JP2004241864A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the serviceability for users by automatically changing the joint operation of a master and slave units in an image forming apparatus, if either power source stops during the joint operation in the relation of the master-slave units. <P>SOLUTION: In the image forming apparatus connected to a network through a wire cable 702, a master unit 700 for reading and printing an original image and a slave unit 701 for receiving image data sent from the master unit 700 and sharing the printing thereof constitute a joint printing relation. When the master unit 700 is switched off in the middle of printing in a joint state, the slave unit 701 cancels this reservation and advances a following reservation to preferentially process it. If the slave unit 701 is switched off, the master unit 700 cancels the joint thereof and returns to a state for executing a usual single sheet printing. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that performs abnormal-time processing that occurs during execution of parallel printing in a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected via a network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, image forming apparatuses such as digital copying machines have become multifunctional, and their operability has been significantly improved. For example, by mounting a large-capacity storage medium and increasing the speed of processing, the amount of copy is allowed to increase and the time spent for outputting a large amount of printing is gradually reduced.
[0003]
However, there is a limit to the amount of printing that can be processed per unit time by one device. For example, when printing a large number of copies from a single document, a plurality of image forming apparatuses are connected via a network. Further, the required large number of copies are shared by the respective devices and are performed in parallel. As a function capable of efficiently performing a large amount of printing with a plurality of machines in a short time in this manner, there is known a function called a “connected operation (hereinafter, referred to as a connected copy)” mode.
[0004]
For example, when the linked copy mode is used, when 1000 copies are required from one document, first, the document is read by the master machine (parent machine) performing the operation, and image data is created. The image data is transferred to the slave device (child device) via the network. By sharing 500 copies on the master machine and 500 copies on the slave machine, and performing parallel printing, a desired copy can be obtained in about half the time (compared to printing with one machine). .
[0005]
In the related art of the linked copy, when the power of the copying machine forming the link is turned off when the linked copy is set, it is impossible to shift to the linked copy mode on the operation unit. There is disclosed an apparatus which solves such a problem that a linked copy can be set in spite of a state where the apparatus cannot be operated in a linked manner.
[0006]
In addition, it prevents the occurrence of erroneous copying when the user sets a mode that cannot be commonly used by both the master unit and the slave unit when executing the linked copy mode. Alternatively, the status of various conditions (supply presence / absence, communication status, display screen status, operating status) of the slave device to be connected can be checked on the master device side, thereby simplifying the operation at the time of the linked copy operation and producing. There is an image formation management method that improves the performance (see Patent Document 1 below).
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-287012 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described conventional technology, after the operation of the connection is actually started after the setting of the connection copy is started, the connection copy cannot be performed due to a change in the state of the device such as the power supply being stopped in the master unit or the slave unit. It is possible that it will be in a state.
[0009]
If the power of the master unit that constitutes the concatenation is turned off before the operation in the concatenated copy actually starts, the slave unit may become unusable due to the data transfer waiting state. . Alternatively, it is conceivable that printing stops in a state where printing cannot be performed, for example, when the reservation processing of the master machine whose power has been turned off remains. On the other hand, when the power of the slave unit is turned off during the linked copy, the master unit may not be able to detect the state of the slave unit and may continue setting the linked copy.
[0010]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-described related art, and has been made in consideration of any one of a plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform printing while being connected as a master machine (master machine) and a slave machine (slave machine). It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of solving a problem in connection operation that can occur when the power supply is turned off.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, an image forming apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention transmits and receives image data to and from each other when a plurality of apparatuses are interconnected via a network. In the image forming apparatus in which the print output is shared by the plurality of apparatuses, when the image forming apparatus functions as a master unit in a connection operation mode for controlling the other image forming apparatuses at the time of the interconnection, the other image forming apparatus serving as a slave unit The power-off information is received, and the connection operation mode with the another image forming apparatus is released based on the power-off information.
[0012]
An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention transmits and receives image data to and from each other when a plurality of apparatuses are interconnected via a network, and performs print output of the image data in a shared manner by the plurality of apparatuses. In the image forming apparatus, a storage unit for storing a print job of received image data when functioning as a slave unit in a linked operation mode controlled by another image forming apparatus at the time of the interconnection, and the storage unit stores the print job. Print job executing means for executing the selected print job in a predetermined order, receiving power-off information from another image forming apparatus serving as a parent machine, and performing the other image forming based on the power-off information. When there is an unprocessed print job of the image data received from the apparatus, the print job is deleted from the storage unit.
[0013]
In the image forming apparatus according to a third aspect, in the second aspect, the print job execution unit is processed after the print job deleted by the deletion unit in the predetermined order. The print job is advanced and executed.
[0014]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a front view showing the image forming apparatus of the present invention. A document bundle is placed on a document table 102 above an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as an ADF) 101 with the document image side up.
[0015]
When a “start” key 204 on the operation unit 200 (see FIG. 2) is pressed, the document is fed from the top document to a predetermined position on the contact glass 106 by the feed roller 103 and the feed belt 104. . The image data of the document on the contact glass 106 is read by the reading unit 150, and the document that has been read is discharged by the feed belt 104 and the discharge roller 105. Further, when the document set detection unit 107 detects that the next document is present on the document table 102, the document is fed onto the contact glass 106 in the same manner as the previous document. The feed roller 103, the feed belt 104, and the discharge roller 105 are driven by a transport motor 406 (see FIG. 4).
[0016]
The transfer sheets stacked on the first tray 108, the second tray 109, and the third tray 110 below the apparatus are fed by the first sheet feeding device 111, the second sheet feeding device 112, and the third sheet feeding device 113, respectively. Is transported by the vertical transport unit 114 to a position where it contacts the photoconductor 115. The image data read by the reading unit 150 is written on the photoconductor 115 by the laser from the writing unit 157 and passes through the developing unit 127 to form a toner image. Then, the toner image on the photoconductor 115 is transferred while the transfer paper is being conveyed by the conveyance belt 116 at the same speed as the rotation of the photoconductor 115. Thereafter, the image is fixed by the fixing unit 117, and the image is discharged to the finisher 170 of the post-processing device by the sheet discharging unit 118.
[0017]
The finisher 170 of the post-processing device can guide the transfer paper toward the normal discharge roller 172 and the lower stapling section. By switching the switching plate 171 upward, it is possible to discharge the paper to the normal paper discharge tray 174 via the transport roller 173. Further, by switching the switching plate 171 downward, the sheet can be conveyed to the staple table 178 via the conveying rollers 175 and 177.
[0018]
The transfer paper stacked on the staple table 178 is aligned by a paper alignment jogger 179 every time one sheet is discharged, and is stapled by a stapler 176 when one copy is completed. The transfer paper group bound by the stapler 176 is stored in the staple completed paper output tray 180 by its own weight.
[0019]
On the other hand, the normal paper discharge tray 174 is a paper discharge tray that can move back and forth. The normal paper output tray 174 that can be moved back and forth moves back and forth for each original or for each copy unit sorted by an image memory 506 (see FIG. 5) described below, and easily outputs the copy paper. It is something to sort.
[0020]
When images are formed on both sides of the transfer paper, the transfer paper fed and imaged from each of the paper feed trays 108 to 110 is not guided to the normal paper output tray 174 side, and a branch claw 182 for path switching is provided. Is set on the upper side to temporarily stock the duplex sheet feeding unit 181. Thereafter, the transfer paper stocked in the duplex paper feed unit 181 is re-fed from the duplex paper feed unit 181 to transfer the toner image formed on the photoconductor 115 again, and a branch claw 182 for path switching. Is set on the lower side, and is guided to the normal paper discharge tray 174. The double-sided paper feeding unit 181 is used to create an image on both sides of such transfer paper.
[0021]
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display contents of the operation unit 200. The operation unit 200 includes a liquid crystal touch panel 201, a numeric keypad 202, a "clear / stop" key 203, a "start" key 204, a "power" key 205, a "reset" key 206, a "copy" key 207, and a "printer" key 208. , An "initial setting" key 209 and the like. When the "power" key 205 is pressed, the apparatus shifts from the standby state to the power reduction state to lower the fixing temperature or turn off the display of the operation unit 200. Further, on the liquid crystal touch panel 201, keys for mode setting described later, messages indicating the state of the image forming apparatus, and the like are displayed.
[0022]
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display contents of the liquid crystal touch panel 201 provided in the operation unit 200. When the operator touches the key displayed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201, the key indicating the selected function is inverted to black. If the details of the function need to be specified (for example, if the magnification is a variable magnification, touching the key displays a setting screen for the detailed function. Since such a liquid crystal touch panel uses a dot display, it is possible to graphically perform an optimal display at that time.
[0023]
In FIG. 3, a message area 300a for displaying a message such as "Ready to copy" or "Please wait" is displayed on the upper left, and a copy number display section 300b for displaying the set number is displayed on the right. . Below the message area 300a, an "automatic paper selection" key 300c for automatically selecting a transfer paper is displayed. On the right side, a "sort" key 300d for designating a process of arranging copies one by one in a page order, a "stack" key 300e for designating a process of sorting copies for each page, and binding of the sorted items one by one. A "staple" key 300f for designating a process is provided.
[0024]
Below the "automatic paper selection" key 300c, a "actual magnification" key 300g for setting the magnification to the same magnification, a "magnification" key 300h for setting the enlargement / reduction magnification, and a "single-sided" for setting the duplex mode. A key 300i, a "cover / interleaf" key 300j for setting a cover / interleaf mode, and the like are provided. At the top, there is provided a "consolidated copy" key 300k for dividing and printing out a large number of print operations through a network of a digital copying machine (image forming apparatus).
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the image forming apparatus. The state of the operation unit 200 is confirmed on the liquid crystal touch panel 201, and an operation instruction is obtained by input from key inputs 202 to 209. Then, the main controller 400 receiving the instruction from the operation unit 200 controls the driving of the main motor 405, and furthermore, each of the intermediate clutch 401, the first paper supply clutch 402, the second paper supply clutch 403, and the third paper supply clutch 404. Drive control. Further, general control such as control of the ADF 101 is performed by the document set detection unit 107 and the transport motor 406. In addition, a connection for linked copying is performed with another image forming apparatus via an image processing unit (IPU) 407.
[0026]
The photoconductor 115, the transport belt 116, the fixing unit 117, the paper discharging unit 118, and the developing unit 127 shown in FIG. 1 are driven by a main motor 405, and the paper feeding devices 111 to 113 shown in FIG. The transmission is driven by paper feed clutches 402 to 404, respectively. The vertical transport unit 114 shown in FIG. 1 is driven to transmit the drive of the main motor 405 by the intermediate clutch 401.
[0027]
Next, an operation from reading an image of a document to forming a latent image on a recording surface will be described with reference to FIG. A latent image is a potential distribution generated by converting an image into optical information and irradiating the image on the photoreceptor surface. The reading unit 150 includes a contact glass 106 on which a document is placed and an optical scanning system. The optical scanning system includes an exposure lamp 151, a first mirror 152, a lens 153, a CCD image sensor 154, and the like. I have. The exposure lamp 151 and the first mirror 152 are fixed on a first carriage (not shown), and the second mirror 155 and the third mirror 156 are fixed on a second carriage (not shown).
[0028]
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. This optical scanning system is driven by a scanner drive motor (not shown). The document image is read by the CCD image sensor 154, converted into an electric signal, and processed. By moving the lens 153 and the CCD image sensor 154 in the left-right direction in FIG. 1, the image magnification changes. That is, the positions of the lens 153 and the CCD image sensor 154 are set in the left-right direction corresponding to the designated magnification.
[0029]
The writing unit 157 includes a laser output unit 158, an imaging lens 159, and a mirror 160. Inside the laser output unit 158, a rotating polygon mirror (polygon) that rotates at a constant high speed by a laser diode as a laser light source and a motor at a high speed. Mirror). The laser light emitted from the laser output unit 158 is polarized by a polygon mirror that rotates at a constant speed, passes through the imaging lens 159, is turned back by the mirror 160, and forms a focused image on the surface of the photoconductor.
[0030]
The polarized laser light is exposed and scanned in a direction (main scanning direction) orthogonal to the direction in which the photoconductor 115 rotates, and the image signal output from a later-described selector 504 (see FIG. 5) of an image processing unit in line units. Make a record of An image (electrostatic latent image) is formed on the photoconductor surface by repeating main scanning at a predetermined cycle corresponding to the rotation speed and the recording density of the photoconductor 115.
[0031]
As described above, the laser light output from the writing unit 157 is applied to the photoconductor 115 of the image forming system. Although not shown, a beam sensor that generates a main scanning synchronization signal is arranged at a position near one end of the photoconductor 115 where the laser beam is irradiated. Based on the main scanning synchronization signal, control of image recording start timing in the main scanning direction and generation of a control signal for inputting / outputting an image signal described later are performed.
[0032]
Next, the configuration of the image processing unit 407 (the reading unit 150 and the writing unit 157 shown in FIG. 1) shown in FIG. 4 will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image processing unit 407. The light emitted from the exposure lamp 151 shown in FIG. 1 irradiates the original surface, and the reflected light from the original surface is imaged and received by an image forming lens (not shown) by the CCD image sensor 154, and the light is received. After that, the digital signal is converted by the A / D converter 501 into a digital signal. The image signal converted into the digital signal is subjected to shading correction by a shading correction unit 502, and then MTF correction and γ correction are performed by an MTF / γ correction unit 503. The scaling process is performed via the scaling unit 512, and the selector 504 switches the destination of the image signal to the writing γ correction unit 511 or the memory controller 505. The image signal that has passed through the writing γ correction unit 511 is sent to the writing unit 157.
[0033]
The image processing unit 407 includes a CPU 508 for setting the memory controller 505 and controlling the reading unit 150 and the writing unit 157 shown in FIG. 1, and a ROM 509 and a RAM 510 for storing the programs and data, and other I / O ports. 507 is also connected. The CPU 508 writes and reads data in the image memory 506 via the memory controller 505. An HD 513 is provided to save or save the contents of the image memory 506.
[0034]
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an image signal for one page in the selector 504. / FGATE in FIG. 6B indicates the effective period of one page of image data in the sub-scanning direction. In FIG. 6A, / LSYNC is a main scanning synchronization signal for each line, and the image signal becomes valid at a predetermined clock after this signal rises. / LGATE in FIG. 6E is a signal indicating that the image signal in the main scanning direction is valid. These signals are synchronized with the pixel synchronization signal VCLK in FIG. 6C, and data of one pixel in FIG. 6D is sent for one cycle of VCLK. The image processing unit (IPU) 407 has separate generation mechanisms for / FGATE, / LSYNC, / LGATE, and VCLK for each of image input and output, and various image input / output combinations can be realized. .
[0035]
In the above-described image forming apparatus, it is necessary to transmit and receive image data and commands to and from another digital copying machine in order to share printing work. This means that IEEE 1394 can be used for transmitting and receiving image data, and a serial communication line can be used for transmitting and receiving commands. The main controller 400 of FIG. 4 realizes this via the connection I / F 408. The form of communication such as transmission and reception of image data and commands between digital copiers does not have to be IEEE1394. In addition, wired or wireless communication can be used as long as communication between devices is enabled.
[0036]
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a module configuration of software of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 7, the job information set in the application layer 703 is transferred to the control service layer 704 with the “Start” key 204 or the like as a trigger. The control service layer 704 interprets job information from each application in the application layer 703 and requests process information for operating the handler layer 705 from the handler manager 705a. The handler manager 705a operates the individual handlers 705b to 705d according to the process information.
[0037]
The handlers include a scanner handler 705b that controls the reading unit 150, an image memory handler 705c that controls input and output of image data to and from the image memory 506, a writing unit 157, and a plotter handler 705d that controls paper conveyance and post-processing peripherals. The software modules cooperate with each other to perform processing from reading to storage in the image memory 506 and image formation. Further, the present image forming apparatus is provided with a connection I / F 408 for connecting with another image forming apparatus, so that image data and command information can be exchanged via this interface.
[0038]
A print job when copying alone is performed by reading and storing image information, queuing the stored image data in a print buffer, and sequentially printing the queued image data in a queue. However, the print job at the time of performing the linked copy interprets the linked copy job information generated on the master device 700 side by the control service of the master device 700. Thereafter, the process is executed by dividing into a process of storing the image read by the scanner in the image memory 506 and a process of transferring the image to the image memory 506 of the slave device 701.
[0039]
When the transfer of the image necessary for printing is completed, the control service of the slave device 701 generates a print process using the transferred image data according to the information received from the control service of the master device 700, and Requests printing to the handler manager 705a.
[0040]
Then, the control service layer 704 of the slave device 701 sequentially notifies the master device 700 of the print job processed by the device itself to the master device 700. In accordance with this information, the control service of the master machine 700 monitors the progress of the print job of the master machine 700 and the progress of the print job of the slave machine 701, and performs the necessary printing.
[0041]
Next, a description will be given of a process when an abnormality occurs in one of the linked printings between two image forming apparatuses capable of printing in the linked mode by the above configuration. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which two image forming apparatuses are connected. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, two image forming apparatuses (a master device 700 and a slave device 701) are connected via a wired cable 702.
[0042]
Of the two image forming apparatuses connected by the wired cable 702, the side that sets the connection mode and shares the work is called the master machine 700, and the side that receives the work is called the slave machine 701. The two image forming apparatuses (the master machine 700 and the slave machine 701) establish a connection relationship and start the connection printing. At this time, it is assumed that the power of the master unit 700 is turned off during the printing of the slave unit 701 and the connection state is released.
[0043]
In this case, the slave device 701 receives a power-off notification from the master device 700. Then, a search is made to see if there is a job reserved for linked printing, and if a reservation for linked printing is found, the reserved job is deleted even during printing. If there is another reservation, the reservation is moved up to the next print processing, and the print processing of the image forming apparatus itself does not stop.
[0044]
(Procedure for power-off state transition processing in master unit 700)
Next, the procedure of the power-off state transition process in master device 700 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of a power-off state transition process in master device 700 according to the present embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 9, first, it is determined whether or not the power state of the master device 700 has been switched from on to off by turning off the power (step S901). If the power state has not transitioned from on to off (step S901: No), the determination as to whether the power state has transitioned from on to off is continued (step S901). If the power state has shifted from on to off (step S901: Yes), it is determined whether or not there is a print reservation (job) (step S902).
[0045]
If there is no print reservation (step S902: No), the process shifts to determining whether or not another reservation exists (step S905). On the other hand, if there is a reservation (step S902: Yes), it is determined whether or not the linked copy mode is set (step S903). If the linked copy mode has not been set (step S903: No), the process proceeds to a determination as to whether or not there is another reservation (step S905). When the linked copy mode is set (step S903: Yes), the linked setting (set of the linked copy mode) is canceled via the linked I / F 408 for the slave device 701 that is the set opposite device, and the notification is given. Is performed (step S904).
[0046]
When the release of the connection setting is notified in step S904, it is determined whether or not there is another print reservation (step S905). Here, if there is another reservation (step S905: Yes), it is determined once again whether or not the linked copy mode is set for the reservation (step S903). If there is no other reservation (step S905: No), the power of the master unit 700 is turned off and the power is stopped (step S906).
[0047]
(Procedure of processing of slave device 701 when power of master device 700 is turned off)
Next, a procedure of processing of the slave device 701 when the power of the master device 700 is turned off will be described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure of processing of the slave device 701 when the power of the master device 700 is turned off according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the flowchart of FIG. 10, first, the slave device 701 receives a notification that the power of the master device 700 has been turned off by turning off the power of the master device 700 (step S1001). Then, it is determined whether or not there is a print reservation (job) in the slave device 701 (step S1002). If there is no reservation (Step S1002: No), the process ends because there is no printing process in the linked copy mode with the master machine 700.
[0048]
Next, if there is a print reservation (step S1002: YES), it is determined whether or not the reservation is set to the linked copy mode (step S1003). If the linked copy mode is not set (step S1003: No), the process ends. If the linked copy mode has been set (step S1003: YES), the corresponding reservation is deleted (step S1004).
[0049]
Further, it is determined whether or not there is another print reservation after that (after the reservation deleted in step S1004) (step S1005). If there is no other reservation after that (step S1005: No), the process ends. If there is another reservation after that (step S1005: YES), the priority order for printing the subsequent reservation is increased (step S1006), and the process ends.
[0050]
Next, a case where the power of the slave unit 701 in the master unit 700 and the slave unit 701 in the linked copy mode is turned off will be described. If the power state of the slave unit 701 changes from on to off due to the power off of the slave unit 701 during the execution of the linked copy mode, the master unit 700 is notified of this. In response to this, the master machine 700 releases the linked copy mode with the slave machine 701 that has sent the notification.
[0051]
In the above-described embodiment, an example of connection between two image forming apparatuses such as a master machine and a slave machine has been described. However, the number is limited to a case where linked copying is performed by a plurality of machines via a network. The processing can be performed in the same manner without any processing.
[0052]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the case where the linked copy mode is executed in relation to the master machine and the slave machine, the image forming apparatus of either the master machine or the slave machine is used. When the power supply is stopped, operation settings and the like constituting the connection are automatically changed in each device. This makes it possible to smoothly shift to another subsequent print reservation without bothering the operator, so that it is possible to improve user convenience. More specifically, it is possible to prevent the slave device 701 from waiting for the transfer of image data due to the stoppage of the power supply of the master device 700, so that the operation cannot be used.
[0053]
The embodiment of the present invention has been described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the matters described in this embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like can be made based on the description in the claims.
[0054]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in a plurality of image forming apparatuses that perform printing while being connected as a master machine (master machine) and a slave machine (slave machine), a connection operation that may occur when any one of the image forming apparatuses is turned off is performed. Thus, there is an effect that an image forming apparatus that can solve the above problem can be obtained.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of display contents of an operation unit 200.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of display contents of a liquid crystal touch panel 201 provided in an operation unit 200.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system configuration of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image processing unit 407.
FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing an image signal for one page in a selector 504.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a software module configuration of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example in which two image forming apparatuses are connected.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a procedure of a power-off state transition process in the master device 700.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processing of a slave device 701 when the power of the master device 700 is turned off.
[Explanation of symbols]
201 LCD touch panel 202 Numeric keys 203 “Clear / Stop” key 204 “Start” key 205 “Power” key 206 “Reset” key 207 “Copy” key 208 “Printer” key 209 “Initial setting” key 507 I / O port 508 CPU
509 ROM
510 RAM
511 Write γ correction unit 513 HD
700 Master machine 701 Slave machine 702 Wired cable 703 Application layer 704 Control service layer 705 Handler layer 705a Handler manager 705b Scanner handler 705c Image memory handler 705d Plotter handler

Claims (3)

In an image forming apparatus that mutually transmits and receives image data when a plurality of apparatuses are interconnected via a network, and performs print output of the image data by sharing the plurality of apparatuses,
At the time of the interconnection, when functioning as a master unit of a connection operation mode for controlling another image forming apparatus, receiving power-off information from another image forming apparatus that is a slave unit,
An image forming apparatus, wherein a connection operation mode with another image forming apparatus is released based on the power-off information. In an image forming apparatus that mutually transmits and receives image data when a plurality of apparatuses are interconnected via a network, and performs print output of the image data by sharing the plurality of apparatuses,
At the time of the interconnection, when functioning as a slave unit in a linked operation mode controlled by another image forming apparatus,
Storage means for storing a print job of the received image data;
A print job execution unit that executes the print jobs stored by the storage unit in a predetermined order;
With
When power-off information is received from another image forming apparatus that is a parent machine, and there is an unprocessed print job of image data received from the other image forming apparatus based on the power-off information, the print job The image forming apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the image forming apparatus deletes the information from the storage unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the print job executing unit moves up and executes a print job that is processed after the print job deleted by the delete unit in the predetermined order.

Images