital copying machine 901 is pressed. Determines whether the connection operation mode is currently set to OFF (S2001). If the link operation mode is currently set to OFF (S2001: Yes), the digital copier 901 is set to the link operation mode because the link operation mode is not set (S2002). Then, the digital copying machine 901 notifies the digital copying machine (for example, the digital copying machine 902) serving as the child machine that the connection operation mode has been turned on (S2003). By the above processing, the digital copying machine 901 and the digital copying machine 902 are set to the linked operation mode in which one print job is shared and processed.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2001 that the connection operation mode is not currently set to OFF (S2001: No), the digital copying machine 901 sets the connection operation mode to OFF (S2004). The fact that the connection operation mode has been turned off is notified to the digital copying machine 902 which is the child machine (S2005). By the above processing, the connection operation mode between the digital copying machine 901 and the digital copying machine 902 is released, and each digital copying machine can be operated independently.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process in which the master digital copier automatically cancels the connection operation mode when the transfer paper is removed from the discharge tray of the child digital copier. Digital copier 901 as parent machine
Receives the “paper ejection tray transfer paper presence / absence state” sent from the digital copier 902 as the child machine, the digital copier 901 stores the “paper ejection tray transfer paper presence / absence state” of the digital copier 902 ( S2101). The digital copying machine 901 determines whether or not the “link operation job execution completed flag” that stands when the link operation mode is executed is turned on (S2102).

"Linked operation job executed flag" is O
N is determined (S2102: Ye
s), the digital copying machine 901 determines whether or not there is a transfer sheet in the discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902 based on the stored “paper discharge tray transfer paper presence / absence state” (S2).
103). If no transfer paper remains in the paper discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902 (S2103: No), the digital copying machine 901 sets the connection operation mode to OFF (S2103).
104), the fact that the link operation mode has been turned off is notified to the digital copying machine 902 which is the child machine (S210).
5). On the other hand, if the “linked operation job executed flag”
N (S2102: No), that is, when the connection operation mode is not set, or
If transfer paper remains in the paper discharge tray of the digital copying machine 902 (S2103: Yes), no processing is performed. Therefore, after the connection operation job is executed, the connection operation mode is automatically released when the transfer sheet is removed from the discharge tray of the slave unit.

The control method of the image forming network system described in the present embodiment is realized by causing a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation to execute a prepared program. This program includes hard disk, floppy (registered trademark) disk, CD-ROM, MO, DV
The program is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as D, and is executed by being read from the recording medium by the computer. Further, this program can be distributed via the recording medium and via a network line such as the Internet as a transmission medium.

As described above, according to the embodiment of the present invention, after printing in the connection operation mode, the connection operation is performed unless the transfer paper is removed from the discharge tray of the digital copier serving as the child machine. Since the mode cannot be canceled, each digital copier cannot be used independently, and a user different from the user who instructed the linked operation mode performs operations such as copying using the digital copier which was the child machine. I can not let you. Therefore, in the digital copier, which is a slave machine, transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode and transfer paper discharged after the connection operation mode are not mixed.

As long as the linked operation mode is not canceled, the parent digital copying machine will say, "Paper remains at the destination of the child machine. Please remove the paper from the child machine."
The user is warned,
The reason why the connection mode is not canceled can be easily recognized.

Further, when the transfer paper is removed from the discharge tray of the digital copier serving as the child machine, the connection operation mode is automatically released. Can be prevented from being forgotten to cancel, and it can be prevented that the digital copying machine, which was a child machine, is unnecessarily occupied.

[0127]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the prohibiting means includes the transfer paper printed on the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus in the connection operation mode. If there is any remaining, the release of the connection operation mode is prohibited, so the connection operation mode once set can be released as long as the transfer paper is not removed from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. Instead, the image forming apparatuses that are connected to each other in the connection operation mode can be used independently only after the connection operation mode is released. Therefore, there is an effect that transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode and transfer paper discharged after the connection operation mode are not mixed.

According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the determining means determines whether or not the connection operation mode has been set with another image forming apparatus connected to the network line. Therefore, the image forming apparatus can be connected to another image forming apparatus. For example, a plurality of copies can be made by a plurality of image forming apparatuses in cooperation. Further, the output unit outputs information on whether or not the transfer sheet on which the image data is printed remains in the discharge tray to another image forming apparatus. Such information can be output to another image forming apparatus, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to take out the transfer sheet discharged in the connection operation mode.

According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, it is possible to perform a connecting operation with another image forming apparatus. For example, a plurality of image forming apparatuses can cooperate to make a plurality of copies. Can be. The connection operation mode once set cannot be released unless the transfer sheet is removed from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. Further, information on whether or not the transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode has been removed can be output to another image forming apparatus,
It is possible to prevent the transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode from being forgotten. The image forming apparatuses that are connected to each other in the connection operation mode can be used independently only after the connection operation mode is released. Therefore, there is an effect that transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode and transfer paper discharged after the connection operation mode are not mixed.

According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, when the release of the connection operation mode is prohibited, the user is notified by the notification means to that effect. It is possible to easily know the reason why the operation mode cannot be canceled, and it is possible to prevent forgetting to take out the transfer sheet discharged to the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus by the connection operation mode.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the connection operation mode is released only by removing the transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus. Thus, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the user unnecessarily monopolizes the image forming apparatus.

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, since the image forming apparatuses are connected to each other by a network line including a public communication line, the image forming apparatuses are installed at locations far apart from each other. There is an effect that the connection operation mode can be set even with the image forming apparatus.

According to the control method of the image forming network system of the present invention, if transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode remains in the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus, the connection is performed. Since the release of the operation mode is prohibited, the once set connection operation mode is set unless the transfer paper is removed from the discharge tray of another image forming apparatus.
Cannot be canceled. The image forming apparatuses that are connected to each other in the connection operation mode can be used independently only after the connection operation mode is released. Therefore, there is an effect that transfer paper discharged in the connection operation mode and transfer paper discharged after the connection operation mode are not mixed.

Since the computer-readable recording medium according to the invention of claim 8 records a program for causing a computer to execute the method of claim 7, the computer can execute the method of claim 7. The control method of the image forming network system can be executed, and the connecting operation can be performed with all the image forming apparatuses connected to the network line.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a display example of an operation unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another configuration of the control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart of one page of image data sent to the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 6;

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

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of an image forming network system for implementing the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of two digital copying machines connected via a network line in an image forming network system for carrying out the present invention.

11 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of network software of the image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) illustrated in FIG.

FIG. 12 is a schematic configuration diagram of an image forming network system connected via a public communication network.

FIG. 13 is a diagram provided for describing a process in a connection operation mode;

FIG. 14 is a main flowchart of a connection operation mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a display of a warning message.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing a process after a print start key provided on the operation unit of the digital copying machine is pressed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a process when the digital copier of the slave receives a notification from the digital copier of the master that the connection operation mode has been turned on.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a process performed when a digital copier of a slave sends a transfer tray presence / absence state to a digital copier of a parent machine.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a process performed when the parent digital copier receives the paper exit tray transfer sheet presence status from the child digital copier.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for performing a different process from the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 when the link operation key is operated.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing processing for automatically canceling the connection operation mode when the transfer paper is removed from the paper discharge tray of the digital copy machine of the child machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 101 ADF 102 Document table 103 Feed roller 104 Feed belt 105 Contact glass 106 Reading unit 107 Discharge roller 108 Document set detection sensor 109 First tray 110 Second tray 111 Third tray 112 First feed unit 113 Second feed Paper unit 114 Third paper feed unit 115 Vertical transport unit 116 Photoconductor 117 Writing unit 118 Developing unit 119 Transport belt 120 Fixing unit 121 Discharge unit 122 Finisher 123 Discharge roller 124 Switching plate 125 Transport roller 126 Discharge tray 127 Transport Roller 128 Staple table 129 Jogger 131 Staple completed discharge tray 132 Transport roller unit 133 Branch claw 134 Double-sided paper feed unit 135 Exposure lamp 136 First mirror 137 Lens 138 CCD image sensor 139 second mirror 140 third mirror 141 laser output unit 142 imaging lens 143 mirror 150 paper ejection detection sensor 201 operation unit 202 print start key 203 clear / stop key 204 numeric keypad 205 liquid crystal touch panel 207 initial setting key 208 mode clear Key 401 System controller 402 Image reading unit 403 Image writing unit 404 Memory unit 405 User restriction device 406 Human body detection sensor 407 CSS 408 Clock 601 Image memory 602 Selector 603 A / D converter 604 Shading correction circuit 605 MTF / γ correction circuit 606 First print synthesizing section 607 Second print synthesizing section 608 Magnification circuit 610 Memory controller 611 CPU 612 ROM 613 RA 614 I / O port 615 SCSI driver 801 Input data selector 802 Image synthesis unit 803 Primary compression / expansion unit 804 Output data selector 805 Secondary compression / expansion unit 806 Primary storage device 807 Secondary storage device 901-908 Digital copier 910 network line 1001 system controller 1003 image reading unit 1005 image writing unit 1007 memory unit 1009 CSS 1011 clock unit 1013 user restriction device 1015 human body detection sensor 1020 DRAM block 1022 compression block 1024 DMA block 1026 SCSI controller 1030 SCSI 1101 device control layer 1102 System control layer 1103 Application layer 1110 Operation unit controller 1111 Peripheral device controller 1 12 The image forming apparatus controller 1113 image reader controller 1120 copy application 1130 daemon process 1140 input-output control unit 1200 managing device 1210 public network 1220 CCU 1230 phone 1240 Facsimile

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Hiroomi Motohashi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Ricoh Co., Ltd. (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 HH01 HK11 HM05 HN02 HN15 5B021 AA01 BB01 BB10 CC05 EE04 GG05 5C062 AA05 AA13 AA29 AB08 AB20 AB22 AB25 AB35 AB42 AC04 AC43 AE15 AF15 BA00

Claims (8)

[Claims] A reading unit for reading a document; and another image forming apparatus for transferring image data obtained by reading the document to another image forming apparatus connected via a network line to print the image data. A connection operation mode setting unit that sets a connection operation mode between the transfer operation mode and information on whether or not transfer paper on which the image data is printed in the connection operation mode remains in a discharge tray of the another image forming apparatus. Input means for inputting from the other image forming apparatus; and when transfer paper printed in the connecting operation mode remains in a discharge tray of the other image forming apparatus, prohibiting release of the connecting operation mode. An image forming apparatus comprising prohibiting means. 2. A determination means for determining whether a connection operation mode has been set with another image forming apparatus connected to a network line, and another image when the connection operation mode has been set. A printing unit that prints the image data transferred from the forming apparatus; and an output unit that outputs information as to whether or not the transfer sheet on which the image data has been printed remains in the discharge tray to the other image forming apparatus. An image forming apparatus comprising: 3. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a reading unit, a connection operation mode setting unit, an input unit, a prohibition unit, a determination unit, a printing unit, and an output unit. Image forming device. 4. The image according to claim 1, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a user when release of the connection operation mode is prohibited by the prohibiting unit. Forming equipment. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a release unit configured to release the connection operation mode when transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode is removed from a discharge tray of the another image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, 3 or 4. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said network line includes a public communication line network. 7. A plurality of image forming apparatuses each including a reading unit for reading a document and a printing unit for printing the read document are connected to a network line, and a document read by an arbitrary image forming device is formed into another image. A method for controlling an image forming network system that can also be printed by an apparatus, wherein an image data obtained by reading a document by any one of the image forming apparatuses is set to a connection operation mode for transferring to another image forming apparatus for printing. A link operation mode setting step; and an input for inputting information from the other image forming apparatus as to whether or not transfer paper on which the image data has been printed in the link operation mode remains in a discharge tray of the other image forming apparatus. Canceling the connection operation mode if transfer paper printed in the connection operation mode remains on a discharge tray of the another image forming apparatus. And a prohibition step of prohibiting the image formation. 8. A computer-readable recording medium on which a program for causing a computer to execute the method according to claim 7 is recorded.