JP2003198781A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To transfer residual copy jobs to the other copying machine when an error breaks out in one copying machine in cascade copying. <P>SOLUTION: In cascade copying, when an error such as JAM occurs in a copying machine of a destination receiving copy data, and it is judged that its error processing is not performed for a fixed period, data of the number of residual copies are transferred and outputted to a third copying machine. Furthermore, when an error occurs in a copying machine on a receiving side in the middle of cascade copy by two copying machine, e.g. data of the number of sheets, etc., which become information of the number of residual copies, etc., are transmitted to the copying machine of a transmission destination, and the copying machine of a transmission source reads image data from a memory to output the number of residual copies. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a control method for performing a copy operation in a plurality of copying machines connected to a network.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, there is known a function called double copy in which an image read from a scanning device of one copying machine is divided into a plurality of copying machines to perform a copying operation.

For example, when an attempt is made to make a copy of 10 copies with two copying machines, one copy can print 5 copies and the other copy can print 5 copies. In this case, printing is performed at almost double speed.

[0004]

At present, a plurality of copying machines connected to the network perform copy operation, and when an error occurs at a remote destination, nothing is done and the error processing is waited.

Especially when the remote destination is far, the delay due to the error becomes very large.

[0006]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a first scanning device for reading a document and a first scanning device for storing a scanned image.
And a first printing device that prints the stored image data, and a first communication unit that communicates with another device via a network, and a first image forming device. , A second scanning device for reading a document, a second data storage device for storing a scanned image, a second printing device for printing the stored image data, and communication with other devices via a network. A second image forming apparatus, and the first and second image forming apparatuses include the first and second image forming apparatuses.
And a second control unit that uses the first control unit to communicate the image data stored in the first data storage device of the first image forming apparatus with the first control unit that performs network communication by the second communication unit. In the second image forming apparatus and the second image forming apparatus receives the image data sent from the first image forming apparatus using the first control means. First receiving means, and second transmitting means for transmitting the remaining number information to the first image forming apparatus using the first control means when an error occurs in the second image forming apparatus, In the first image forming apparatus, a second receiving unit that receives the remaining number information sent back from the second image forming apparatus by using the first control unit and a second receiving unit are provided. Copy copy received Second control means for printing the image data stored in the first data storage device by the first printing device, the third scanning device for reading the original, and the scanned image. A third data storage device for storing the stored image data, a third printing device for printing the stored image data, and a third communication means for communicating with another device via a network. Image forming apparatus, a fourth scanning device for reading a document, a fourth data storage device for storing a scanned image, a fourth printing device for printing the stored image data, another device and a network. A fourth image forming apparatus configured by a fourth communication unit that communicates via the printer, a fifth scanning apparatus that reads a document,
A fifth data storage device for storing the scanned image;
A fifth printing apparatus for printing the stored image data and a fifth printing apparatus for communicating with other devices via a network.
A fifth image forming apparatus including:
The third, fourth, and fifth image forming apparatuses perform network communication by the third, fourth, and fifth communication means, and third.
And the image data stored in the third data storage device of the third image forming apparatus is transmitted to the fourth or fifth image forming apparatus using the third control means. And third receiving means for receiving the image data sent from the third image forming apparatus by using the third control means in the fourth image forming apparatus. A sixth data storage device for storing the image data received by the third receiving device and a fifth image forming device, wherein the third image forming device is used by using the third control device. An error occurs in the fourth receiving means for receiving the sent image data, the seventh data storage device for storing the image data received by the fourth receiving means, and the fourth image forming apparatus. Before when it occurred In the fifth image forming apparatus, a fourth transmitting means for transmitting the remaining image data stored in the sixth data storage device to the fifth image forming apparatus by using the third control means. A fourth control means for printing the remaining image data of the copy job received by the fourth receiving means and stored in the seventh data storage device by the fifth printing device. .

[0007]

1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The reader unit 1 reads an image of a document and outputs image data corresponding to the document image to the printer unit 2 and the image input / output control unit 3.

The printer unit 2 records an image on the recording paper according to the image data from the reader unit 1 and the image input / output control unit 3. The image input / output control unit 3 is connected to the reader unit 1 and includes a facsimile unit 4, a file unit 5, a network interface unit 7, a LIPS formatter unit 8, a Postscript formatter unit 9, a core unit 10, and the like.

The facsimile section 4 expands the compressed image data received via the telephone line, transfers the expanded image data to the core section 10, and compresses the image data transferred from the core section 10. , Compressed compressed image data is transmitted via a telephone line.

A magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 is connected to the file unit 5, and the file unit 5 is the core unit 1.
The image data transferred from 0 is compressed and stored in the magneto-optical disk set in the magneto-optical disk drive unit 6 together with the keyword for searching the image data.

Further, the file unit 5 searches the compressed image data stored in the magneto-optical disk based on the keyword transferred via the core unit 10, reads out the searched compressed image data, decompresses it, and decompresses it. The created image data is transferred to the core unit 10.

The network interface section 7 is a host computer according to the present invention, that is, a personal computer or a workstation (PC / WS) 1.
1 is an interface between the core unit 10.

Further, it also serves as an interface between another digital copying machine 13 which is also network-connected and the core section 10.

The print data is received from the host computer according to the present invention via the network interface 7.

Reference numeral 12 is a network server, which is the center of network control. The print data from the host computer according to the present invention, such as PDL data, is
In some cases, the data may flow from the PC / WS 11 to the network interface unit 7 of the copying machine through 12.

The formatter units 8 and 9 expand the PDL data transferred from the PC / WS 11 into image data which can be recorded by the printer unit 2. Although the core unit 10 will be described later, the core unit 10 controls the flow of data among the reader unit I, the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, the network interface unit 7, and the formatter units 8 and 9.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention. Reference numeral 100 is a copying apparatus main body and 180 is a recycle automatic document feeder (RDF). The reader unit 1 in FIG. 1 is the printer unit 2 in FIG.
Corresponds to 110 to 163 in FIG.

In FIG. 2, 101 is a platen glass as a document placing table, 102 is a scanner, which is composed of a document illumination lamp 103, a scanning mirror 104 and the like. The scanner is reciprocally scanned in a predetermined direction by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light of the original is transmitted through the lens 108 through the scanning mirrors 104 to 106 to form an image on the CCD sensor 109.

Reference numeral 107 denotes an exposure control section composed of a laser, a polygon scanner, etc., which is a laser beam converted into an electric signal by the image sensor section 109 and modulated on the basis of an image signal subjected to a predetermined image processing described later. The photosensitive drum 110 is irradiated with 129.

Around the photosensitive drum 110, a primary charging device 112, a developing device 121, a transfer charging device 118, a cleaning device 116, and a pre-exposure lamp 114 are installed. In the image forming unit 126, the photoconductor drum 110 is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure by a motor (not shown), and after being charged to a desired potential by the primary charger 112, the laser from the exposure controller 120 The light 129 is irradiated to form an electrostatic latent image.

The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 110 is developed by the developing device 121 and visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, the transfer paper fed from the upper cassette 131 or the lower cassette 132 by the pickup rollers 133 and 134 is sent to the main body by the paper feed rollers 135 and 136, and is fed to the transfer belt by the registration roller 137. The visualized toner image is transferred to the transfer charger 1.
It is transferred to the transfer paper by 18. After the transfer, the cleaner device 116 cleans the residual toner from the photosensitive drum, and the pre-exposure lamp 114 erases the residual charge.

The transfer sheet after transfer is separated from the transfer belt 130, the toner image is recharged by the pre-fixing chargers 139 and 140, and the toner image is sent to the fixer 141 and fixed by pressing and heating, and the discharge roller 142. Are discharged to the outside of the main body 100.

Reference numeral 138 denotes an adsorption charger that adsorbs the transfer paper sent from the registration roller to the transfer belt 130.
139 is used to rotate the transfer belt 130, and at the same time, is paired with the adsorption charger 138 to transfer the transfer belt 130.
Is a transfer belt roller that attracts and charges the transfer paper.

The main body 100 is equipped with a deck 150 capable of accommodating, for example, 4000 sheets of transfer paper. The lifter 151 of the deck 150 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the paper feed roller 152. Also, a multi-manual feed 15 capable of accommodating 100 sheets of transfer paper
Equipped with 3.

Further, in FIG. 2, reference numeral 154 denotes a paper discharge flapper, which switches the path between the double-sided recording side or the multiple recording side and the paper discharge side. The transfer paper sent from the paper discharge roller 142 is switched to the double-sided recording side or the multiplex recording side by the paper discharge flapper 154.

Reference numeral 157 denotes a multiple flapper that switches between double-sided recording and multiple recording paths. By tilting this to the left, the transfer paper is directly guided to the lower transport path 158 without passing through the reversing path 155.

Reference numeral 159 is a paper feed roller for feeding the transfer paper to the photosensitive drum 126 side through the path 160. 161
Is a discharge roller which is arranged near the discharge flapper 154 and discharges the transfer sheet switched to the discharge side by the discharge flapper 154 to the outside of the machine.

During double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the right. After the copied transfer paper is passed through the transport path 155,
The multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left, and is stored in the re-feed tray 156 in an upside-down state via the transport path 158.

During multiple recording (multiple copying), the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised and the multiple flapper 157 is tilted to the left. Store.

The transfer papers stored in the re-feed tray 156 are fed one by one from the bottom by the paper feed roller 159 to the path 16
It is guided to the registration roller 137 of the main body via 0.

When the transfer paper is reversed and discharged from the main body, the paper discharge flapper 154 is raised and the flapper 157 is moved upward.
To the right to convey the copied transfer sheet to the conveying path 155 side, and after the trailing end of the transfer sheet has passed the first feed roller 162, the reversing roller 163 conveys it to the second feed roller 162a side. Then, the transfer roller is turned over by the discharge roller 161, and is discharged to the outside of the machine.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the reader unit 1. C
The image data output from the CD 209 is analog / digital converted by the A / D / SH unit 210, and
Shading correction is performed.

The image data processed by the A / D / SH unit 210 is transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211 and to the core unit 10 of the image input / output control unit 3 via the interface unit 213. Transferred.

The CPU 214 controls the image processing unit 211 and the interface 213 according to the setting contents set by the operation unit 500. For example, when the copy mode in which the trimming process is performed by the operation unit 500 to perform copying is set, the trimming process is performed by the image processing unit 211 and the image is transferred to the printer unit 2.

If the facsimile transmission mode is set on the operation unit 500, the interface 213
To transfer a control command corresponding to the image data and the set mode to the core unit 10.

Such a control program of the CPU 214 is stored in the memory 216, and the CPU 214 controls while referring to the memory 216. In addition, the memory 21
6 is also used as a work area of the CPU 214.

Further, the memory 216 is also used for registering the department number and password of the copier user relating to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the core unit 10.

The image data from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the data processing unit 121, and the control command from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the CPU 323. Data processing unit 3
An image processing unit 21 performs image processing such as image rotation processing and scaling processing. The image data transferred from the reader unit 1 to the data processing unit 321 is an interface according to a control command transferred from the reader unit 1. It is transferred to the facsimile unit 4, the file unit 5, and the network interface unit 7 via 320.

Further, the network interface section 7
The code data representing the image input via the is transferred to the data processing unit 321, determines whether the PDL is LIPS or Postscript, and is transferred to the appropriate formatter unit 8 to 9 to transfer the image. This image data is expanded into data, and the image processing unit 321
Then, the data is transferred to the facsimile unit 4 and the printer unit 2.

The image data from the facsimile section 4 is transferred to the data processing section 321 and then transferred to the printer section 2, the file section 5, and the network interface section 7. The image data from the file unit 5 is transferred to the data processing unit 121 and then to the printer unit 2, the facsimile unit 4, and the network interface unit 7.

The CPU 323 performs such control according to the control program stored in the memory 324 and the control command transferred from the reader unit 1. The memory 324 is also used as a work area for the CPU 323.

The network interface unit 7 has M
IB (Management Information)
A database called Base) has been constructed, and it is possible to manage printers by communicating with computers on a network via the SNMP protocol.

As described above, with the core unit 10 as the center, it is possible to perform combined processing of functions such as reading an original image, printing an image, transmitting and receiving an image, saving an image, and inputting / outputting data from a computer. It is possible.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus in this embodiment. In addition,
This screen is a touch panel, and each function is executed by touching the inside of the frame of the function to be displayed.

The copy mode key 524 is a key to be pressed when performing a copying operation. When this key 524 is pressed, the copy mode screen shown in FIG. 2 is displayed. By pressing this key, the extended function key 501 enters a mode such as double-sided copying, multiple copying, movement, binding margin setting, and frame erasing setting.

The image mode key 502 enters a setting mode for shading, shadowing, trimming and masking the copied image. A user mode key 503 can register a mode memory and set a standard mode screen.

The application zoom key 504 is used for the X direction of the original,
A mode is entered in which the magnification is independently changed in the Y direction, and a mode in which a magnification is calculated from the original size and the copy size is entered.

The M1 key 505, the M2 key 506, and the M3 key 507 are keys to be pressed when calling the mode memory registered in each. An option key 509 is a key for setting an optional function such as a film projector for directly copying from film.

The sorter key 510 is a key for setting whether to use a mechanical sorter or an electronic sorter, sorting sorters, and setting modes such as groups. The original mixed loading key 511 is a key to be pressed when setting A4 and A3 size or B5 and B4 size originals together in the original feeder.

The equal magnification key 512 is a key to be pressed when the copy magnification is 100%. Reduction key 514, Expansion key 5
Reference numeral 15 is a key to be pressed when performing a fixed size reduction / enlargement.
The paper selection key 513 is a key to be pressed when selecting a copy paper.

The density keys 518 and 520 make a deep copy each time the key 518 is pressed, and make a light copy each time the key 520 is pressed. The density display 517 changes to the left or right when the density key is pressed. The AE key 519 is a key to be pressed for automatic density adjustment copying of a document with a dark background such as a newspaper.

The HiFi key 521 is a key to be pressed when copying a document such as a photographic document having a high halftone density.
The character emphasizing key 522 is a key that is pressed when a character is desired to be emphasized when copying a character original.

The guide key 523 is a key to be pressed when the function of a certain key is unknown, and the explanation of the key is displayed. The fax key 525 is a key to be pressed when performing a fax, and the file key 526 is a key to be pressed when outputting file data.

The printer key 427 is used to change the print density and to send a PD from a remote host computer.
This key is pressed to refer to the print output result of L data.

Reference numeral 530 is a printer selection key, which is a key to be pressed when selecting a receiving-side copying machine in the case of performing remote copying or continuous copying according to the present invention. When this is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 7 is displayed.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a remote copy / high speed copy system according to the present invention. 13, 2
Reference numerals 0 and 21 denote digital copying machines, which exchange a department ID and image data with each other through a network by a protocol such as TCP / IP.

For example, the digital copying machine 13 may be used as the transmitting side of the remote copy or the high speed copying, and the digital copying machine 20 may be used as the receiving side. In that case, the original image data read by the scanner of the digital copying machine 13 is transmitted to the digital copying machine 20 via the network, printed by the printer of the digital copying machine 20, and remote copied.

Alternatively, at this time, the document image data is simultaneously printed on the printer of the digital copying machine 13 to perform the heavy speed copying. For example, by printing 5 copies on the digital copying machine 13 and 5 copies on the digital copying machine 20, two copies are printed rather than 10 copies by one copying machine.
You can get the same 10 prints almost twice as fast.

Furthermore, as a digital copier on the receiving side,
21 is added, 4 copies are printed by the printer of the digital copying machine 13 on the transmitting side, 3 copies are printed by the digital copying machine 20 on the receiving side, and 3 copies are printed by the digital copying machine 21 on the receiving side. , A total of 10 prints can be obtained.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of the operation unit displayed when the printer selection key 530 in FIG. 5 is pressed. Here, the copying machine on the receiving side of the remote copy or the multiple copy is selected.

A copier name field 700 displays the names of other copiers on the receiving side, which are connected to the network. A status display column 701 indicates whether or not communication is possible with other copying machines on the receiving side.

If the communication is normal, it is displayed as OK, and if it is abnormal, or if the power of the copying machine on the receiving side is OFF, NG is displayed. 702
Is an IP address column and displays the IP address of each copying machine on the receiving side.

For example, it is possible to communicate with the digital copier named General Affairs GP215, and the IP address of the digital copier of GP215 is 123.456.789.000.
Is shown.

Reference numeral 703 denotes an IP address designation field. After touching this portion, an IP address
By inputting the address and pressing the search key 709, a new copy machine on the receiving side can be searched.

If the search is successful, the name column 704 displays the name of the retrieved copying machine and the status column 70
5 becomes OK. If it is not found after searching for a certain period of time, a message such as "No copier found" is displayed at the top of FIG.

Reference numerals 706 and 707 denote a down scroll key and an up scroll key, respectively. When the list of copying machines on the receiving side cannot be displayed on one screen, the screen is scrolled. Reference numeral 708 denotes a duplicate key, which is pressed when performing duplicate copy with a designated receiving-side copying machine.

When the key is pressed, the key is inverted (blackened) and the multiple copy is performed. When the key is pressed again, the key is white and the remote copy is performed instead of the multiple copy. To specify a copying machine, touch the name field of the copying machine you want to specify and the display is reversed.

In the case of FIG. 7, the general affairs GP 215 is designated. Reference numeral 710 denotes an OK key, which is pressed when the name field of the copying machine designated as the receiving copying machine is pressed to perform remote copying or multiple copying, and the screen returns to the screen of FIG.

Alternatively, the user may press the OK key without specifying anything to return to the screen shown in FIG. When the receiving copying machine is designated and the process returns to FIG. 5, the 530 printer selection key is highlighted. When the process returns to FIG. 5 without designating, the 530 printer selection key is not highlighted.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, a control flow of the copying machine 13 on the transmitting side in the case of performing remote copy or multiple copy will be described. In step S501, the operation unit of FIG. 5 sets the copy mode, for example, 10-sided copy.

In step S502, the printer selection key 530 in FIG. 5 is pressed, and the copying machine 20 on the receiving side is selected in FIG. 7. For example, the general affairs GP 215 is selected and the OK key 710 is pressed.

In step S503, it is determined whether or not copying is possible. For example, when double-sided copying is performed and the copying machine on the receiving side does not have a double-sided unit, if copying cannot be performed, the upper part of FIG. 5 is displayed in step S504. Display a warning message.

In other words, in step S503, communication with the copying machine on the receiving side is performed via the network to obtain information on the copying machine on the receiving side, such as the mounting state of the duplex unit of the copying machine on the receiving side. After displaying the warning message, the process returns to S501.

If copying becomes possible in S503, S5
The document image is scanned at 05 and the image data is stored in the memory 21.
Accumulate in 6. In step S506, it is determined whether all the originals have been scanned and the image data has been stored in the memory 216. If not, the process returns to step S505.

When the processing is finished, it is determined in S507 whether the remote copy or the multiple copy is performed. In the case of double copy, the double key 708 is pressed. In case of multiple copy, S5
At 08, the image data stored in the memory 216 is read and printed.

In step S509, the document image data is read from the memory 216, the CPU 214, the image processing section 211,
I / F 213, I / F 322, data processing unit 321, I
The data is transferred to the network interface unit 7 via / F320.

Then, the original image data is transferred to the copying machine 20 on the receiving side through the network. In step S510, all original image data is read, and it is determined whether the transfer is completed. If not completed, the process returns to step S507.

When the printing is completed, it is judged in S511 whether or not the required number of copies have been printed by the copying machine on the transmitting side in S511. If not, one copy is printed in S512 and the process returns to S511. After printing the required number of copies in S511, the process ends.

FIG. 9 shows a control flow when the copying machine 20 on the receiving side performs remote copying or cascade copying.

In step S601, the copy information data transmitted in step S503 is transferred from the copy machine 13 in the transmission side to the network interface section 7 of the copy machine in the reception side and the I / F 32.
0, data processing unit 321, I / F 322, I / F 213
It is received via the image processing unit 211, for example, an instruction to print five copies by double-sided copying is received.

At this time, for example, if one's own copier does not have the duplex unit, the warning information is returned to the sending copier 13 in the opposite direction through the same route via the network. S
Then, in 602, the original image data from the transmission side copying machine 13 is received through the same route and stored in the memory 216.

In step S603, the original image data stored in the memory 216 is read, transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211, and printed. In S604, it is determined whether or not all original image data has been received, and if not received, the process returns to S602.

When the reception is completed, in S605, it is judged whether or not the printing for all the number instructed in the copy information data has been completed. If not, in S606, similarly, the memory 21
The original image data stored in 6 is read out, transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211 to print one copy, and the process returns to S605. If it is determined in S605 that printing has been completed for several minutes, the process ends.

Next, referring to FIG. 10, according to the present invention,
A control flow of the copying machine 13 on the transmitting side when an error occurs on the receiving side during remote copy or multiple copy, and the remaining data is transferred to another device will be described.

In step S701, the operation unit of FIG. 5 sets the copy mode, for example, 10-sided copy. In S702, the printer selection key 530 of FIG.
7 to select the copying machine 20 on the receiving side in FIG. 7, select General Affairs GP 215 and press the OK key 710.

In step S703, it is determined whether or not copying is possible. For example, when double-sided copying is performed and the copying machine on the receiving side does not have a double-sided unit, if copying cannot be performed, the upper part of FIG. 5 is displayed in step S704. Display a warning message.

That is, in step S703, communication with the copying machine on the receiving side is performed via the network to obtain information on the copying machine on the receiving side, such as the mounting status of the duplex unit of the copying machine on the receiving side. After displaying the warning message, the process returns to S701.

If copying becomes possible in S703, S7
The document image is scanned at 05 and the image data is stored in the memory 21.
Accumulate in 6. In step S706, it is determined whether all the originals have been scanned and all the image data has been stored in the memory 216. If not, the process returns to step S705.

When the processing is finished, it is judged in S707 whether it is remote copying or multiple copying. In the case of double copy, the double key 708 is pressed. In case of multiple copies, S7
At 08, the image data stored in the memory 216 is read and printed.

In step S709, the original image data is read from the memory 216, the CPU 214, the image processing section 211,
I / F 213, I / F 322, data processing unit 321, I
The data is transferred to the network interface unit 7 via / F320.

Then, the original image data is transferred to the receiving side copying machine 20 through the network. In S710, all original image data is read, and it is determined whether the transfer is completed. If not completed, the process returns to S707.

When the copying is completed, it is judged in S711 whether or not the necessary number of copies have been printed by the copying machine on the transmitting side in S711. If not, one copy is printed in S712 and the process returns to S711. After printing the required number of copies in S711, the process ends.

11 and 12 show a control flow according to the present invention when the remote copy data is received by the receiving copying machine 20 and an error occurs, and the remaining data is transferred to another copying machine 21. .

In S801, it is determined whether the copy machine 13 on the transmission side has received the copy information data transmitted in S703. In step S <b> 802, the image information is received via the network interface unit 7, I / F 320, data processing unit 321, I / F 322, and I / F 213 image processing unit 211 of the copying machine on the receiving side and stored in the memory 216.

In step S803, the original image data stored in the memory 216 is read out, transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211, and printed. At S804, it is determined whether an error has occurred at this time.

In S805, wait for 30 seconds to perform error processing such as opening the cover, and if error processing is performed in S806, return to the printing operation. However, if nothing is done during that time, in S807, the remaining data is read from the memory 216, and the CPU 214 and the image processing unit 2 are read.
11, I / F 213, I / F 322, data processing unit 32
1, and transfers to the network interface unit 7 via the I / F 320.

Then, the data is transferred to another copying machine 21 through the network. In S808, it is determined whether the transfer of all data has been completed. And S809
Then, it is determined whether or not all the images have been received, and when all the images have been received, it is determined in S810 that the copy printing has ended, and in S811, the original image data stored in the memory 21 is read out, and the image processing unit Printer unit 2 via 211
And print one copy.

In S812, whether or not an error has occurred is checked. If an error has occurred, S80 is performed as in S804.
At 5 the error processing is judged. FIG. 13 is a control flow when another copy machine 21 receives the copy data transferred in the control of FIGS. 11 and 12 according to the present invention.

In S901, it is determined whether the copy information data transmitted in S807 has been received by the receiving copying machine 20 shown in FIGS. In S902,
Network interface section 7 of the copier on the receiving side, I
/ F320, data processing unit 321, I / F322, I / F
The image information is received via the F213 image processing unit 211 and stored in the memory 216.

In step S903, the original image data stored in the memory 216 is read out, transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211, and printed. In S904, it is determined whether or not all the images have been received. When all the images have been received, it is determined in S905 that the copy printing has ended, and in S906, the original image data stored in the memory 216 is read out and the image processing unit Printer unit 2 via 211
And print one copy.

In FIG. 14, when an error occurs on the receiving side during remote copying or continuous copying according to the present invention, the copying machine 13 on the transmitting side when the remaining data is transferred to the transmission source. The control flow of is explained.

In step S1001, the operation unit of FIG. 5 sets the copy mode, for example, 10-sided copy. In S1002, the printer selection key 53 of FIG.
Press 0 to select the copy machine 20 on the receiving side in FIG. 7, select General Affairs GP 215, and press the OK key 710.

In S1003, it is determined whether or not copying is possible. For example, when double-sided copying is performed and the copying machine on the receiving side does not have a double-sided unit, if copying cannot be performed, the upper part of FIG. Display a warning message.

That is, in step S1003, communication with the copying machine on the receiving side is performed via the network to acquire information on the copying machine on the receiving side, such as the mounting status of the duplex unit of the copying machine on the receiving side. After displaying the warning message, the process returns to S1001.

If copying becomes possible in S1003, S
The document image is scanned at 1005, and the image data is stored in the memory 216. In step S1006, it is determined whether all the originals have been scanned and all the image data has been stored in the memory 216. If not, the process returns to step S1005.

When the processing is completed, it is determined in S1007 whether the remote copy or the multiple copy is performed. In case of multiple copies,
The double key 708 is pressed. In case of multiple copies, S
At 1008, the image data stored in the memory 216 is read and printed.

In step S1009, original image data is read from the memory 216, and the CPU 214 and the image processing unit 21 are read.
1, I / F 213, I / F 322, data processing unit 32
1, and transfers to the network interface unit 7 via the I / F 320.

Then, the original image data is transferred to the receiving-side copying machine 20 through the network. In step S1010, all original image data is read, and it is determined whether the transfer is completed. If not completed, the process returns to step S1007.

When the copying is completed, it is judged in S1011 whether or not the necessary number of copies have been completed in the multiple copy in the transmitting side copying machine. If not, one copy is printed in S1012, and S101 is printed.
Return to 1. In S1011, after printing the required number of copies, the process proceeds to the next.

In step S1013, the process waits for the transfer information to return from the location where the error occurred. The transfer information at this time is not the remaining image data but only the remaining number data and the number data.

In step S1014, the remaining image is printed from the memory 216 by referring to the remaining data. S101
In S5, it is judged whether all the images are printed, and S1
In 016 and S1017, it is determined whether or not printing has been completed for several minutes.

15 and 16 show a control flow according to the present invention for transferring the remaining copy information to the transmission source when the remote copy data is received by the receiving copying machine 20 and an error occurs.

In S1101, it is determined whether the copy machine 13 on the transmission side has received the copy information data transmitted in S1003. In step S1102, the network interface unit 7 and the I / F 32 of the copying machine on the receiving side.
0, data processing unit 321, I / F 322, I / F 213
The memory 21 receives image information via the image processing unit 211.
Store in 6.

In step S1103, the original image data stored in the memory 216 is read, transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211, and printed. It is determined in S1104 whether an error has occurred at this time.

In S1105, the cover is opened, etc.
Wait for 30 seconds to perform error processing, and if error processing is performed in S1106, return to printing work. However, if nothing is done in the meantime, in S1107, the remaining copy number data, copy number data, etc. are transferred to another copying machine 21 through the network.

In S1109, it is determined whether or not all the images have been received. When all the images have been received, it is determined in S1110 that the copy printing has ended, and in S1111, the memory 21 is selected.
The original image data stored in 6 is read out, transferred to the printer unit 2 via the image processing unit 211, and one copy is printed.

In S1112, whether or not an error has occurred is checked. If an error has occurred, the same as in S1104, S1104 is executed.
At 1105, the error processing is judged.

[0119]

According to the present invention, when an error occurs at the remote destination, the copy job is transferred to another device, so that the delay of the copy job due to the error can be reduced.

Further, the remaining copy number information may be transmitted to the transmitting side device so that the transmitting side device can output the remaining copy number.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image processing apparatus according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an example of an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the reader unit 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the core unit 10.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a basic screen displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus.

Fig. 6 Diagram of remote copy and heavy-speed copy system

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a state of an operation unit displayed when a printer selection key 530 is pressed.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a control flow of the copying machine 13 on the transmitting side when performing remote copy or multiple copy.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a control flow when remote copying or continuous copying is performed in the copying machine 20 on the receiving side.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a control flow of the copying machine 13 on the transmitting side when an error occurs on the receiving side during remote copy or multiplex copy, and when the remaining data is transferred to another device.

FIG. 11: Copier 20 for receiving remote copy data
A flow chart showing the control flow when the remaining data is transferred to another copying machine 21 when an error occurs in

FIG. 12: Copier 20 for receiving remote copy data
A flow chart showing the control flow when the remaining data is transferred to another copying machine 21 when an error occurs in

FIG. 13 is a control flow chart when another copy machine 21 receives the copy data transferred in the control of FIGS.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a control flow of the copying machine 13 on the transmission side when an error occurs on the reception side during remote copy or multiple copy, and when the remaining data is transferred to the transmission source.

FIG. 15: Copier 20 for receiving remote copy data
Diagram showing the control flow to transfer the remaining copy information to the sender when an error occurs when received

FIG. 16: Copier 20 for receiving remote copy data
Diagram showing the control flow to transfer the remaining copy information to the sender when an error occurs when received

[Explanation of symbols]

Reader unit 1 Printer section 2 Image input / output control unit 3

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) G06F 3/12 G06F 3/12 A B DK F term (reference) 2C061 AP01 AP03 AP04 AQ06 HJ08 HQ12 HV09 HV32 HV48 2H027 DC14 DD02 EJ13 EJ15 EK09 FA30 GA20 GA25 GA56 GB14 ZA07 ZA09 5B021 AA01 BB01 BB02 DD07 EE02 NN20 5C062 AA05 AA35 AB38 AB53 AC41 AC42 AC43 AC58 BA04

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A first scanning device for reading an original, a first data storage device for storing a scanned image, a first printing device for printing the stored image data, and another device and a network. A first image forming apparatus including: a first communication unit that communicates via a first image forming apparatus; a second scanning apparatus that reads a document; a second data storage apparatus that stores a scanned image; A second printing device for printing the image data, a second communication means for communicating with another device via a network, and a second image forming device comprising: An image forming apparatus that performs network communication through the first and second communication units; first control means; and the image data stored in the first data storage device of the first image forming apparatus In the second image forming apparatus, wherein the first image is transmitted to the second image forming apparatus by using the first controller, and the first image is transmitted by using the first controller in the second image forming apparatus. A first receiving unit that receives the image data sent from the forming and mounting unit; and a first image forming apparatus that uses the first control unit when an error occurs in the second image forming apparatus. A second transmitting means for transmitting the remaining number information, and a first image forming apparatus for receiving the remaining number information sent back from the second image forming and mounting device using the first control means. Second receiving means, and second control for printing the image data stored in the first data storage device by the first printing device by the remaining number of copies of the copy job received by the second receiving means. Means and An image forming system comprising: 2. A third scanning device for reading an original, a third data storage device for storing a scanned image,
A third printing device for printing the stored image data, a third communication means for communicating with other devices via a network, a third image forming device, and a fourth document reading device. Scanning device, a fourth data storage device for storing the scanned image, a fourth printing device for printing the stored image data, and a fourth communication means for communicating with other equipment via a network. A fourth image forming apparatus, a fifth scanning device for reading a document, a fifth data storage device for storing the scanned image, and a fifth print for printing the stored image data. A fifth image forming device configured to communicate with another device via a network and a device; and the third, fourth, and fifth image forming devices. The third control means for performing network communication by the third, fourth, and fifth communication means, and the image data stored in the third data storage device of the third image forming apparatus to the third A third means for transmitting to the fourth or fifth image forming apparatus by utilizing the control means of
And a third receiving means for receiving the image data sent from the third image forming apparatus by using the third control means in the fourth image forming apparatus, A sixth data storage device for storing the image data received by the third receiving means, and a fifth image forming apparatus, which are sent from the third image forming apparatus using the third control means. A fourth receiving means for receiving the image data, a seventh data storage device for storing the image data received by the fourth receiving means, and when an error occurs in the fourth image forming apparatus. Fourth transmitting means for transmitting the remaining image data stored in the sixth data storage device to the fifth image forming apparatus using the third control means, and the fifth image forming apparatus smell And a fourth control unit that causes the fifth printing device to print the remaining image data of the copy job received by the fourth receiving unit and stored in the seventh data storage device. An image forming system characterized by. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the error that occurs in the second and fourth image forming apparatuses is JAM. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the error that occurs in the second and fourth image forming apparatuses is out of toner. 5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the error that occurs in the second and fourth image forming apparatuses is out of paper.