JP2002218130A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system where any image forming device main body can make reservation and that reservations in mixture can be available. SOLUTION: In the image forming system where image forming device main bodies are electrically connected and an image received by one image forming device main body can be outputted from the image forming device main bodies, while a job of outputting the image from the image forming device main bodies is executed, a control means attains reservation of jobs, which are a job of outputting the image from the image forming device main bodies and a job outputting the image from one image forming device main body. Furthermore, while a job of outputting the image from the image forming device main body is executed, a control means attains reservation of jobs, which are a job of outputting the image from the image forming device main bodies and a job outputting the image from one image forming device main body. Moreover, while the job of outputting the image from the image forming device main bodies is executed, a control means attains reservation of jobs, which are attained by any of the connected image forming device main bodies.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly, to a method of connecting a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies to form an image on a recording material from the image data using the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that can be used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional tandem image forming apparatus has been proposed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application No. 7-204493. In a copying machine which is an example of an image forming apparatus, a copying machine "Konica 7060" (trademark) is used. ) Has been put to practical use. These tandem image forming apparatuses are evaluated for their usefulness as high-speed copying machines because copying is performed in parallel at a plurality of copying machines (main body of the image forming apparatus). is expected.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, in a case where a tandem operation is performed by a plurality of copying machines A and B for copying 100 copies from ten originals, the copying machine A for reading ten originals is required. After reading and setting, the tandem mode (mode for executing tandem operation) is designated on the operation panel, 100 copies are set, and the copy button is pressed. In this case, the image data of ten read originals is displayed. Is stored in both image memories via the selector.

For example, the number of copies is automatically divided into 50 for the copying machine A and 50 for the copying machine B, and copying is performed in each copying machine, which is twice as large as that of one copying machine. Copying at speed becomes possible.

[0005]

However, in the conventional image forming apparatus performing the tandem operation, FIG.
As shown in the display panels 283A and 283B, the copying machine A that has read the data becomes the master machine, and the reservation operation is performed only by the master machine.

In this case, even if the image forming apparatuses are installed at a plurality of places in the office, the copier B cannot perform a reservation operation, and the user must move to a remote place.
If the reservation is made by the copying machine B, it is necessary to wait until the operation of the copying machine A is completed.

Conventionally, in job reservation, it is impossible to mix tandem jobs output from a plurality of copying machines and single jobs output from one copying machine. Had been reserved. Such a reservation greatly reduces convenience when a small number of copies is sufficient or when it is desired to avoid collecting output from a plurality of copying machines for one job.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing a reservation operation from any image forming apparatus main body and improving the convenience of reservation.

[0009]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object, the present invention has the following constitution.

According to the first aspect of the invention, it is possible to electrically connect a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and output an image input from one image forming apparatus main body from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. In a simple image forming apparatus, a job can be reserved during execution of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies, and the job is output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and output from one image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that enables any of the jobs to be performed. ].

According to the first aspect of the present invention, during execution of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies, mixed reservation of jobs is possible, and the execution of a job that is operating first is limited. Jobs can be freely selected without any restrictions, and the degree of freedom is high and production efficiency is improved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to electrically connect a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and output an image input from one image forming apparatus main body from the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. In a simple image forming apparatus, a job can be reserved during execution of a job output from one image forming apparatus main body, and the job is a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and a job from one image forming apparatus main body. An image forming apparatus comprising a control unit that enables any of output jobs. ].

According to the second aspect of the present invention, during execution of a job output from one image forming apparatus main body, mixed reservation of jobs is possible, and the execution of a job that is operating first is restricted. Jobs can be freely selected without any restrictions, and the degree of freedom is high and production efficiency is improved.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies are electrically connected, and an image input from one image forming apparatus main body can be output from the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. In a simple image forming apparatus, a job can be reserved during execution of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies, and a control unit is provided for enabling the reservation from any of the connected image forming apparatus main bodies. An image forming apparatus comprising: ].

According to the third aspect of the present invention, during execution of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies, a job can be reserved from any of the connected image forming apparatus main bodies,
Jobs can be freely reserved without being restricted to the image forming apparatus body that is operating first, the degree of freedom is high, and the production efficiency is improved.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method as described above, wherein the job reservation is a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies;
4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein any of the jobs output from one image forming apparatus main body is possible. ].

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and a job output from one image forming apparatus main body can be reserved, and the degree of freedom of use is high. Production efficiency is improved.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies are electrically connected, and an image input from one image forming apparatus main body can be output from the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit configured to enable a user to reserve a job from another image forming apparatus main body during execution of a job output from one image forming apparatus main body. ].

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, while a job output from one image forming apparatus main body is being executed, a job can be reserved from another image forming apparatus main body, and image forming during job execution is possible. Jobs can be freely reserved without being limited to job reservations from the apparatus main body, so that the degree of freedom is high and production efficiency is improved.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus, wherein the reserved job is a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies,
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein any of the jobs output from one image forming apparatus main body is possible. ].

According to the invention of claim 6, according to claim 5,
In addition to this, mixed reservation of jobs is possible, which increases the degree of freedom and improves production efficiency.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus main body which is a printer even if the job is output from an image forming apparatus main body which is a copying machine capable of outputting an image input from an external device. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a job to be output is also possible. ].

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 1,
In addition to the above, the present invention can be applied to a job output from a copying machine capable of outputting an image input from an external device or a job output from a printer. Efficiency is improved.

[0024] The invention according to claim 8 is characterized in that, in the case where the job is a job output from the image forming apparatus main body which is a printer, the job is limited to a job output from one image forming apparatus main body. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. ].

According to the invention described in claim 8, according to claim 1,
In addition, in the case of a job output from a printer, the job is limited to a job output from one image forming apparatus main body.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, an example of an image forming apparatus using a copying machine will be described as an example of the image forming apparatus main body.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an image data processing system of the image forming apparatus.

In FIG. 1, two copiers A and B are connected in tandem (the number is not limited to two but may be more than one) to form an image forming apparatus of the present invention. Further, it is a copying machine capable of outputting an image input from an external device, for example, a personal computer.

This is an example of parallel copying by two copying machines, a first copying machine A and a second copying machine B. Of the operations of the copying machines A and B, blocks for executing respective reading processing to writing processing are described. Is shown. 101A and 101B are scanners for outputting read image signals, 102A and 102B are image processing circuits for performing image processing such as scaling, and 103A and 103B are image data compression / decompression circuits.

Reference numerals 105A and 105B denote selectors for selecting whether to directly write image data or to temporarily store the image data in a memory.
07B, which is a write control circuit for driving the write unit 107B.
A and the writing means 107B write on a photoreceptor using a semiconductor laser as a light emitting element.

Reference numeral C1 denotes a cable for transmitting image data between the copying machine A and the copying machine B. A selector 108A transmits image data from the scanner 101A to the image processing circuit 102.
A or to input image data from the scanner 101B to the image processing circuit 102A. Similarly, the selector 108B selects which of the scanner 101A and the scanner 101B inputs the image data to the image processing circuit 102B.

For example, when tandem operation is performed by copying machine A and copying machine B for 100 copies from ten originals, the copy is set in copying machine A for reading ten originals, and the operation panel is operated. (Not shown), a tandem mode (mode for executing a tandem operation) is designated, 100 copies are set, and a copy button is pressed. In this case, 10 sheets of originals read by the scanner 101A are read. Image data is stored in both image memories 104A and 104B via selectors 108A and 108B. For example, the number of copies is automatically divided into 50 for the copying machine A and 50 for the copying machine B, and copying is performed in each copying machine. Copying becomes possible.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of copying machines A and B operable in a tandem mode. The copying machine A includes an image forming unit (image forming unit) 10A, an image reading unit (image reading unit) 20A, and a recording material stack. The copying machine B has an image forming unit 1
0B, an image reading unit 20B, and a recording material accumulation unit 30B.

In the image forming units 10A and 10B, 11
Reference numerals A and 11B denote electrophotographic photosensitive members (hereinafter referred to as photosensitive members), around which image forming units indicated by 12A and 12B are arranged. The image forming units 12A and 12B
The toner images are formed on the peripheral surfaces of the photoconductors 11A and 11B by performing the respective processes of charging, exposure and development on A and 11B. The image forming units 12A and 12B are also provided with a photoconductor 11A,
A cleaning device for cleaning toner remaining after transfer on 11B is provided. 13A and 13B are:
A fixing device for fixing a toner image on a recording material. Copiers A and B are paper feed units 15A to 15A to accommodate recording paper of various sizes.
17A and paper supply units 15B to 17B.
The copying machines A and B further have double-sided image forming paper feed units 14A and 14B, respectively, for reversing the recording paper having an image formed on its surface and supplying it again to the image forming unit.

The recording paper supplied from any of the paper feeding units 15A to 17A is transferred with a toner image from the photoreceptor 11A, passes through a fixing unit 13A, undergoes a fixing process, and is discharged to a recording material accumulation unit 30A. Is done. Similarly, the paper feed units 15B to 17
B, after the toner image is transferred from the photoconductor 11 </ b> B, the recording material is fixed, and the
Discharged to 0B.

The image reading units 20A and 20B are provided with mounting tables 21A and 21B for mounting a document G from which an image is to be read, and discharge stacking units 22A and 22 for mounting a document whose image has been read.
B, respectively.

Each of the stacking units 30A and 30B has trays 31A and 31B on which recording papers not bound are stacked, and trays 32A and 32B for loading bound recording materials.

SA1 and SB1 are the photosensitive members 11 respectively.
A recording sheet detection sensor disposed at a position where the recording material is separated from A and 11B, and outputs a jam signal when the recording sheet is jammed at the separation position. SA2 and SB2 are sensors for detecting a recording sheet jam in the fixing units 13A and 13B, respectively.

SA4 to SA6 and SB4 to SB6 are sensors for detecting the presence or absence of a recording material in the paper feed units 15A to 17A and 15B to 17B, respectively. SA3 and SB3 are sensors for detecting a jam of the recording paper in the two-sided image forming paper feed units 14A and 14B, respectively.

SA7 and SB7 are fixing units 13A, respectively.
This is a sensor for detecting the fixing temperature of 13B.

The outputs of the various sensors SA1 to SA7 in the copier A described above are sent to the control unit CPUA.
Various sensors SB1 to SB7 in the copying machine B
Are input to the control unit CPUB.

Signals from the operation panels 18A and 18B are input to the control units CPUA and CPUB in addition to the outputs of the various sensors, and the control units CPUA and CPUB are the display units of the display panel 19A and the display panel 19B. Each of the contents displayed on the display unit is controlled. Further, the control unit CPUA
And a control unit CPUB are connected to a cable C for transmitting a control signal.
They are linked by one.

Hereinafter, the tandem mode copying of the present invention will be described in detail.

The tandem-connected image forming apparatus including the copying machine A and the copying machine B forms an image independently in each image forming section based on the image data read by the image reading section of each copying machine. In addition to the single mode, image formation in the following tandem mode is performed.

Taking a case where 100 copies are made from ten originals, in the tandem mode, the user sets ten originals on the mounting table 21A of the copying machine A,
On the operation panel 18A, a tandem mode is designated,
When the number of copies is set to 100 and the copy button is pressed, the image data of the ten originals obtained by the image reading unit 20A is stored in both the image memory 104A and the image memory 104B. For example, the number of copies is automatically divided into 50 for the copying machine A and 50 for the copying machine B, and copying is performed in each copying machine.

The number of copies, the size of recording paper used, the copy magnification, and the selection of single-sided copying for copying on one side of a recording material or double-sided copying for both sides are set by operation on the operation panel 18A. Is used not only for control by the control unit CPUA in the copying machine A, but also transmitted from the cable C1 to the control unit CPUB, and used for control of the copying machine B by the control unit CPUB.

While the copying machines A and B are performing copying, when the designated (size) recording paper in the copying machine B is exhausted from the paper feeding units 15B to 17B, the sensor S
It is detected that there is no recording paper by any one of A4 to SA6, transmitted to the control unit CPUA via the control unit CPUB and the cable C1, and an abnormality is displayed on the display panel 19A.

In addition to the presence or absence of the recording paper,
Also in the case of a recording sheet jam detected by the sensors SB1 and SB2, it is displayed on the display panel 19A of the copying machine A.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a display panel of the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 shows the job management display sections 19A1 and 19B1 of the display panels 19A and 19B. FIG. 3A shows the job management display section 19A1 of the copying machine A, and FIG. The management display section 19B1 is shown. For example, FIG. 3 displays the following state.

Copying machine B is executing copying of a single normal copy of a print job. During the execution of the job, copying machine A is set to the tandem mode, and copying machine A functions as the master machine to copy the printing job. Is running.

When the copying machine A is set to the tandem mode and the print job is copied, the copying machine B reserves a tandem job as a sub machine.

During the execution of this job, the copying machine A and the copying machine B reserve a copy in the following order by the control means, and this control means comprises selectors 108A and 108B and control units CPUA and CPUB.

In job reservation of the copying machine A, a normal copy of a single job is reserved as a reserved job 1 and a normal copy of a single job is reserved as a reserved job 2 in order.

After that, the copying machine B is set to the tandem mode, and the tandem job of the reservation job 2 is reserved with the copying machine B as the master machine. With this reservation, the copying machine A reserves the tandem job of the reservation job 3 as the sub machine.

Thereafter, in the copying machine A, a normal copy of a single job is reserved as a reserved job 4 in order.

A job can be freely reserved in each of the copying machines A and B, and the reserved job may be tandem or single (normal copy).

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a file for storing a reserved job in the memories in the copying machines A and B. For each job, image data, image forming condition data, data indicating a tandem master, sub, or normal copy (single mode) correspond.

Each of the copying machines A and B can independently store a memory job. For example, in the case of the copying machine B, conventionally, the next job reservation cannot be made when the reserved job 1 indicating the tandem sub is entered, but in the present invention, the job is stored independently in the memory and the tandem sub job (reserved The job next to job 1) (reserved job 2) can also be stored in the memory. As a result, when the tandem operation is designated by a plurality of copying machines, the user can reserve a job regardless of the tandem master or sub.

On the other hand, reserved jobs 1 and 2 in copier A
As described above, it is possible to reserve a single operation even during the execution of the tandem operation. This is achieved by storing information in the memory in the memory so that the information of each job in the memory can be managed in common without being divided between the tandem mode and the normal copy (single mode), and can be managed continuously as the next job. You.

As described above, the storage and management of the job in the memory of each copying machine are executed independently, so that any of the copying machines A and B connected in tandem,
You can freely select a tandem job or a single job. In the case where the job becomes a reserved job not only in the master copying machines A and B but also in other sub copying machines A and B, a tandem job and a single job can be similarly selected. And high production efficiency.

As described above, a job can be reserved during execution of a job output from a plurality of copying machines A and B, and the job is a job output from a plurality of copying machines A and B and one copying machine A Alternatively, any of the jobs output from the copying machine B can be used, and the mixed reservation of the jobs can be freely selected without being limited to the execution of the job that is operating first.

Of course, one copy machine A or one copy machine B
A job can be reserved during execution of a job to be output, and the job can be a job output from a plurality of copying machines A and B, or a job output from one copying machine A or B. In this mixed reservation of jobs, the job can be freely selected without being limited to the execution of the job that is operating first.

Further, during execution of a job output from a plurality of copying machines A and B, a job can be reserved, and the reservation can be made from any of the connected copying machines A and B, and is activated first. The user can freely reserve a job without being restricted to the copying machines A and B in use. The reservation of this job can be a job output from a plurality of copying machines A and B, or a job output from one copying machine A or B.

During execution of a job output from one copying machine A or B, another copying machine A or B
, And the job can be freely reserved without being limited to the reservation of the job from the copying machine A or B during execution of the job.

The job can be a job output from a plurality of copying machines A and B, or a job output from one copying machine A or B. Mixed reservation of jobs is possible. The job can be a job output from a copying machine A or B capable of outputting an image input from an external device such as a personal computer or a job output from a printer without being limited to the copying machine. It can be used, has a high degree of freedom, and improves production efficiency. In the case of a job output from a printer, the job is limited to a job output from one copying machine A or B.

[0068]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, during execution of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus bodies, mixed reservation of jobs is possible, and Jobs can be freely selected without being restricted by the execution, so that the degree of freedom is high and the production efficiency is improved.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, during execution of a job output from one image forming apparatus main body, mixed reservation of jobs can be performed, and free execution is not limited to execution of a job that is operating first. Job can be selected at any time,
Production efficiency is improved.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, during execution of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies, a job can be reserved from any of the connected image forming apparatus main bodies, and an image which has been activated earlier is available. Jobs can be freely reserved without being restricted to the forming apparatus main body, the degree of freedom is high, and the production efficiency is improved.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and a job output from a single image forming apparatus main body can be reserved. Is improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, while a job output from one image forming apparatus main body is being executed, a job can be reserved from another image forming apparatus main body, and the image forming apparatus main body during job execution is possible. Job reservations can be freely made without being limited to job reservations from
Production efficiency is improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the fifth aspect, mixed reservation of jobs is possible, the degree of freedom is high, and the production efficiency is improved.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first to sixth aspects, a job output from a copying machine capable of outputting an image input from an external device and a job output from a printer are also possible. Yes, can be used for various devices,
High degree of freedom and improved production efficiency.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the first to sixth aspects, in the case of a job output from a printer,
The job is limited to jobs output from one image forming apparatus main body.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a read image data processing system of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a display panel of the image forming apparatus.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a file for storing a reserved job in memories in copying machines A and B.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a conventional tandem image forming apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display panel of a conventional tandem image forming apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 A, B Copier 8 Cable 19A, 19B Display panel 19A1, 19B1 Job management display unit 108A, 108B Selector CPUA, CPUB control unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Akio Ueda 2970 Ishikawa-cho, Hachioji-shi, Tokyo Konica Co., Ltd.In-house F-term (reference) 2C061 AP04 AQ06 HH07 HH09 HJ06 HQ02 2H027 EJ11 EJ15 FD08 5C062 AA05 AB20 AB38 AB53 AC41 AC42 BA04

Claims (8)

[Claims] An image forming apparatus capable of electrically connecting a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and outputting an image input from one image forming apparatus main body to the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. During the execution of the job output from the image forming apparatus main body,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a job can be reserved, and the job is provided with control means for enabling any of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and a job output from a single image forming apparatus main body. . 2. An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies are electrically connected and an image input from one image forming apparatus main body can be output from the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. During the execution of the job output from the image forming apparatus main body,
A job can be reserved, and the job is provided with control means for enabling any of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and a job output from a single image forming apparatus main body. apparatus. 3. An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies are electrically connected and an image input from one image forming apparatus main body can be output from the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. During the execution of the job output from the image forming apparatus main body,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that can make a reservation for a job and make the reservation from any connected image forming apparatus main body. 4. The image according to claim 3, wherein the job reservation can be any of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and a job output from a single image forming apparatus main body. Forming equipment. 5. An image forming apparatus in which a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies are electrically connected and an image input from one image forming apparatus main body can be output from the plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies. During the execution of the job output from the image forming apparatus main body,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that enables reservation of a job from another image forming apparatus main body. 6. The image according to claim 5, wherein the reserved job can be any of a job output from a plurality of image forming apparatus main bodies and a job output from a single image forming apparatus main body. Forming equipment. 7. The job can be a job output from an image forming apparatus main body as a copying machine capable of outputting an image input from an external device or a job output from an image forming apparatus main body as a printer. The image forming apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: 8. The image processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the job is limited to a job output from one image forming apparatus main body when the job is output from the image forming apparatus main body as a printer. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.