JP2002254764A - Imaging apparatus, imaging system, program and memory media - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging apparatus making it possible to equip and perform a connecting mode considering whether the printing mode at that moment, can be performed or not on a slave machine side in order to make the best use of a facility of the connecting mode even after starting of a single printing operation. SOLUTION: An institution of a connecting mode can be received and a translation to the connecting mode can be performed if a copying mode which cannot be performed, is not contained (confirmation of copying mode is OK) on the slave machine side when the connecting key is operated even while a single printing is performed after starting of printing operation by pushing down a copy starting key of a master machine. Meanwhile when the copying mode which cannot be performed, is contained (confirmation of copying mode is NG), for example a limitation of refusing of the institution of the connecting mode is imposed, an impossibility of an action of the slave machine is indicated and a process which regards copy finishing as of much importance by the single printing of the master machine is performed. The productivity may be regarded as of much importance by canceling the copying mode of which the action is impossible only on the slave machine side and enforcing the connecting mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system to which a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to enable linked printing.
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus used in the image forming system, a program installed in a computer provided in the image forming apparatus, and a storage medium storing the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a plurality of image signal output means for outputting image signals, such as an image scanner, a word processor, a personal computer, etc., and a printer for forming an image by each image signal output from each of these image signal output means. An image forming system in which a plurality of image forming means are combined with each other is known.

For example, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 5-304575, a plurality of digital copiers having the function of a printer, which is an image signal output unit, are connected and set to an external output mode (corresponding to a connection mode). When the copying operation is started, the image data read by one digital copying machine is output to another digital copying machine, and the same copying operation is performed by the other digital copying machine. A digital copying machine capable of increasing the speed of a digital copying machine is disclosed. Such an external output mode (corresponding to a concatenated mode) is, for example, simple in the case where 100 copies are obtained from one document, for example, five digital copiers are required.
This is a print processing mode in which printing is performed in parallel by sharing 0 sheets at a time, and the larger the number of prints and the number of copies, the more effective the print processing time becomes.

[0004]

However, in using an image forming system having such a connection mode,
It is in the current situation that the usability as desired by the user has not always been obtained. That is, when performing image formation in the connection mode, printing conditions such as the number of prints, density, one-sided / two-sided, and staples must be set before pressing the start key. If it is urgently necessary to finish the copy quickly while copying only by single processing, suspend the single copy operation, set the original again, and set the connection mode. Then, it is necessary to execute the copy operation again by pressing the copy start key. Such a situation is not limited to the above example. For example, when the user starts the copy operation while forgetting to set the connection mode, or
There may be various cases, such as when it is unavoidable that the other image forming apparatus to be connected is in use and the copying is unavoidably started, but the other image forming apparatus is found to be empty on the way. In such a case, once the single copy operation is interrupted, the original is set again, the connection mode is set, and then the copy start key is pressed to execute the copy operation again. In addition, in some cases, the same document needs to be read again, image processed, and the like, which results in a delay in the processing time, thereby impairing the original convenience in the connection mode.

In an image forming system having such a connection mode, the master machine also performs setting operations for various print modes other than the connection mode, such as the single-sided / double-sided copy mode and the staple mode. The master device and the slave device do not always have the same function, and depending on the print mode, the slave device may not be able to perform the processing of the corresponding print mode. For example, in the case of the staple mode as an example of the print mode, it is necessary to connect the optional finisher, but there is a case where the finisher is not connected on the slave machine side. If you execute the connection mode uniformly in such a situation,
There is a case where a desired print finish is not obtained and an incorrect copy is made. In the case of the staple mode, an unstaple copy output is obtained from the slave unit,
Post-processing, such as re-stapling manually, is required. Further, if there is no corresponding paper in the print mode in which the paper quality is selected, the print finish is impaired. On the other hand, there are cases where it is desired to give priority to copy productivity by linked copying over such a defect.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention provides a method for starting the single printing operation in order to maximize the convenience of the connection mode.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a program, and a storage medium capable of setting and executing a connection mode while considering whether or not the print mode at that time can be executed on the slave device side.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a program, and a storage medium that can perform processing control with emphasis on print finish rather than productivity in realizing the above object.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a program, and a storage medium that can perform processing control with an emphasis on productivity rather than print finish in realizing the above object.

In order to achieve the above object, there is provided an image forming apparatus, an image forming system, a program, and a storage medium capable of controlling a process for allowing a user to select whether to emphasize printing finish or productivity. The purpose is to do.

[0010]

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: a storage unit for storing input image data; a printing unit for printing an image on a print medium based on the image data; Linked printing operation means for executing the printing process by sharing the image processing with the slave device by transferring the image data to another image forming apparatus serving as a slave device;
A connection mode selection unit for instructing the setting of a connection mode for executing the print processing shared by the connection printing operation unit; a print mode setting unit for designating various print mode settings relating to the print processing other than the connection mode; An operation start instructing unit for instructing the start of the operation, and monitoring whether or not the connection mode selecting unit is operated during a single printing operation only by the image forming apparatus after the start of the printing operation by the instruction of the operation start instructing unit. A post-start connection mode receiving means for receiving the operation of the connection mode, and the print mode already specified by the print mode setting means when the operation of the connection mode is received by the post-start connection mode reception means. The slave device is notified to determine whether or not the print mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed by the slave device. And mode content inquiry means to match,
As a result of the inquiry by the mode content inquiry means, when the specific mode that cannot be executed is not included, the connection mode is set, the image data is transferred to the slave machine side, and the connection printing is performed from the single printing operation. A printing operation switching unit that shifts to a printing process operation shared with the slave unit by an operating unit; and if the specific mode that cannot be executed is included as a result of an inquiry by the mode content inquiry unit, the connection mode of the connection mode is changed. Restriction means for imposing restrictions on settings or processing.

Therefore, basically, even if a single-printing operation is performed only by the image forming apparatus after the start of the printing operation, if the connection mode selecting means is operated, the slave device side operates in the printing mode. If the specific mode that cannot be executed is not included, the setting of the connection mode is accepted, and the processing shifts to the connection mode. Therefore, even if the processing is started by the normal single print operation, the urgent print finish is thereafter performed. In the case of premature acute or when a slave machine becomes vacant, the user only needs to set the connection mode when necessary, without interrupting the running job, and switch from the single print operation to the connection mode. The operation can be shifted to the print processing operation, and the timing of setting the connection mode can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, the convenience of the connection mode can be maximized. On the other hand, even when the connection mode selection unit is operated, if the print mode specified at that time includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, there is a restriction on the setting or processing of the connection mode. Since it is imposed, it is possible to take measures such as not executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the print finish, or forcibly executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the productivity.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a reading unit for reading a document image and outputting the read image data, wherein during a single printing operation after the start of the printing operation, This includes during the reading operation of the document image by the reading unit.

Accordingly, since the connection mode can be set even during the reading operation of the original image, the flexibility of the connection mode setting time is enhanced.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the restricting unit imposes a restriction on the setting of the connection mode by rejecting the setting of the connection mode.

Therefore, if the specified print mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, rejecting the setting of the connection mode itself causes an error such that the desired print finish is not obtained. Execution of printing as a copy can be prevented beforehand, and measures can be taken that place more emphasis on print finish rather than productivity.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, when the setting of the connection mode is rejected, the restricting means displays the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed on the display means.

Accordingly, by rejecting the setting of the connection mode, the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave device side are displayed on the display means, so that the user can specify the specific mode which hinders the execution of the connection mode on the slave device side. Can be understood, and in some cases, a more appropriate measure can be taken by, for example, changing the print mode.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the restricting means is a new print mode in which the specific mode, which cannot be executed only on the slave machine side, is released, and the connection mode is changed. To limit the processing in the connection mode.

Therefore, if a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, a new printing mode in which the specific mode is canceled only on the slave machine side is included. By shifting to the connection mode processing in the mode, it is possible to take measures that emphasize productivity rather than print finish.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, when a specific mode that cannot be executed is included as a result of the inquiry, the connection mode is forced to the user. Has a forced presence / absence inquiring means for inquiring the selection of whether or not the limiting unit is incapable of executing only the slave unit side when the forced connection mode is selected in response to the inquiry by the forced forcing presence / absence means. By executing the printing operation in the connection mode in the new printing mode in which the specific mode has been canceled, the processing in the connection mode is restricted.

Therefore, if a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included when the linked mode is operated during the single printing operation, a new printing mode in which the specific mode is canceled only on the slave machine side is included. Since the user is inquired whether to force the connection mode to shift to the connection mode processing in the mode, the user can select whether to emphasize the productivity or the print finish, and the user can select the desired mode. Processing results can be obtained.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the print mode specified by the print mode setting means is notified to the slave unit and the print mode is set during the print mode. A mode content pre-inquiry means for inquiring whether or not the specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included; and the limiting means, as a result of the inquiry by the mode content pre-inquiry means, the non-executable specific mode. Is included, the setting of the connection mode is restricted so that the operation of the connection mode selection means is disabled.

Therefore, since the specific mode that cannot be executed is set on the slave machine side, if the printing process is performed in the linked mode, the same print finish cannot be obtained on the master machine side and the slave machine side. Since the user can be notified in advance before operating the connection mode selection means, useless connection mode setting operation can be avoided.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the setting of the connection mode or the restriction on the processing includes a rejection of the connection mode setting, and a specific mode in which only the slave unit cannot execute. Printing operation in the connection mode in which the connection mode is canceled, inquiry about whether to force the connection mode,
There is a restriction mode selection unit for preliminarily selecting any one of the operation modes of the connection mode selection unit, and the restriction unit imposes a restriction on the setting or processing of the connection mode in a mode selected by the restriction mode selection unit.

Therefore, when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, the user can select a countermeasure in advance when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included. The result can be obtained.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, a computer readable program is a storage unit for storing input image data, a printing unit for printing an image on a print medium based on the image data, and a slave unit. A connection mode selection unit that instructs a setting of a connection mode for executing a print process shared by another image forming apparatus; a print mode setting unit that specifies various print mode settings related to a print process other than the connection mode; Operation start instructing means for instructing the start of a printing operation, which is installed in a computer provided in the image forming apparatus, and in which the image data is transmitted to the slave when the connection mode is set by the connection mode selection means. Linking mark that transfers print processing to the slave machine and transfers it to the slave machine for execution. An operation function and a start of receiving the operation of the connection mode by monitoring the presence or absence of an operation of the connection mode selection unit during a single printing operation only by the image forming apparatus after a printing operation is started according to an instruction of the operation start instruction unit. When the operation of the connection mode is received by the post-connection mode reception function and the connection mode reception function after the start, the print mode setting unit notifies the slave machine side of the print mode already specified by the print mode setting unit and prints the print mode. A mode content inquiry function for inquiring whether or not a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included in the mode, and as a result of an inquiry by the mode content inquiry function, the specific mode that cannot be executed is not included. Is set to the linked mode, the image data is transferred to the slave machine side, and the linked printing is performed from the single printing operation. A print operation switching function for shifting to a print processing operation shared with the slave machine by the operation function; and, if the specific mode that cannot be executed is included as a result of an inquiry by the mode content inquiry function, the connection mode is switched to the connection mode. And a restriction function for imposing restrictions on settings or processing.

Therefore, basically, even when a single print operation is being performed only by the image forming apparatus after the start of the print operation, if the connection mode selecting means is operated, the slave device side operates in the print mode. If the specific mode that cannot be executed is not included, the setting of the connection mode is accepted, and the processing shifts to the connection mode. Therefore, even if the processing is started by the normal single print operation, the urgent print finish is thereafter performed. In the case of premature acute or when a slave machine becomes vacant, the user only needs to set the connection mode when necessary, without interrupting the running job, and switch from the single print operation to the connection mode. The operation can be shifted to the print processing operation, and the timing of setting the connection mode can be set arbitrarily. Therefore, the convenience of the connection mode can be maximized. On the other hand, even when the connection mode selection unit is operated, if the print mode specified at that time includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, there is a restriction on the setting or processing of the connection mode. Since it is imposed, it is possible to take measures such as not executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the print finish, or forcibly executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the productivity.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the computer readable program according to the ninth aspect, during a single printing operation after the start of the printing operation, an original image provided in the image forming apparatus is read as image data. This includes during the reading operation of the document image by the reading means for outputting.

Accordingly, since the connection mode can be set even during the reading operation of the original image, the flexibility of the connection mode setting time is enhanced.

The invention according to claim 11 is the invention according to claim 9 or 1
0. The computer-readable program according to claim 0, wherein the computer executes the restriction function of restricting the setting of the connection mode by rejecting the setting of the connection mode.

Therefore, if the specified print mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, rejecting the setting of the connection mode itself causes an error such that the desired print finish is not obtained. Execution of printing as a copy can be prevented beforehand, and measures can be taken that place more emphasis on print finish rather than productivity.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the computer readable program according to the eleventh aspect, when the setting of the connection mode is refused, the restriction function for displaying the contents of the specific mode that cannot be executed on the display means is provided. The program is executed by the computer.

Therefore, by rejecting the setting of the connection mode, the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave device side are displayed on the display means, so that the user can specify the specific mode which hinders the execution of the connection mode on the slave device side. Can be understood, and in some cases, a more appropriate measure can be taken by, for example, changing the print mode.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention provides the ninth or the first aspect.
0, in the computer-readable program according to 0, the processing in the connection mode is restricted by executing a printing operation in the connection mode in a new print mode in which the specific mode which is not executable only on the slave device side is released. And causing the computer to execute a restriction function.

Therefore, if a specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, a new printing mode in which the specific mode is canceled only on the slave machine side is performed. By shifting to the connection mode processing in the mode, it is possible to take measures that emphasize productivity rather than print finish.

The invention according to claim 14 is the invention as claimed in claim 9 or 1
0, in the computer-readable program described above, if the query includes a non-executable specific mode, a forcible presence / absence inquiry function for inquiring the user to select whether to forcibly execute the connection mode, If the forced connection presence / absence inquiry function selects the forced connection mode, the connection operation is performed by executing the printing operation in the connection mode in a new print mode in which the specific mode, which cannot be executed only by the slave unit, is released. And causing the computer to execute the restriction function for imposing a restriction on the processing of the mode.

Therefore, if a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included when the connection mode operation is performed during the single printing operation, a new printing in which the specific mode is canceled only on the slave machine side is performed. Since the user is inquired about whether to force the connection mode to shift to the connection mode processing in the mode, the user can select whether to emphasize the productivity or the print finish, and the user can select as desired. Processing results can be obtained.

The invention according to claim 15 is the invention according to claim 9 or 1
0, the computer-readable program includes a specific mode that is not executable on the slave device side during the print mode by notifying the slave device side of the print mode specified by the print mode setting means. As a result of a query by the mode content preliminary inquiry function and the mode content preliminary inquiry function for inquiring whether or not there is no specific mode that cannot be executed, the operation of the connection mode selection unit is disabled. Causing the computer to execute the restriction function for restricting the setting of the connection mode.

Therefore, since the specific mode that cannot be executed is set on the slave machine side, if the printing process is performed in the linked mode, the same print finish cannot be obtained on the master machine side and the slave machine side. Since the user can be notified in advance before operating the connection mode selection means, useless connection mode setting operation can be avoided.

The invention of claim 16 is the invention of claim 9 or 1
0, the connection mode setting or processing restriction includes rejection of the connection mode setting, printing operation in the connection mode in which the specific mode that cannot be executed only by the slave machine is canceled, and execution of the connection mode. An inquiry as to whether or not to perform, a restriction mode selection function for previously selecting any of the inoperable mode of the connection mode selection unit,
And causing the computer to execute the restriction function that imposes restrictions on the setting or processing of the connection mode in a mode selected by the restriction mode selection function.

Therefore, when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, the user can select a countermeasure in advance when a specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included. The result can be obtained.

A computer-readable storage medium according to a seventeenth aspect stores the program according to any one of the ninth to sixteenth aspects.

Therefore, the same operations and effects as those of the inventions according to the ninth to sixteenth aspects are obtained.

According to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, there are provided storage means for storing input image data, printing means for printing an image on a print medium based on the image data, and another image forming apparatus serving as a slave machine. Connection mode selection means for instructing the setting of the connection mode for executing the print processing shared by the printer, print mode setting means for specifying the settings of various print modes related to the print processing other than the connection mode, and instructing the start of the printing operation Operation start instructing means for performing
An image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can be masters or slaves are connected to each other so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, wherein the image forming apparatus serving as the master is an operation start instructing unit in the master. After the start of the printing operation in accordance with the instruction, during the single printing operation only by the master machine, after the start of the connection mode receiving means for monitoring the presence or absence of the operation of the connection mode selecting means in the master machine and receiving the operation of the connection mode; After the start, when the operation of the connection mode is received by the connection mode receiving unit, the print mode already specified by the print mode setting unit is notified to the slave unit, and the slave unit is notified during the print mode. Mode content inquiry means for inquiring whether or not a specific mode that cannot be executed on the side is included, and this mode content inquiry As a result of the inquiry by the stage, if the specific mode that cannot be executed is not included, the connection mode is set, the image data is transferred to the slave machine side, and the single printing operation is performed by the connection printing operation unit. A printing operation switching unit that shifts to a print processing operation shared with the slave unit; and a result of an inquiry by the mode content inquiry unit, the setting or processing of the connection mode when the specific mode that cannot be executed is included. Limiting means for imposing restrictions, the other image forming apparatus serving as the slave unit determines whether or not a specific mode that cannot be executed in response to an inquiry by the mode content inquiry means is included, and A print mode diagnostic unit that responds to the master unit, and receives a notification of a shift to the connection mode from the master unit along with the connection mode setting. Kicking comprising notifying means accepting, and a printing operation starting means for starting the print processing operation is shared with the master unit by the connection printing operation means receives the transfer of image data from the master unit side.

Therefore, basically, even if a single printing operation is being performed only by the master machine after the start of the printing operation, if the connection mode selecting means is operated, the slave machine cannot execute the printing mode. If the specific mode is not included, the connection mode setting is accepted and the process shifts to the connection mode, so even if the process is started by the normal single print operation, the urgent print finish Or when a slave machine becomes available, simply perform the connection mode setting operation when necessary, without interrupting the job being executed, and continue from the single print operation to the print process in the connection mode. The operation can be shifted to the operation mode, and the connection mode can be set at any time. Therefore, the convenience of the connection mode can be maximized. On the other hand, even when the connection mode selection unit is operated, if the print mode specified at that time includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, there is a restriction on the setting or processing of the connection mode. Since it is imposed, it is possible to take measures such as not executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the print finish, or forcibly executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the productivity.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the eighteenth aspect, each image forming apparatus comprises:
A reading unit that outputs a document image as read image data is provided, and the single printing operation after the start of the printing operation in the master unit includes a reading operation of the document image by the reading unit in the master unit.

Therefore, since the connection mode can be set even during the reading operation of the original image, the flexibility of the connection mode setting time is enhanced.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, when the limiting means includes the specific mode which cannot be executed as a result of the inquiry, the connection mode Refuse to set the connection mode to impose restrictions.

Therefore, if the specified print mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, rejecting the setting of the connection mode itself causes an error such that the desired print finish is not obtained. Execution of printing as a copy can be prevented beforehand, and measures can be taken that place more emphasis on print finish rather than productivity.

According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the twentieth aspect, the restricting means displays the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed when the setting of the connection mode is rejected, on the master unit. Display on the means.

Therefore, by rejecting the setting of the connection mode, the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave device side are displayed on the display means, so that the user can specify the specific mode which hinders the execution of the connection mode on the slave device side. Can be understood, and in some cases, a more appropriate measure can be taken by, for example, changing the print mode.

According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, when the limiting unit includes the specific mode that cannot be executed as a result of the inquiry, By executing the printing operation in the connection mode in a new printing mode in which the specific mode which cannot be executed only on the side is canceled, the processing in the connection mode is restricted.

Therefore, when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, a new printing mode in which the specific mode is canceled only on the slave machine side is performed. By shifting to the connection mode processing in the mode, it is possible to take measures that emphasize productivity rather than print finish.

According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, when the image forming apparatus serving as the master machine includes a specific mode that cannot be executed as a result of an inquiry. Is a forced presence / absence inquiring means for inquiring the user whether or not to force the connection mode, and only the slave device side if the forced connection mode is selected in response to the inquiry by the forced presence / absence inquiry means The restricting means for restricting the processing in the connection mode by executing the printing operation in the connection mode in the new printing mode in which the unexecutable specific mode is canceled.

Therefore, when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, a new printing mode in which the specific mode is canceled only on the slave machine side is performed. Since the user is inquired whether to force the connection mode to shift to the connection mode processing in the mode, the user can select whether to emphasize the productivity or the print finish, and the user can select the desired mode. Processing results can be obtained.

According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, the image forming apparatus serving as the master machine sets the print mode specified by the print mode setting means to the slave machine. Mode content inquiring means for notifying the printer side and inquiring whether or not the specific mode which cannot be executed by the slave machine is included in the print mode. When the specific mode is included, the restriction means for imposing a restriction on the setting of the connection mode so that the operation of the connection mode selection means is disabled. The image forming apparatus determines whether or not a specific mode that cannot be executed in response to the inquiry by the mode content preliminary inquiry means is included, and Comprising a print-mode diagnostic means responsive to the motor unit side.

Therefore, since the specific mode that cannot be executed is set on the slave machine side, if the printing process is performed in the connection mode, the same print finish cannot be obtained on the master machine side and the slave machine side. Since the user can be notified in advance before operating the connection mode selection means, useless connection mode setting operation can be avoided.

According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the eighteenth or nineteenth aspect, the image forming apparatus serving as the master machine sets the connection mode as a restriction on the connection mode setting or processing. A rejection mode, a printing operation in a connection mode in which a specific mode that cannot be executed only by the slave machine is canceled, an inquiry as to whether or not to force the connection mode, and a restriction mode selection unit that preliminarily selects any of the operation modes of the connection mode selection unit. And the restriction means for imposing a restriction on the setting or the processing of the connection mode in a mode selected by the restriction mode selection means.

Therefore, when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, the user can select a countermeasure in advance when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included. The result can be obtained.

[0060]

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
18 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a basic configuration example and an operation example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, particularly, a basic example of a printing process in the connection mode will be described. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a plan view illustrating an operation panel in the image forming apparatus illustrated in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a liquid crystal in the operation panel illustrated in FIG. It is a top view showing a touch panel.

The image forming apparatus having a single structure shown in FIG. 1 is a digital copying machine, and a scanner SC which is a reading means for reading an image on a document and outputting it as image data.
And an electrophotographic printer PR which is a printing means for printing an image on a print medium, here a transfer paper, based on the image data, and a liquid crystal touch panel as a display means on which an operator can instruct a connection mode and various other settings The operation panel 30 includes an operation panel 30 and the like. The scanner SC mainly includes an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as ADF) 1 and a reading unit 50. The printer PR mainly includes the photoconductor 15, the writing unit 57, the developing unit 27, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharging unit 18, and the like.

The operation panel 30 shown in FIG. 2 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 31 and ten keys 3 for inputting numerical values of 0 to 9.
2. Clearing input contents and clearing to stop operation /
The liquid crystal touch panel 31 includes a stop key 33, a copy start key 34 for instructing start of a printing operation, an initial setting key 35, a mode clear key 36 for canceling a print mode setting, and the like. 37, a message indicating the number of copies, the status of the image forming apparatus, and the like are displayed.

In FIG. 3 showing the liquid crystal touch panel 31, the upper left corner indicates “Can copy” and “Please wait”.
And a message area 81 for displaying a message such as a message.
2. Automatic density key 83 for automatically adjusting the image density below it, automatic paper selection key 8 for automatically selecting the transfer paper
4. A one-to-one key 85 for setting the magnification to the same magnification, and a sort key 8 for designating a process for arranging copies one by one in a page order.
6. A stack key 87 for designating a process of sorting copies by page, a staple key 88 for designating a process of binding the sorted sheets one by one, a scaling key 89 for setting an enlargement / reduction ratio, a duplex mode, A large number of printing operations are shared by a plurality of copies using a double-sided / split key 90 for setting a split copy, a split key 91 for setting a split copy, and another image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) connected via a network or the like. A connection key 92 for setting a connection mode in which the printout is performed. The connection key 92 corresponds to a connection mode selection unit according to the present invention. The function keys 37 such as the keys 83 to 91 other than the link key 92 correspond to print mode setting means for designating various print mode settings relating to print processing other than the link mode according to the present invention. The copy start key 43 on the operation panel 30 corresponds to an operation start instruction unit according to the present invention.

The operation of copying a plurality of originals using only the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is as follows. On the scanner SC side, a document bundle placed on the document table 2 in the ADF 1 with the image side of
When the copy start key 34 on the document table 0 is pressed, the sheet feed roller 3
The paper is fed to a predetermined reading position on the contact glass 6 by the paper feeding belt 4. After the image data of the original on the contact glass 6 is read by the reading unit 50, the original that has been read is subjected to the ADF by the feed belt 4 and the discharge roller 5.
1 is discharged to the upper discharge receiving portion.

Next, when the original set detecting section 7 in the ADF 1 detects that the next original is present on the original table 2, the next original is fed onto the contact glass 6 in the same manner as the previous original. Is done. The paper feed roller 3, the paper feed belt 4, and the paper discharge roller 5 are driven by a motor (not shown).

On the printer PR side, the first tray 8, the second tray
The transfer sheets stored in the tray 9 and the third tray 10 are supplied to the first sheet feeding device 11, the second sheet feeding device 12, and the third sheet feeding device 1, respectively.
The sheets are taken out one by one by 3 and fed to a conveyance path, and are conveyed by the vertical conveyance unit 14 to a position where they contact the photoconductor 15. The image data read by the reading unit 50 is
The image written on the photoconductor 15 by the laser beam from the writing unit 57 passes through the developing unit 27 as the photoconductor 15 rotates, and the developing unit 27 forms a toner image on the photoconductor 15. Further, the toner image on the photoconductor 15 is transferred onto a transfer paper conveyed by the conveyor belt 16 at a speed equal to the rotation of the photoconductor 15. The toner image transferred on the transfer paper is
The image is fixed by the fixing unit 17. The transfer paper on which the image has been fixed is discharged by the paper discharge unit 18 to the finisher 100 which is a post-processing device.

In the finisher 100 of the post-processing apparatus, the transfer paper conveyed from the paper discharge unit 18 of the main body is transferred to either the normal discharge direction of the conveyance roller 102 or the conveyance roller 105 for performing stapling. Direction. The operation of guiding the transfer paper in each direction is performed by the switching plate 1
This is performed by switching 01 up and down. By switching the switching plate 101 upward, the transfer paper can be discharged to the normal paper discharge tray 104 via the transport roller 102 and the paper discharge roller 103.

Further, by switching the switching plate 101 downward, the transfer sheet can be transported to the staple table 108 via the transport roller 105 and the discharge roller 107. The transfer paper placed on the staple table 108 is aligned by the jogger 109 for paper alignment every time one sheet is discharged. When the copy of the transfer paper is completed for a part of the number of sheets and is placed on the staple table 108, the stapler 10
6 is activated and a part of the transfer paper group is bound.

The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 106 falls by its own weight and is stored in the discharge tray 110 for the staple completion. On the other hand, the normal discharge tray 104
Is a tray that can be moved back and forth. The discharge tray 104 is moved left and right with respect to the discharge direction each time a document is switched or each time a series of print contents rearranged when being stored in the image memory is switched. Since the placement position of the discharged transfer paper on the tray 104 changes, printed transfer paper can be easily sorted.

When performing double-sided printing for forming images on both sides of the transfer paper, the branching claw 112 for switching the path in the paper discharge unit 18 is set on the upper side, so that the paper from the respective paper feed trays 8 to 10 is set. The transfer paper that has been fed and has an image formed on its surface is not guided from the paper discharge unit 18 to the paper discharge tray 104, but is temporarily stored in the duplex paper supply unit 111. The transfer paper stored in the duplex paper supply unit 111 is
5 to transfer the toner image formed on
The paper is re-fed from the double-sided paper feeding unit 111 to the transfer unit including the photoconductor 15 and the developing unit 27. When the transfer sheet is re-fed to the transfer section, the branch claw 112 is set on the lower side.
The sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 104 when no post-processing is performed. As described above, an image can be formed on both sides of the transfer paper by using the duplex paper supply unit 111.

The photoreceptor 15, the transport belt 16, the fixing unit 17, the paper discharging unit 18, the developing unit 27 and the like are driven by a main motor (not shown). The paper feed device is driven by intermittently connecting a paper feed clutch (not shown) corresponding to the paper device and transmitting the driving force of the main motor to the paper feed device to be used.
The vertical transport unit 14 is driven by intermittently connecting an intermediate clutch (not shown) and transmitting the driving force of the main motor.

Next, the operation of the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of FIG. 3 will be described. The operator operates the liquid crystal touch panel 31
Is touched, the key indicating the selected function is inverted to black. When designating the details of a function, for example, when designating a scaling value, by touching a scaling key, a setting screen for a detailed function related to scaling is displayed. As described above, since the liquid crystal touch panel 31 uses the dot display,
The optimal display at that time can be performed graphically. The selected mode is shaded with keys.

With reference to FIG. 1, the operation of the scanner SC (image reading means) and the printer PR in this embodiment until an image is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 15 will be described in more detail. The reading unit 50 includes a contact glass 6 on which a document is placed and an optical scanning system. The scanning optical system includes an exposure lamp 51, a first mirror 52, a lens 53, a CCD image sensor 54, and the like. . The exposure lamp 51 and the first mirror 52 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 55 and the third mirror 56 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown). When reading a document image, the first carriage and the second carriage are mechanically scanned at a relative speed of 2: 1 so that the optical path length does not change. The optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 54, converted into an electric signal, and processed.

The writing section 57 includes a laser output unit 58,
The laser output unit 58 includes a laser polygonal mirror (polygon mirror) that is rotated at a constant high speed by a motor. The laser light emitted from the laser output unit 58 is deflected by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through an imaging lens 59, is turned back by a mirror 60, is condensed on the surface of the photoconductor 15, and forms an image. The deflected laser light is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the photoconductor 15 rotates, and an image signal output from a selector 64 of an image processing unit described later is applied to the photoconductor 15 in line units. To record. Photoconductor 15
By repeating the main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and the recording density, an image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the surface of the photoconductor 15.

The latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting the image into optical information and irradiating the image on the surface of the photoconductor 15. As described above, the laser beam output from the writing unit 57 is applied to the photoconductor 15. On the other hand, a beam sensor for generating a main scanning synchronization signal is arranged at a position (not shown) near one end of the photoconductor 15 where the laser beam is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal generated by the beam sensor, 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.

Next, the configuration of the image processing unit according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Exposure lamp 51
Is irradiated on the original surface, and the reflected light from the original surface is imaged on the CCD image sensor 54 by the imaging lens 53, received, and photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 54, and A / D The signal is converted into a digital signal by the converter 61. The image signal converted to a digital signal is
After the shading correction is performed by the shading correction unit 62, the image processing unit 63 performs MTF correction, γ correction, and the like. In a selector 64 to which an image signal from the image processing unit 63 or the print image data generating unit 70 is input via the print synthesizing unit 72, the destination of the image signal to the print synthesizing unit 73 or the image memory controller 65 is switched. . The image signal that has passed through the print synthesizing unit 73 and the scaling unit 71 is scaled according to the scaling ratio, and sent to the writing unit 57. The image memory controller 65 and the selector 64 are configured so that image signals can be input and output in both directions.

Although not specifically shown in FIG. 4, the image processing unit (IPU) includes image data supplied from the outside in addition to image data input from the reading unit 50 (for example, a personal computer or the like). Has a function of selecting input / output of a plurality of data so that data output from the data processing device can be processed.

The CPU 6 for setting the image memory controller 65 and the like, and controlling the reading unit 50 and the writing unit 57.
8, a ROM 69 for storing programs and data thereof,
The RAM 70 is provided as a microcomputer.
In the present embodiment, a program for realizing various functions described later is stored in the ROM 69, and the ROM 69 functions as a storage medium storing the program. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the ROM 69 is configured by, for example, an EEPROM or a flash memory, and the program stored in the ROM 69 is rewritable. However, as a storage medium, ROM
Not limited to 69, an IC card, a CD-ROM, or the like may be used. In this case, an IC card reader or a CD-ROM drive is connected to the I / O port 67 and these ICs are connected.
Read the program from the card CD-ROM,
The program in 9 may be rewritten. In addition,
The program may be downloaded via the network by using the LAN I / F 80. Further, C
The PU 68 can write and read data in the image memory 66 via the memory controller 65. Also, C
The PU 68 controls various loads via the I / O port 67 and receives signals from various sensors and the like.

Further, it is necessary to exchange commands and image data with another image forming apparatus (digital copying machine) in order to share work such as print processing. LAN I /
This is achieved by using F80.

Here, an image signal for one page in the selector 64 will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 5, / FGATE indicates an effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. / LSYNC is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. The signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid is / LGAT
E. These signals are synchronized with the pixel clock VCLK, and data of one pixel is sent for one cycle of VCLK. The image processing unit (IPU) shown in FIG. 4 has separate / FGATE and / LS for image input and output, respectively.
It has a YNC, / LGATE, and VCLK generation mechanism, and various image input / output combinations can be realized.

Next, the details of the memory controller 65 and the image memory 66 in FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG. The memory controller 65 uses the input data selector 1
21, an image synthesizing unit 122, a primary compression / expansion 123, an output data selector 124, and a secondary compression / expansion 125. Setting of control data to each block is C
This is performed by the PU 68. Note that the data lines in FIG. 6 indicate image data, and the address lines connected to the CPU 68 are not shown.

The image memory 66 as storage means comprises primary and secondary storage devices (126, 127). The primary storage device 126 is, for example, a DRA so that data writing to the memory or data reading from the memory at the time of image output can be performed at high speed substantially in synchronization with the transfer speed of the input image data.
A memory that can be accessed at high speed, such as M, is used. Also,
The primary storage device 126 has a configuration in which input and output of image data can be divided into a plurality of areas and executed simultaneously according to the size of image data to be processed. Two sets of read and write data lines are connected to the interface with the memory controller 65 so that input and output of image data can be executed in parallel in each divided area. With such a configuration, an operation of outputting (reading) an image from area 2 while inputting (writing) an image to area 1 becomes possible.

The secondary storage device 127 is a large-capacity memory for storing data for synthesizing and sorting input images. Primary and secondary storage devices 126, 1
In both cases, the use of elements that can be accessed at high speed allows data processing to be performed without discrimination between primary and secondary, and control can be made relatively simple. However, since an element such as a DRAM is expensive, the access speed to the secondary storage device 127 is not so high, but an inexpensive, large-capacity recording medium (for example, a hard disk) is used. Primary storage device 1 using elements such as DRAM
26. By employing the configuration of the image memory 66 as described above, an image forming apparatus capable of inputting / outputting, storing, and processing a large amount of image data can be realized with an inexpensive and relatively simple configuration. become.

Next, an outline of the operation of the memory controller 65 will be described. When performing image input (storage in the image memory 66), the input data selector 121 selects image data to be written into the image memory (primary storage device 126) from among a plurality of data. Input data selector 1
The image data selected by the
2, and synthesizes with the data already stored in the image memory (primary storage device 126) as needed.
The image data processed by the image synthesis unit 122 is 1
The data is compressed by the next compression / decompression unit 123, and the compressed data is written to the primary storage device 126. Primary storage device 1
The data written in 26 is further compressed by the secondary compression / decompression 125 as needed, and then stored in the secondary storage device 127. Image output (read from image memory 66)
In the case of (1), at the time of image output, the image data stored in the primary storage device 126 is read.

The image to be output is the primary storage device 126
, The primary compression / decompression unit 123 decompresses the image data in the primary storage device 126, and performs image synthesis of the decompressed data or the decompressed data and the input data. Output data selector 124
Select with and output. The image synthesizing unit 122 synthesizes the data of the primary storage device 126 with the input data (has a function of adjusting the phase of the image data), selects the output destination of the synthesized data (image output to the primary storage device 126). Write-back and simultaneous output to both output destinations). If the image to be output is not stored in the primary storage device 126, the output target image data stored in the secondary storage device 127 is expanded by the secondary compression / expansion 125, and the data after expansion is Is written to the primary storage device 126, and then an image output operation is performed.

In this embodiment, as a more specific configuration example, an example of application to an image forming system in which two digital copying machines (image forming apparatuses) are connected will be described. For example, assuming a system configuration example in which two digital copiers (PPC) are connected via a LAN I / F and connected to each other, the setting state of the apparatus, the number of documents, By transferring image data using the LAN I / F used for exchanging the number of prints and responding to a communication error, the connection is established so that bidirectional communication is possible.

An example of the processing of an image forming system using two digital copying machines will be briefly described with reference to FIG. The connection mode is set by operating the connection key 92 on the operating device = master device 160 (one digital copying machine), and the image data of the document read by the master device 160 is transferred to the master device 160 and the slave device 161 (the other digital copying machine). For example, in the electronic sort mode (a function of storing image data in a memory) in the link mode, three originals can be sorted and printed.
When the operation of performing a partial copy is performed by the master unit 160 and another slave unit 161, the copy operation is performed between the master unit 160 and one slave unit 161 to copy the original image data. The master unit 160 normally bears the original reading operation and the master unit 160 side printing operation. The actual operation is to print the image data read by the scanner SC as it is, and store the image data in a memory (storage means, specifically, the primary and secondary storage devices 1).
26, 127) 164 are performed in parallel. After the printing operation of the first copy is completed, the second copy is stored in the memory 16.
4. Read the image data from 4 and print it.
The print operation of the set is performed. The slave unit 161 stores the image data sent from the master unit 160 in a memory (storage unit) 165. After the memory storage operation,
Execute the print operation. After printing the first copy, 2
It is processed as the third and third parts.

In the example shown in FIG. 7, the designated number of print copies is shared by half between the master unit 160 and the slave unit 161. However, the allocation can be freely set and any one of them can be set. Even when the digital copying machine breaks down or is interrupted, the number of copies can be easily changed, and the remaining number of copies due to the interruption can be allocated.

The master unit 16 in such a connection mode
FIG. 8 is a basic sequence diagram showing the exchange of signals between the slave device 161 and the slave device 161. This processing control is performed for each R
It is executed by the CPU 68 (CPU in the system controller) according to the program stored in the OM 69.

First, when the connection key 92 is pressed on the master unit 160, a connection mode shift request is issued to the slave unit 161. The slave unit 161 that has received the connection mode transition request sends the connection mode transition OK to the master unit 1 if there is no print-disabled factor for its own unit.
Notify the 60 side. Upon receiving this notification, the master unit 160
Side, the various setting operations are completed, the copy start key 34
When is pressed, the copy mode is notified to the slave unit 161 and a linked copy start request is notified. Thus, both the master unit 160 and the slave unit 161 start the linked copy operation in parallel.

Thereafter, when the copy operation of the linked copy is completed, the master unit 160 notifies the slave unit 161 of the end of the linked copy. Further, when the connection key 92 is pressed in the master unit 160, a connection mode release request is notified to the slave unit 161 and a series of processing ends. In master unit 160, connection key 92 indicates connection mode OFF.

In this embodiment, in addition to the above basic configuration and basic operation, as shown in FIGS.
At 0, a function is added that enables the setting and shifting of the linked copy mode by pressing the link key 92 conditionally even after the single copy operation by only the master unit 160 is started. This processing control is also performed by each ROM
It is executed by the CPU 68 (CPU in the system controller) in accordance with the program stored in 69.

FIG. 9 shows a master unit 160 and a slave unit 161.
FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing on the master unit 160 side, and FIGS. 11 to 16 are flowcharts showing an example of corresponding processing on the receiving unit 161 side.

When the copy mode (print mode) and other conditions are set by operating the various mode keys 83 to 91 and the like as copy conditions on the master unit 160 side, when the copy start key 43 is pressed, only the own unit operates alone. Start the copy operation. Thus, the copy start key 43
After the button is pressed, the processing shown in FIG. 10 is periodically repeated. Even during such a copy operation, the master unit 16
On the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation panel 30 of No. 0, a message "Connected copying is possible" is displayed in the message area 81 as shown in FIG. Then, when the link key 92 is pressed at any time during the operation after the start of the copy operation (Y in step S1), the master unit 160 accepts the setting of the link mode by the key operation. This processing implements the post-start connection mode receiving means or the post-start connection mode reception function.

Then, a notification of the designated copy mode is transmitted to the slave unit 161 (S2), and the slave unit 161 checks whether a specific mode that cannot be executed in the copy mode is included. A request (copy mode confirmation request) is transmitted (S3). By this processing, a mode content inquiry means or a mode content inquiry function is realized.

On the other hand, on the slave unit 161 side,
When the copy mode notification is received, the received copy mode is stored as shown in FIG.
1). Further, upon receiving a copy mode confirmation request, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, a self-check is made as to whether the copy mode is executable or not (R2).
If executable (Y in R2), copy mode confirmation OK
Is notified to the master unit 160 (R3), and if a non-executable specific mode is included (N of R2), a copy mode confirmation NG is notified to the master unit 160 side (R4). At this time, the contents of the unexecutable specific mode are also notified. By these processes, a print mode diagnosis unit or a print mode diagnosis function is realized.

When such an inquiry process does not include a copy mode that cannot be executed on the slave device 161 side and a copy mode confirmation OK is notified (Y in S4), the master device 160 The connection mode transition request is notified to the slave unit 161 (S7).

The slave unit 161 that has received the connection mode shift request checks whether or not there is a non-printable factor with respect to its own unit, as shown in FIG.
For example, a self-check is performed to determine whether the printer engine for the printer PR is in a ready state (R5). If it is in the ready state (Y of R5), the master unit 160 is notified of the connection mode transition OK (R6), and the slave unit 161 is connected.
Is displayed on a standby screen (R7). This processing implements a notification receiving unit.

On the master device 160 side, the slave device 161
When the connection mode transition OK is received from the side (Y in S8),
Display the connection mode ON. Here, the connection mode is set substantially. Then, the allocation amount to the slave unit 161 in the connection mode is calculated (S9), and the image data is transferred from the memory 164 on the master unit 160 to the memory 165 on the slave unit 161 to execute the connection copy (S9). S10). In calculating the distribution amount, the number of pages to be printed and the number of pages to be printed on the master unit 160 and the number of pages and pages to be printed on the slave unit 161 are calculated based on the number of remaining prints at that time, and transferred to the slave unit 161. This is a process of calculating power image data and print contents. However, even if the master unit 160 is performing the copying operation alone, in practice, if the original image is being read by the scanner SC, the read image data is directly transmitted to the slave unit 161 without passing through the memory 164. It is also possible to transfer the image data to the memory 165 of FIG.

Thereafter, by requesting the start of linked copy from the master unit 160, the linked copy operation is started on the master unit 160 side (N in S11 and S12). That is, in the master unit 160, the processing operation is switched from the single copy operation to the linked copy operation. By this processing, a printing operation switching means or a printing operation switching function is realized.

On the other hand, in the slave unit 161, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, upon receiving the link copy start request, the link copy operation is started (R9), and a copy-in-progress screen is displayed on the operation panel (R10). This processing implements a printing operation start unit.

Thereafter, when the linked copy operation ends (Y in S12), the master unit 160 transmits a linked copy end notification to the slave unit 161 (S13). On the slave unit 161 receiving this notification, as shown in FIG.
The linked copy operation is stopped (R11), and the slave unit 161 is stopped.
Is displayed on the standby screen (R12).

Further, when the connection key 92 is pressed on the master unit 160 (Y in S14), a connection mode release request notification is transmitted to the slave unit 161 (S1).
5), a series of processing ends. In master unit 160, connection key 92 indicates connection mode OFF. On the slave device 161 side that has received this notification, as shown in FIG. 16, the slave device 161 is displayed on the normal screen (R13), thereby ending a series of processing.

Therefore, basically, if the link key 92 is operated even during the single print operation after the start of the print operation, if the copy mode is executable on the slave unit 161 side, the link mode is set. Then, the processing shifts to the connection mode processing. Therefore, even if the processing is started by the normal single printing operation, the urgent print finish or the slave machine 1
In the case where an empty space 61 is generated, the user only needs to perform the connection mode setting operation when necessary, without interrupting the job being executed, and the printing operation in the connection mode is changed from the single print operation to the print processing operation in the connection mode. Since the transition can be made and the timing of setting the connection mode can be arbitrarily set, the convenience of the connection mode can be maximized.

For example, when the single copy operation is started with the setting of 10 copies as the electronic sort mode, and the copy key is operated by operating the link key 92 when the copy of the fourth copy is completed, the remaining copy mode is set. For the six copies, the master unit 160 and the slave unit 161 can cope with three copies and output copies.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9B, in the inquiry processing of step S4, when the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave unit 161 side is included and the copy mode confirmation NG is notified, ( (N of S4, Y of S5), the master unit 160 rejects the setting of the connection mode, and displays the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed by the slave unit 161 through the liquid crystal touch panel 31 as a warning (S6). By this processing, a limiting means or a limiting function is realized.

FIG. 17B shows a display example in a case where the staple mode cannot be executed on the slave unit 161 side when the staple mode is designated as one of the copy modes. (Staple cannot be stapled because the finisher is not connected to (slave unit).) That is, if the master unit 160 starts the single print copy and then presses the link key 92, if the slave unit 161 includes a specially defined mode that cannot be executed at that time, the linked copy mode There is a restriction imposed on the setting of the linked copy mode so that the setting of the link copy mode is rejected.

Therefore, if the specified copy mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed by the slave unit 161, the setting of the connection mode itself is rejected.
It is possible to prevent the execution of printing that results in a miscopy that does not result in a desired print finish (for example, a print finish in a non-staple state in response to stapling designation). It is possible to take measures that emphasize printing finish by continuing the 160 independent processing.

Note that the master unit 160
If the link key 92 is operated during the operation after the start of the single copy operation by only the slave device 161, the slave device 161 is operated.
An example of processing control when there is a non-printable factor on the side will be described. FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram showing the exchange of signals between master device 160 and slave device 161 in such a case.

As described above, the link key 92 is depressed during the single copy operation by the master unit 160 alone (S
1Y), the connection mode transition request notification is transmitted to the slave unit 161 (S7), but the slave unit 161 performs a self-check to determine whether or not there is a printing operation disabling factor in its own unit, for example, the printer PR. If the result of the check on whether the printer engine is OK is not OK (N of R5), the master machine 160 is notified of the transfer copy transfer failure NG (R8).

The master unit 160 checks whether or not the notice of the connection copy shift NG has been received (S1).
6). When the notification of the transfer copy transfer failure is received (S16)
Y), the setting of the connection mode is rejected, and the cause of the inability to perform the connection printing is displayed through the liquid crystal touch panel 31 (S).
17). For example, a reason is displayed, such as "The transfer printing cannot be performed because the transfer paper is not set in the slave unit (slave unit)". That is, after starting the single print copy in the master unit 160, even if the link key 92 is pressed,
At that time, the slave unit 161 has a non-printing cause,
Even if it is not possible to execute the printing operation immediately,
The setting of the linked copy mode is rejected.

In this embodiment and the like, the slave device 1
The non-printing factors 61 have been described by taking as an example the case where the printer engine is not in the ready state or the case where there is no transfer paper. The general situation in which the slave device 161 cannot immediately perform another printing operation corresponds to this.

Accordingly, a typical example of the situation where the slave unit 161 cannot execute the printing process is a printing operation impossible factor such as the printer engine not being ready or the absence of the transfer paper. If the connection mode cannot be performed, the operation of the connection key 92 is enabled, but the setting of the connection mode based on the operation is refused, so that the reception / setting process for the useless connection mode can be avoided beforehand. it can. As a result, the operability related to the connection mode setting operation is improved. In particular, when the slave unit 161 is separated from the master unit 160, there is actually a printing operation impediment factor on the slave unit 161 side even though the user has instructed the transition to the connection mode. Can prevent a situation in which the single print operation is continued without executing the connection mode. Further, when the setting of the connection mode is rejected, the printing operation disable factor is displayed through the liquid crystal touch panel 31 so that the user can confirm that a cause that may hinder the execution of the connection mode has occurred on the slave device 161 side. You will know and be able to deal with that factor quickly.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same portions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted (the same applies to the following embodiments). In the present embodiment, the connection key 9
As a result of inquiring whether or not the copy mode can be executed by operating the slave device 161 on the side of the slave device 161, if a specific mode which cannot be executed is included, the slave device 161 is contrary to the case of the first embodiment. On the side of the machine 161, the processing in the connection mode is limited so that the specific mode is canceled and the copy processing in the connection mode is forced.

FIG. 19 shows a master unit 160 and a slave unit 16.
FIG. 20 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing on the master unit 160 side. The processing shown in FIG.
After pressing 3, the operation is periodically repeated. In the case where a specific mode that cannot be executed is included, the processing until a response of copy mode confirmation NG is received from the slave unit 161 is the same as that of the first embodiment (N in S4, Y in S5).

As described above, when the response of the copy mode confirmation NG is received from the slave unit 161, the contents of the NG sent together with the response, that is, a new mode in which only the specific mode which cannot be executed by the slave unit 161 is released. A notification of the copy mode is transmitted to the slave device 161 (S18). For example, as described above, if the staple mode is not executable in the specific mode, the master unit 160 sets the same as it is, but the slave 161 sets a new copy mode that does not include the staple mode. By this processing, the limiting means or the limiting function in the case of the present embodiment is realized.

Thereafter, processing necessary for printing in the linked copy mode is performed. That is, the processing after step S7 is performed in the same manner.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, if the specified copy mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed by the slave unit 161, the slave unit 161
Only the side is released from the unexecutable specific mode and set as a new copy mode, and the concatenated copy mode itself is forcibly executed.Thus, the print finish is not all as desired, but in a short printing time by using the concatenated copy mode. It is possible to take measures that emphasize the productivity that is required.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, the link key 92 is operated during the single operation only by the master unit 160,
As a result of inquiring whether the copy mode can be executed on the slave unit 161 side, if a specific mode that cannot be executed is included, the process as in the first embodiment is performed by inquiring the user. The processing in the connection mode is restricted so that the processing as in the second embodiment can be selected.

FIG. 21 shows the master unit 160 and the slave unit 16
FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing on the master unit 160 side. The process shown in FIG.
After pressing 3, the operation is periodically repeated. In the case where a specific mode that cannot be executed is included, the processing until a response of copy mode confirmation NG is received from the slave unit 161 is the same as that of the first embodiment (N in S4, Y in S5).

When the response of the copy mode confirmation NG is received from the slave unit 161 in this way, the master unit 160 responds to this response through the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation panel 30 as to whether or not to force the user to perform the linked copy mode. Is inquired (S22). FIG. 17C shows an example of an inquiry display when the staple mode is designated as one of the copy modes and the slave unit 161 cannot execute the staple mode. A stylus cannot be stapled because it is not connected "is displayed, and a function key display of" Forced connection printing "and"Don't connect printing "is displayed, and one of them can be selected. This processing implements a forced execution presence / absence inquiry means or a forced execution presence / absence inquiry function.

In response to this inquiry, there is no instruction of "force connection printing" (N in S20), and "do not perform connection printing".
Is received (Y in S21), the process is terminated without setting the connection mode as it is (master device 1).
60 alone). This processing implements the same restriction means or restriction function as in the first embodiment.

On the other hand, if there is an instruction of “force the consolidation printing” in response to the inquiry (Y in S20), a notification of a new copy mode in which only the specific mode that cannot be executed by the slave unit 161 has been canceled. Is transmitted to the slave device 161 (S18). For example, as described above, if the staple mode cannot be executed in the specific mode, the master unit 160 sets the same as it is, but the slave unit 161 sets a new copy mode that does not include the staple mode. This processing implements the same restriction means or restriction function as in the second embodiment. Subsequent processing is the same as in the second embodiment, and a description thereof will be omitted.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, if a specific mode that cannot be executed by the slave unit 161 is included when the link key 92 is operated during the single printing operation of the master unit 160, the slave unit The user is inquired as to whether the connection mode for canceling the specific mode and shifting to the processing of the connection mode only on the machine 161 side is to be forced or not to be set to the connection mode. It is possible to allow the user to select whether to give importance to the print finish as it is in the printing process, and to obtain a processing result as desired by the user. In particular, depending on the contents of the specific mode that cannot be executed, it is possible to select whether to execute the connection mode or not to execute the connection mode, and it is possible to execute the printing process with as little trouble as possible.

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In the present embodiment, when a copy mode setting operation is performed on the master device 160 side, the slave device 161 side is inquired in advance as to whether or not the copy mode includes a non-executable specific mode, A restriction is imposed on the setting of the connection mode based on the result of the inquiry.

FIG. 23 shows the master unit 160 and the slave unit 16
FIG. 24 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing on the master unit 160 side. In the present embodiment, when a copy mode setting operation is performed on the operation panel 30 of the master unit 160 (when the copy mode is changed), a notification of the copy mode is transmitted to the slave unit 161 (S31). ,
The slave device 161 transmits a request (copy mode confirmation request) for confirming whether or not a specific mode that cannot be executed in the copy mode is included (S32). By this processing, a mode content preliminary inquiry means or a mode content preliminary inquiry function is realized.

On the other hand, on the slave unit 161 side,
When the copy mode notification is received, the received copy mode is stored as described with reference to FIG. 11 (step R1). Furthermore, when a copy mode confirmation request is received,
As described with reference to FIG. 12, a self-check is made as to whether the copy mode is executable or not (R2). If it is executable (Y of R2), the copy mode confirmation OK is notified to the master unit 160 side (R3). If the specific mode that cannot be executed is included (N of R2), the copy mode confirmation NG is set to the master. To the device 160 (R
4). At this time, the contents of the unexecutable specific mode are also notified. By these processes, a print mode diagnosis unit or a print mode diagnosis function is realized.

[0129] If the slave unit 161 does not include a copy mode that cannot be executed and the copy mode confirmation is OK (Y in S33), the master unit 160 Activates the link key 92 (S35) and enables normal operation. As a result, the connection key 92 is displayed as a normal key on the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of the operation panel 30 as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 17A, so that the operation can be performed at any time.

On the other hand, a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave unit 161 side is included, and copy mode confirmation NG
Is notified (Y in S34), the connection key 92 is invalidated (S36), and the connection key 92 cannot be operated. This processing implements the restriction means or restriction function of the present embodiment. Specifically, the operation panel 3
0 in the liquid crystal touch panel 31 of FIG.
By displaying an invisible key display as shown in FIG. 5 or displaying a character portion “concatenated” at half-brightness (display at a brightness that character display is not clearly understood), Inform the user that the press is invalid. Thereby, as a user, the liquid crystal touch panel 31
Above, the pressing operation of the connection key 92 becomes impossible. As a result, the operation for setting the linked copy mode after the start of the single copy operation, that is, the receiving process in the linked copy mode is restricted so that the operation cannot be performed.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, when the master unit 161 sets the copy mode, the slave unit 16
In step 1, a query is made as to whether the copy mode can be executed or not. If a specific mode that cannot be executed is included, the link key 92 cannot be operated at that time, that is, the copy mode cannot be set. , It is possible to avoid the accepting process for the useless connection mode because the connection printing operation in the desired copy mode cannot be performed at that time, and as a result, the operability related to the connection mode setting operation is improved. .

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, when the initial setting key 35 (see FIG. 3A) is pressed on the operation panel 30, one of the initial setting screens is displayed as the "operation during transition to the connection mode during copying" as shown in FIG. A "setting" screen 93 is displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 31, and four modes can be selected and set in advance as the operation at the time of shifting to the connection mode during copying. The display of the screen 93 implements a restriction mode selection means or a restriction mode selection function. Here, four modes that can be selected include “do not perform linked printing when the slave unit (slave unit) execution impossible mode is set”, “cancel the slave unit (slave unit) execution impossible mode and perform linked printing”, and “link printing”. Is inquired whether or not to force the connection "," the connection mode cannot be selected when the slave unit (slave unit) execution impossible mode is set ", and each corresponds to the restriction processing in the first to fourth embodiments. .

In the mode initially set through the screen 93, the restriction processing in any of the first to fourth embodiments is imposed. In order to realize this, the setting selected on the “operation setting at the time of shifting to the connection mode during copying” screen 93 in FIG.
0, immediately after the determination in steps S5 and S34 of “copy mode confirmation NG received?” In each of the flowcharts shown in FIGS. If "No linked printing is set when the non-executable mode is set" is set, step S6 in FIG.
In the case where “cancel the slave unit (slave unit) execution disabled mode and perform linked printing” is set in FIG.
If “Inquire whether to force connection printing” is set in FIG. 27 to step S18 in FIG. 27, the process proceeds to step S19 in FIG. 22 and “slave unit (slave unit) execution in FIG. The connection mode cannot be selected when the disable mode is set. "
If has been set, processing may be performed to branch to step S36 in FIG.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a countermeasure in a case where a specific mode which cannot be executed by the slave unit 161 when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation by only the master unit 160 is included. Can be selected by the user in advance, so that the processing result desired by the user can be obtained.

In these embodiments, an example of application to an image forming system using two digital copying machines has been described, but a system configuration using three or more digital copying machines (image forming apparatuses) is described. The case is also applicable.

For example, FIG. 27 shows a case where a plurality (for example, 8
1 is a conceptual diagram showing an image forming system configured by interconnecting image forming apparatuses by a network such as a LAN using a communication protocol such as Ethernet. An outline of a processing control example in a certain master machine in this case will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. The process shown in FIG. 28 is periodically repeated after the copy start key 43 is pressed. In this case, since a LAN is established by Ethernet or the like, and a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected to the LAN, the IP address (T
(When CP / IP is used).

When the link key is pressed in a certain image forming apparatus as a master machine (Y in S41), an inquiry as to whether or not to shift to the link mode is transmitted to the registered image forming apparatus (Y in S42, S43). ), A list of the devices for which the response to the connection mode transition is OK in response to the inquiry is displayed as candidate slave devices (S44). Thus, when the user selects and operates a device to be connected as a slave device (Y in S48), a notification of the set copy mode is transmitted to the device (slave device) (S49). Then, a copy mode confirmation request is made as to whether the copy mode can be executed by the device (slave unit) (S50). When the copy mode confirmation OK is received (Y in S51), a connection mode shift request is transmitted to the device (slave device) (S5).
2) Calculate the distribution amount to the slave units (S53), and transmit necessary data to the selected slave units (S5).
4) The linked printing operation is started (N in S55 and S56). Thereafter, when the printing operation for the allocated unit ends (Y in S56), the master unit transmits a linked copy end notification to the slave unit (S57). Further, when the connection key is pressed on the master unit (Y in S58), a connection mode release request notification is transmitted to the slave unit (S5).
9), a series of processing ends.

On the other hand, with respect to the device which has responded to the connection mode transition NG, the device is displayed together with the cause of the NG, and the selection is prohibited (S45). Even if a predetermined time has passed after the inquiry about whether or not the connection mode can be entered (Y in S43), the device that has not responded is regarded as being powered off, and the device is marked with a power-off mark. The selection is prohibited by displaying it (S4
6).

Further, in response to the inquiry, the connection mode shift O
If there is no K device (N in S47), a connection mode disable display is performed (S60).

Further, in response to the copy mode confirmation request,
When the copy mode confirmation NG is received (Y in S61), a warning is displayed to the effect that an unexecutable mode is set in the device (slave device) (S62).

In this example, the status of each device on the network is checked after the connection key is pressed. However, the status inquiry to each device is periodically performed, and the connection is checked. It is also possible to immediately display the device status (S44 to S46) when the key is pressed.

Further, in these embodiments, the example of the electrophotographic system has been described as the printer PR serving as a printing unit. It may print on a print medium such as paper. Furthermore, although the description has been given of the example of the image forming apparatus including the scanner SC, the image forming apparatus may be a single printer PR.

[0143]

According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, basically, the connection mode selecting means is operated even during the single printing operation by only the image forming apparatus after the start of the printing operation. In this case, if the print mode does not include a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side, the connection mode setting is accepted and the process proceeds to the connection mode. Even if you start the job immediately, if the urgent print finish is premature or the slave machine is vacant, you only need to set the connection mode when necessary, Without interrupting the operation, it is possible to shift from the single print operation to the print processing operation in the connection mode, and the timing of setting the connection mode may be arbitrarily set. On the other hand, even when the connection mode selection unit is operated, if the print mode specified at that time includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, the connection mode is set or processed. Since restrictions are imposed, it is possible to take measures such as not executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the print finish, or forcing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the productivity.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, since the connection mode can be set even during the reading operation of the original image, the flexibility of the connection mode setting time can be improved. Can be enhanced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, if the designated print mode includes a specific mode which cannot be executed by the slave machine, the connection is established. Since the mode setting itself is rejected, it is possible to prevent the execution of erroneous printing that does not result in the desired printing finish, and to reduce the printing finish by the single processing of the master machine rather than the productivity. You can take a response that emphasizes

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, when the setting of the connection mode is refused, the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave device side are displayed on the display means. Thus, the user can know the specific mode that hinders the execution of the connection mode on the slave device side, and in some cases, can change the print mode to take more appropriate measures.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect further includes a specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave device side when the connection mode operation is performed during the single printing operation. In this case, only the slave unit is switched to the connection mode processing in the new print mode in which the specific mode has been released. Can be taken.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect further includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation. If this is the case, the user is asked whether to force the connection mode to shift to the connection mode processing in the new print mode in which the specific mode has been released only on the slave machine side. It is possible to allow the user to select whether to perform printing or to give importance to the print finish, and to obtain a processing result desired by the user.

According to the seventh aspect of the invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, since the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave device side is set, the printing process in the connection mode is performed. It is possible to notify the user in advance that the same print finish cannot be obtained on the master machine side and the slave machine side before operating the connection mode selection means, thereby avoiding unnecessary connection mode setting operations. can do.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave machine side when the connection mode operation is performed during the single printing operation is included. In this case, the user can select a countermeasure in advance, so that a processing result desired by the user can be obtained.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, basically, when the connection mode selecting means is operated even during the single printing operation only by the image forming apparatus after the start of the printing operation. If the print mode does not include a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, the connection mode setting is accepted and the process proceeds to the connection mode, so the process is started by a normal single print operation. Even in such a case, in the event of an urgent premature print finish or a vacant slave machine, simply execute the connection mode setting operation when necessary and interrupt the running job. Instead, it is possible to shift from the single print operation to the print processing operation in the connection mode as it is, and the timing of setting the connection mode may be arbitrary, so that the convenience of the connection mode can be maximized. On the other hand, even if the connection mode selection unit is operated, if the print mode specified at that time includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, the connection mode setting or processing is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to take measures such as not executing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the print finish, or forcing the processing in the connection mode in order to emphasize the productivity.

According to the tenth aspect, the ninth aspect is provided.
In the described program, the connection mode can be set even during the reading operation of the document image, so that the flexibility of the connection mode setting time can be increased.

According to the eleventh aspect, according to the ninth aspect,
Or, in the program according to 10, when the specified print mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, the setting of the connection mode itself is rejected, so that the desired print finish can be obtained. It is possible to prevent the execution of printing that results in a miscopy that does not occur, and it is possible to take measures that place more importance on the print finish by the single processing of the master machine than on the productivity.

According to the twelfth aspect, according to the first aspect,
In the program according to the first aspect, when the setting of the connection mode is refused, the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave device side are displayed on the display means, so that the user has difficulty in executing the connection mode on the slave device side. It is possible to know what the specific mode is, and in some cases, it is possible to more appropriately cope with it by changing the print mode.

According to the thirteenth aspect, according to the ninth aspect,
Or, in the program according to 10, when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included when the connection mode operation is performed during the single printing operation, the specific mode is canceled only on the slave device side. Since the processing is shifted to the connection mode processing in the appropriate printing mode, it is possible to take measures that place more importance on productivity by executing the connection mode than on the print finish.

According to the fourteenth aspect, according to the ninth aspect,
Or, in the program according to 10, when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included when the connection mode operation is performed during the single printing operation, the specific mode is canceled only on the slave device side. The user is asked whether to force the connection mode to be shifted to the connection mode processing in the simple print mode, so that the user can select whether to emphasize the productivity or the print finish, and A desired processing result can be obtained.

According to the fifteenth aspect, according to the ninth aspect,
Or, in the program described in 10, since the specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is set, if the printing process is performed in the connection mode, the same print finish cannot be obtained on the master machine side and the slave machine side. This can be notified to the user in advance before operating the connection mode selection means, so that useless connection mode setting operation can be avoided.

According to the sixteenth aspect, according to the ninth aspect,
Alternatively, in the program according to 10, since the user can select in advance a countermeasure in a case where a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, Can be obtained.

According to the seventeenth aspect, according to the ninth aspect,
The same effects as those of the inventions described in (16) to (16) are obtained.

According to the image forming system of the present invention, basically, when the connection mode selecting means is operated even during the single printing operation by only the master machine after the start of the printing operation. If the print mode does not include a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, the connection mode setting is accepted and the process proceeds to the connection mode, so the process is started by a normal single print operation. Even if
Then, in the event of an urgent premature print finish or when a slave machine becomes vacant, simply perform the connection mode setting operation when necessary, without interrupting the running job. Since it is possible to shift from the single print operation to the print processing operation in the connection mode, and to set the connection mode at any time, it is possible to maximize the convenience of the connection mode while operating the connection mode selection unit. Even in this case, if the print mode specified at that time includes a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave machine side, restrictions are imposed on the setting or processing of the connection mode. For example, it is possible to take measures such as not executing the process in the connection mode to execute the process, or forcing the process in the connection mode to emphasize the productivity.

According to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect
In the image forming system described in Item 8, since the connection mode can be set even during the reading operation of the original image, the flexibility of the connection mode setting time can be increased.

According to the twentieth aspect, according to the first aspect,
In the image forming system described in Item 8 or 19, if the specified print mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed by the slave machine, the setting of the connection mode itself is rejected, so that the desired mode is set. It is possible to prevent the execution of printing that results in erroneous copying that does not result in a print finish, and it is possible to take measures that emphasize the print finish by the single processing of the master machine rather than the productivity.

According to the twenty-first aspect, the second aspect is provided.
0, the contents of the specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side are displayed on the operation panel in rejecting the setting of the connection mode, so that the user can execute the connection mode on the slave device side. It is possible to know what the specific mode is, which can be a hindrance, and in some cases, it is possible to cope more appropriately by changing the print mode.

According to the twenty-second aspect, the first aspect is provided.
20. In the image forming system according to 8 or 19, when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, the specific mode is set only on the slave device side. Since the process is shifted to the connection mode processing in the released new print mode, it is possible to take a measure that emphasizes the productivity by executing the connection mode rather than the print finish.

According to the twenty-third aspect, the first aspect is provided.
20. In the image forming system according to 8 or 19, when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included when the connection mode is operated during the single printing operation, the specific mode is set only on the slave device side. Since the user is asked whether to force the connection mode to shift to the connection mode processing in the released new print mode,
The user can select whether to emphasize the productivity or the print finish, and a processing result desired by the user can be obtained.

According to the invention of claim 24, claim 1 is
In the image forming system described in 8 or 19, since a specific mode that cannot be executed is set on the slave machine side, if the printing process is performed in the linked mode, the same print finish is obtained on the master machine side and the slave machine side. Since it is possible to notify the user in advance that the connection mode cannot be obtained, before operating the connection mode selection means, it is possible to avoid an unnecessary connection mode setting operation beforehand.

According to the twenty-fifth aspect, the first aspect is provided.
In the image forming system according to Item 8 or 19, the user can select in advance a countermeasure when a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included when the connection mode operation is performed during the single printing operation. The processing result desired by the user can be obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an operation panel in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a liquid crystal touch panel in the operation panel shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image processing unit (an image reading unit and an image writing unit).

FIG. 5 is a timing chart illustrating an image signal for one page in a selector.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a memory controller and an image memory.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example of electronic sorting in a linked copy mode.

FIG. 8 is a basic sequence diagram showing signal transmission and reception in a connection mode process and the like.

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating signal transmission and reception such as a connection mode process characteristic of the present embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing control on the master device side.

FIG. 11 is a schematic flowchart illustrating an example of a process when a slave device receives a copy mode notification.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing when a slave device receives a copy mode confirmation request.

FIG. 13 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a processing example when a connection mode request is received on the slave device side.

FIG. 14 is a schematic flowchart showing a processing example when a slave apparatus receives a linked copy start request.

FIG. 15 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a processing example when a linked copy end notification is received on the slave device side.

FIG. 16 is a schematic flowchart illustrating a processing example when a connection mode release request is received on the slave device side.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing various display examples of the liquid crystal touch panel.

FIG. 18 is a sequence diagram illustrating signal transmission / reception when there is a print disable factor.

FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic flowchart showing connection key display control in the master machine.

FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram illustrating signal transmission and reception such as connection mode processing according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing control on the master device side.

FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram illustrating signal transmission and reception such as connection mode processing according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing control on the master machine side.

FIG. 25 is a plan view showing a display example of the liquid crystal touch panel.

FIG. 26 is a plan view showing a display example of the liquid crystal touch panel according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a system connection diagram showing a system configuration example in which a plurality of digital copying machines are connected.

FIG. 28 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of processing control on the master device side.

[Explanation of symbols]

 30 display means 66 storage means 43 operation start instructing means 83 to 91 print mode setting means 92 linked print mode selection means 160 master machine, image forming apparatus 161 slave machine, image forming apparatus SC reading means PR printing means

Continued on the front page F-term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP04 AQ04 AQ05 AQ06 AR03 AS02 HH09 HJ08 HK11 HN04 HN16 HQ13 HQ19 HV09 HV10 HV13 HV14 HV32 HV44 HV50 HX10 2C087 AA18 AB08 AC05 AC07 AC10 BB10 CB10 BC07 AC05 AC07 AC08 AE11 CD06 5B021 AA01 EE02 5C062 AA05 AA35 AB30 AB38 AB53 AC43 AC56 BA04

Claims (25)

[Claims] A storage unit configured to store input image data; a printing unit configured to print an image on a print medium based on the image data; and transferring the image data to another image forming apparatus serving as a slave machine. Linked printing operation means for sharing the printing process with the slave machine and executing the linked printing process; linked mode selecting means for instructing setting of a linked mode for executing the shared printing process by the linked printing operation means; Print mode setting means for designating various print modes related to the print processing, operation start instruction means for instructing the start of a print operation, and the image forming apparatus after the start of the print operation in accordance with the instruction of the operation start instruction means During the single printing operation only by the user, the presence or absence of an operation of the connection mode selection means is monitored, and after the start of receiving the operation of the connection mode, the connection And receiving the operation of the connection mode by the connection mode receiving means after the start, and notifying the slave machine side of the print mode already specified by the print mode setting means, and setting the print mode to the slave mode. A mode content inquiring unit for inquiring whether or not a specific mode that cannot be executed on the slave device side is included therein; as a result of the inquiry by the mode content inquiring unit, when the specific mode that cannot be executed is not included, A printing operation switching means for setting the connection mode, transferring the image data to the slave machine side, and shifting from the single printing operation to a printing processing operation shared with the slave machine by the connection printing operation means, As a result of the inquiry by the mode content inquiry means, if the specific mode that cannot be executed is included, Teimata image forming apparatus comprising a limiting means for imposing restrictions on processing, the. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: reading means for reading a document image as read image data, wherein the single printing operation after the start of the printing operation includes a reading operation of the document image by the reading means. Image forming apparatus. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the restricting unit restricts the setting of the connection mode by rejecting the setting of the connection mode. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the restricting unit causes the display unit to display the contents of the specific mode that cannot be executed when the setting of the connection mode is rejected. 5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said restricting means restricts processing in said connection mode by executing a printing operation in said connection mode in a new print mode in which said specific mode, which cannot be executed only on said slave machine side, has been canceled. Item 3. The image forming apparatus according to Item 1 or 2. 6. If the result of the inquiry includes a specific mode that cannot be executed, there is a forced presence / absence inquiry means for inquiring the user whether or not to force the connection mode. Causes a print operation in the connection mode to be executed in a new print mode in which the specific mode, which cannot be executed only by the slave unit, is canceled when a selection to force the connection mode is made in response to the inquiry by the force presence / absence inquiry means. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a restriction is imposed on processing in the connection mode. 7. The slave mode is notified of the print mode designated by the print mode setting means, and whether or not the print mode includes the specific mode which cannot be executed by the slave machine is determined. The mode content pre-inquiry means for inquiring, the limiting means, as a result of the query by the mode content pre-inquiry means, when the specific mode which cannot be executed is included, the operation of the connection mode selection means is disabled. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a restriction is imposed on the setting of the connection mode. 8. The connection mode setting or processing restriction includes a rejection of the connection mode setting, a printing operation in a connection mode in which a specific mode that cannot be executed only on the slave machine side is canceled, and whether or not to execute the connection mode. Inquiry, there is provided a restriction mode selection unit for preliminarily selecting any one of operation inoperability of the connection mode selection unit, wherein the restriction unit restricts the setting or processing of the connection mode in a mode selected by the restriction mode selection unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is imposed. 9. A shared printing process by a storage unit for storing input image data, a printing unit for printing an image on a print medium based on the image data, and another image forming apparatus serving as a slave machine. Connection mode selection means for instructing setting of a connection mode to be executed, print mode setting means for specifying various print mode settings relating to print processing other than the connection mode, and operation start instruction means for instructing start of a printing operation; The image forming apparatus is installed in a computer provided with the image forming apparatus, and when the connection mode is set by the connection mode selection unit, the image processing apparatus transfers the image data to the slave device side to perform printing processing on the slave device. A linked printing operation function to be shared and executed by the machine, and a printing operation by the operation start instruction means. A post-start connection mode receiving function for monitoring the presence or absence of an operation of the connection mode selecting means during the single printing operation only by the image forming apparatus after the start and receiving the connection mode operation; When the operation of the connection mode is received, the print mode already specified by the print mode setting unit is notified to the slave machine side, and a specific mode which cannot be executed on the slave machine side is included in the print mode. A mode content inquiring function for inquiring whether or not the mode is inquired. As a result of the inquiry by the mode content inquiring function, if the unexecutable specific mode is not included, the connection mode is set and the image data is set to the slave device. Transfer from the single print operation to the print processing operation shared with the slave machine by the linked print operation function. A print operation switching function to be executed, and a restriction function for imposing a restriction on the connection mode setting or processing when the specific mode that cannot be executed is included as a result of the inquiry by the mode content inquiry function. Computer readable program. 10. The printing operation according to claim 9, wherein the single printing operation after the start of the printing operation includes a reading operation of a document image provided by the image forming apparatus, the reading unit outputting the document image as read image data. Computer readable program. 11. The computer-readable program according to claim 9, wherein the computer executes the restriction function of restricting the setting of the connection mode by rejecting the setting of the connection mode. 12. The computer according to claim 1, wherein when the setting of the connection mode is rejected, the computer executes the restriction function of displaying the contents of the specific mode that cannot be executed on the display unit.
The computer-readable program according to claim 1. 13. The computer according to claim 11, wherein said computer executes the restriction function for imposing a restriction on the processing in the connection mode by executing a printing operation in the connection mode in a new print mode in which the specific mode, which cannot be executed only by the slave unit, is released. The computer-readable program according to claim 9 or 10, which is executed by a computer. 14. As a result of the inquiry, when a specific mode that cannot be executed is included, a forcible presence / absence inquiry function for inquiring the user whether or not to forcibly execute the connection mode, and a forcible presence / absence inquiry function When the forced execution of the connection mode is selected, the printing operation in the connection mode is executed in the new printing mode in which the specific mode, which cannot be executed only by the slave unit, is released, thereby restricting the processing in the connection mode. The computer-readable program according to claim 9, wherein the program causes the computer to execute: 15. The print mode specified by the print mode setting means is notified to the slave unit, and an inquiry is made as to whether or not the print mode includes a specific mode that cannot be executed by the slave unit. A mode content pre-inquiry function, and setting of the connection mode so that the operation of the connection mode selection unit is disabled when the specific mode that cannot be executed is included as a result of the query by the mode content pre-inquiry function The computer-readable program according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the computer executes the restriction function that imposes a restriction on the computer. 16. The connection mode setting or the processing restriction includes a rejection of the connection mode setting, a printing operation in a connection mode in which a specific mode which cannot be executed only on the slave machine side is canceled, and whether or not to execute the connection mode. Inquiry, a restriction mode selection function for preliminarily selecting any one of the inoperable mode of the connection mode selection unit, and the restriction function for imposing a restriction on the setting or processing of the connection mode in a mode selected by the restriction mode selection function. The computer-readable program according to claim 9 or 10, which is executed by the computer. 17. A computer-readable storage medium in which the program according to claim 9 is stored. 18. A shared printing process by a storage unit for storing input image data, a printing unit for printing an image on a print medium based on the image data, and another image forming apparatus serving as a slave machine. Connection mode selection means for instructing the setting of a connection mode to be executed, print mode setting means for specifying various print mode settings relating to print processing other than the connection mode, and operation start instruction means for instructing start of a printing operation; And an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses that can be mutually a master machine or a slave machine are connected so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, wherein the image forming apparatus serving as the master machine is the master machine. After the printing operation is started according to the instruction of the operation start instructing means, during the single printing operation only by the master machine, the connection mode in the master machine is performed. A post-start connection mode receiving means for monitoring the presence / absence of an operation of the node selection means and receiving the connection mode operation, and the print mode setting means when the connection mode operation is received by the connection mode reception means after the start. Mode content inquiry means for notifying the slave machine side of the print mode already specified and inquiring whether or not the print mode includes a specific mode which cannot be executed by the slave machine side; As a result of the inquiry by the inquiry means, if the specific mode that cannot be executed is not included, the connection mode is set, the image data is transferred to the slave machine side, and the single printing operation is performed by the connection printing operation means. A print operation switching unit for shifting to a print processing operation shared with the slave unit; and a mode content inquiring unit. As a result of the combination, when the unexecutable specific mode is included, a restriction unit that imposes a restriction on the setting or processing of the connection mode; and the other image forming apparatus serving as the slave device includes: A print mode diagnosis unit that determines whether or not a specific mode that cannot be executed is included in the inquiry by the mode content inquiry unit and responds to the master unit side; Notification receiving means for receiving a notification of the transition to the connected mode, and a printing operation for receiving a transfer of image data from the master unit and starting a print processing operation shared with the master unit by the connected printing unit. An image forming system comprising: a start unit. 19. Each image forming apparatus has a reading unit that reads a document image and outputs the read image data, and during a single printing operation after the start of the printing operation in the master machine, 19. The image forming system according to claim 18, wherein the image forming system includes a reading operation of the document image by the reading unit. 20. The method according to claim 18, wherein, if the result of the inquiry includes the unexecutable specific mode, the restriction unit rejects the setting of the connection mode, thereby imposing a restriction on the setting of the connection mode. Or the image forming system according to 19. 21. The image forming system according to claim 20, wherein the restricting unit causes the display unit of the master unit to display the contents of the specific mode which cannot be executed when the setting of the connection mode is rejected. 22. When the result of the inquiry includes the specific mode that cannot be executed as a result of the inquiry, the restricting unit performs the connection in a new print mode in which the specific mode that cannot be executed only on the slave side is released. 20. The image forming system according to claim 18, wherein a printing operation in the mode is executed to limit processing in the connection mode. 23. When the image forming apparatus serving as the master machine includes a specific mode that cannot be executed as a result of the inquiry, the image forming apparatus inquires of the user whether or not to force the connection mode. Printing in the connection mode in a new printing mode in which the specific mode, which cannot be executed only by the slave machine side, is selected when the connection mode is forcedly selected in response to the inquiry by the forced execution presence / absence inquiry means. 20. The image forming system according to claim 18, further comprising: the restricting unit that restricts processing in the connection mode by executing an operation. 24. The image forming apparatus serving as the master machine notifies the slave machine of the print mode specified by the print mode setting means, and the slave machine cannot execute the print mode during the print mode. A mode content preliminary inquiry means for inquiring whether or not the specific mode is included; and a result of the inquiry by the mode content preliminary inquiry means, wherein the unexecutable specific mode includes the connection mode selection means. The restriction means for imposing a restriction on the setting of the connection mode so that the operation is disabled. The other image forming apparatus serving as the slave device is incapable of executing the inquiry by the mode content preliminary inquiry means. 20. The printing apparatus according to claim 18, further comprising a print mode diagnosis unit that determines whether or not a specific mode is included and responds to the master unit. Imaging systems. 25. The image forming apparatus serving as the master machine, wherein the setting of the connection mode or the restriction on processing includes rejection of the connection mode setting, and printing in the connection mode in which the specific mode that cannot be executed only by the slave machine is canceled. An operation, an inquiry as to whether or not to force the connection mode, a restriction mode selection means for preliminarily selecting any of the operation modes of the connection mode selection module, and setting of the connection mode in the mode selected by the restriction mode selection module or 20. The image forming system according to claim 18, further comprising: the restricting unit that restricts a process.