JP2004007669A - Digital complex machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a digital complex machine by which a memory is reduced as the whole complex machine, and an integrated function is obtained from a plurality of functions by opening an MSU directly connected to a copying function to control the center of the machine to the functions other than copying. <P>SOLUTION: The machine includes: a copy controller 1; a printer controller 2; and a FAX controller 3. The respective controllers are operated by independent hardware. The machine comprises a memory 4 to be commonly used by the controllers. Thus, printing image data outputted to the memory 4 from the printer controller 2 is read from the memory 4 by the FAX controller 3 based on an indication from the printer controller 2, and, then, transmitted by facsimile. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a digital multifunction peripheral having a copy controller, a facsimile controller, and a printer controller, each of which is configured to operate with separate hardware.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional digital multifunction peripheral.
The digital multifunction peripheral includes a copy controller 1, a printer controller 2, a facsimile controller 3, an MSU (memory supply unit) 4, a plotter 5, and a scanner 6.
[0003]
Note that the printer controller 2 receives a command from a host computer (personal computer) 7. Further, the facsimile controller 3 includes a SAF memory 8 for holding received accumulated data. The MSU 4 is subordinate to the copy controller 1 and is used as a memory for high-speed copying.
[0004]
In such a configuration, each of the controllers 1, 2, and 3 is directly connected to the plotter 5, and the image data created by each controller is directly transmitted to the plotter 5 via a video bus.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the above conventional apparatus, the copy controller is an MSU, the FAX controller is an SAF memory, and the printer controller is a memory (page memory) for storing data received from a host PC (personal computer) and image data developed for printing. Each has its own mounting and has the disadvantage that the system is expensive. All the processing was completed in each hardware. Therefore, a plurality of functions of copying, facsimile, and printer cannot be combined to create a new function (fusion function).
[0006]
According to the present invention, the MSU directly connected to the copy function that controls the core of the multifunction peripheral is opened to functions other than the copy function, thereby reducing the memory of the multifunction peripheral as a whole and realizing a fusion function by a plurality of functions. The purpose is to provide a digital multifunction peripheral that can.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the first means comprises a plurality of controllers, each corresponding to a different function, and a memory commonly used by each of the controllers, and each of the controllers operates on separate hardware. In the digital multi-function peripheral, the plurality of controllers are a first controller that writes processed data to the memory and a second controller that reads and processes the data written to the memory, respectively. The second controller is instructed to process data read from the memory.
[0008]
The second means includes a plurality of controllers including at least a facsimile controller and a printer controller. The printer controller as the first controller outputs print image data output to the memory by the printer controller. The FAX controller as the second controller reads out from the memory and performs FAX transmission based on an instruction from the FAX controller.
[0009]
Further, a third means is that the plurality of controllers include at least a copy controller and a printer controller, and the printer controller as the first controller outputs print image data over a plurality of pages output to the memory. The copy controller as the second controller reads out from the memory and performs duplex printing based on an instruction from the printer controller.
[0010]
The fourth means is such that the plurality of controllers include at least a facsimile controller and a printer controller, and the received facsimile controller serving as the first controller outputs received data printing image data output to the memory. The printer controller as the second controller reads out from the memory, performs an image smoothing process, and prints out based on an instruction from the FAX controller.
[0011]
In a fifth aspect, the plurality of controllers include at least a printer controller, and the memory also serves as a page memory of the printer controller.
[0012]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital multifunction peripheral according to one embodiment of the present invention. This apparatus includes a copy controller 1, a printer controller 2 connected to a host computer 7, a FAX controller 3, an MSU 4, a plotter 5, and a scanner 6.
[0013]
The copy controller 1 controls a copy function. The image data read from the scanner 6 is printed based on the settings. The printer controller 2 controls a printer function. Image data for printing the data sent from the host computer 7 is created and printed by the plotter 5.
[0014]
The FAX controller 3 controls a FAX function. Sends and receives image data through the public line. Image data for printing the received data is created and printed by the plotter 5. The MSU 4 stores image data for printing and its compressed data. The plotter 5 prints the image data for printing held in the MSU 4 on paper.
[0015]
In the system of the present invention, the controllers 1, 2, 3 are directly connected to the MSU 4, and the controller 1, 2, 3 prints image data sent to the MSU 4 by the copy controller 1 controlling the plotter 5. It works. This makes it possible for another controller to capture and process image data sent to the MSU 4 by another controller.
[0016]
FIG. 2 is a basic configuration diagram of the digital multifunction peripheral. An ADF 12 is provided on an upper part of the apparatus main body 11. Further, at the bottom of the apparatus main body 11, paper feed units 13 to 16 including a four-stage paper feed cassette and paper feed rollers of each paper feed cassette are arranged, and paper fed from a selected paper feed unit is provided. After the image is transferred at the transfer section of the photosensitive drum 17 and the image is fixed by the fixing roller 18, the image is discharged to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roller 19.
[0017]
Next, a specific operation corresponding to the claimed invention will be described.
(1) Operation corresponding to the first and second aspects of the invention The printer controller 2 creates image data based on print data and telephone number information sent from the host computer 7 to the printer controller 2, and sends the image data via the video bus. To MSU4. Thereafter, the printer controller 2 sends to the FAX controller 3 via the command line an instruction such as the fact that the image data currently held in the MSU 4 is data for facsimile transmission and the telephone number of the transmission destination. .
[0018]
The FAX controller 3 captures image data from the MSU 4 according to an instruction from the printer controller 2, performs predetermined data compression, and transmits the data to the FAX of the specified telephone number.
[0019]
According to the present invention, by simply performing an operation of printing document data and the like on a printer from the host computer 7, it is possible to directly perform fax transmission to a destination without temporarily printing on paper. Therefore, conventionally, when a document created on a PC is transmitted by facsimile, two operations, ie, a printing process by a printer and a facsimile transmission of a printed sheet, are required. FAX transmission can be performed first.
[0020]
(2) Another operation corresponding to the first aspect of the invention The printer controller 2 sequentially creates image data for each page based on data sent from the host computer 7 and sends it to the MSU 4 via the video bus. I do. The MSU 4 uses its own data compression function to store image data as shown in FIG.
[0021]
When all the print data from the host computer 7 is processed, the printer controller 2 informs the copy controller 1 via the command line that the data currently stored is to be electronically sorted and the number of copies to be sorted. Then, the copy controller 1 extracts the image data stored in the MSU 4 in the order of storage, and issues a print command to the plotter 5. The copy controller 1 repeats this process for the number of sorts.
[0022]
FIG. 4 shows the relationship between the data transmission order from the host computer 7 and the actual electronic sort printing order at the time of sorting. The case of three-part sorting is shown.
[0023]
When electronic sorting is performed by a printer that receives and prints data from the first page in order from the host computer 7, printing must be started after all the data sent from the host computer 7 has been received. Absent. Further, it is necessary to mount a memory capable of storing all data in the printer. In the present invention, the printer controller 2 expands the data sequentially received from the host computer 7 each time, and expands the image data which has been expanded. Are sequentially output to the MSU 4, and when the output of the last page is completed, the MSU 4 performs an electronic sort output to the plotter 5, thereby eliminating the individual memory in the printer controller 2, reducing the cost, and starting from the first page. By performing the processing sequentially, high-speed electronic sort printing can be realized.
[0024]
(3) Operation according to the third aspect of the invention The printer controller 2 sequentially creates image data for each page based on the print data sent from the host computer 7 to the printer controller 2, and outputs the image data to the MSU 4 via the video bus. To send to. The MSU 4 uses its own data compression function to store image data as shown in FIG. When all the print data from the host computer 7 has been processed, the printer controller 2 informs the copy controller 1 via the command line that the data currently stored is to be subjected to duplex printing. Extracts the image data stored in the MSU 4 in the order shown in FIG. 5 and issues a print command to the plotter 5.
[0025]
Here, the double-sided printing procedure will be described based on (1) to (8) in FIG. In (1), the second page is printed and placed in the upper side of the double-sided cassette 20. In (2), the fourth page is printed and placed in the lower part of the double-sided cassette 20. In (3), the first page is printed on the upper sheet. In (4), the sixth page is printed and put in the upper row. In (5), the third page is printed on the lower sheet. In (6), the eighth page is printed and put in the lower row. In (7), the fifth page is printed on the upper sheet. In (8), the tenth page is printed and put in the upper row.
[0026]
When high-speed double-sided printing is performed using the double-sided cassette 20 that can simultaneously stack two sheets as shown in FIG. 8, it is necessary to perform printing in the order of pages as shown in FIG. In order to perform printing according to the procedure shown in FIG. 5, it is necessary to mount a memory for storing at least 6 pages of image data in the printer controller 2. Then, the printer performs the rasterization processing on the image data in order from the first page, and sequentially outputs the image data to the MSU 4. When output to the MSU 4 up to the required page is completed, double-sided printing is sequentially performed. Thus, high-speed double-sided printing can be performed without mounting a unique memory in the printer controller 2.
[0027]
(4) Operation according to the fourth aspect of the invention The FAX controller 3 responds to the FAX data received through the public line based on the image compression means on the transmission side, and sends the image data for printing to the MSU 4 via the video bus. To send to. When the answer / send processing for all the received data is completed, the FAX controller 3 requests the printer controller 2 for smooth printing processing via a command line.
[0028]
The printer controller 2 takes out the image data from the MSU 4 in the page order, performs an original smoothing process, sends out the smoothed image data to the MSU 4 via the video bus, and instructs the copy controller 1 to print via the command line. I do. The copy controller 1 instructs the plotter 5 to perform a printing operation based on an instruction from the printer controller 2.
[0029]
(5) In the printer controller 2 according to the fifth aspect of the invention, when the printer controller 2 is in the jam backup mode, the printer controller 2 receives data from the host computer 7 and completes the creation of image data. 1 is instructed via the command line to store the image data to be transmitted without compression.
[0030]
Upon receiving the instruction, the copy controller 1 issues the same instruction to the MSU 4 via the command line. Subsequently, the image data transmitted from the printer controller 2 to the MSU 4 via the video bus is stored in the MSU 4 without compression. An instruction is sent from the printer controller 2 to the copy controller 1 to print the currently stored image data. In accordance with an instruction from the copy controller 1, while the plotter 5 is printing the data, the printer controller 2 processes the subsequent print data continuously transmitted from the host computer 7, and the image for each page is printed. Data is created and sent to MSU4.
[0031]
When the image data of the next page is sent to the MSU 4 before the printing process of the previous page is normally printed without a trouble such as a jam and is carried out of the machine, the MSU 4 shown in FIG. As shown, the image data for two pages is stored as it is. When the previous page is normally printed, the image data of that page is deleted, and the next image data is stored in the empty memory.
[0032]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, a common memory is provided for a plurality of controllers each having a different function, the data written by one controller is read by the other controller, and based on an instruction from the one controller, Since the processing is performed, it is possible to reduce the memory of the entire digital multifunction peripheral and realize a fusion function using a plurality of functions.
[0033]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, by simply performing an operation of printing document data or the like on a printer from a host computer, a fax can be directly transmitted to a destination without temporarily printing on paper.
[0034]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the printer sequentially develops the image data from the first page and sequentially outputs the image data to the MSU. By performing printing sequentially, high-speed double-sided printing can be performed without mounting a unique memory in the printer controller.
[0035]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the image data received by the facsimile is temporarily stored in the MSU (memory), the stored data is taken out by the printer, smoothed using the smoothing function of the printer, and then printed by the plotter. As a result, a high-quality print result can be realized without adding any function to the FAX side.
[0036]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the data for two pages for the jam backup is held in the MSU (memory), so that the printer does not hold the memory on its own and is inexpensive and has high maintainability. A printer function can be realized.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a digital multifunction peripheral according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a basic configuration diagram of the digital multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a memory use situation in an MSU.
FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a sorting procedure.
FIG. 5 is a process chart showing a duplex printing procedure.
FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of a memory use situation in the MSU.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a conventional digital multifunction peripheral.
FIG. 8 is a simplified diagram of a duplex reversing unit.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Copy controller 2 Printer controller 3 FAX controller 4 MSU
5 plotter 6 scanner

Claims (5)

In a digital multi-function peripheral including a plurality of controllers each corresponding to a different function and a memory commonly used by each of the controllers, and each of the controllers operates on separate hardware,
The plurality of controllers are respectively a first controller that writes processed data to the memory and a second controller that reads and processes data written to the memory,
The digital multifunction peripheral, wherein the first controller instructs the second controller to process data read from the memory. The digital multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
The plurality of controllers include at least a fax controller and a printer controller,
The FAX controller serving as the second controller reads out the print image data output to the memory by the printer controller serving as the first controller from the memory based on an instruction from the printer controller, and performs FAX transmission. A digital multifunction device characterized by the following. The digital multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
The plurality of controllers include at least a copy controller and a printer controller,
Based on an instruction from the printer controller, the copy controller as the second controller reads out from the memory the print image data over a plurality of pages output to the memory by the printer controller as the first controller, A digital multifunction device that performs double-sided printing. The digital multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
The plurality of controllers include at least a fax controller and a printer controller,
The printer controller as the second controller reads out the received data printing image data output from the facsimile controller to the memory by the facsimile controller based on an instruction from the facsimile controller, and reads out the image data. A digital multifunction peripheral that performs smoothing processing and prints out. The digital multifunction peripheral according to claim 1,
The plurality of controllers include at least a printer controller,
A digital multifunction peripheral, wherein the memory is also used as a page memory of the printer controller.

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