JP2005170628A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate failure in an image forming system when a change of a control program on the downstream side affects control timing on the upstream side. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming system, which includes at least an image forming device, a first post-processing device connected to the downstream side of the image forming device, and a second post-processing device connected to the downstream side of the first post-processing device, maintains control data which have the potential to change at least one of paper transportation timing of the image forming device and first post-processing timing of the first post-processing device in the second post-processing device. The second post-processing device informs at least one of the image forming device and the first post-processing device of the control data, so that the image forming device or the first post-processing device that receives the information of the control data changes the paper transportation timing or the first post-processing timing, referring to the control data. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, and more particularly to an image forming system in which a plurality of post-processing devices are connected to the downstream side (the direction in which an image-formed recording sheet flows).

  There is an image forming system in which a plurality of post-processing apparatuses are connected downstream of the image forming apparatus. Examples of this type of image forming system include an image forming apparatus, a first post-processing apparatus connected downstream of the image forming apparatus, and a second post-processing further connected downstream of the first post-processing apparatus. And a device having a device. Note that there may be a third or later post-processing apparatus.

  In such an image forming system, when the control timing of the device on the downstream side (direction in which the recording paper on which the image is formed flows) affects the control timing of the device on the upstream side (direction in which the recording paper flows) Therefore, the upstream device has control timing data for the downstream device.

  That is, the control data that may change at least one of the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus or the first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus is held in the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus, Timing control was performed.

As a similar technique for holding data related to timing by downstream control on the upstream side as described above, there is one described in Patent Document 1 below.
Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2002-320061 (first page, FIG. 1)

  Since the technology as described in Patent Document 1 holds data related to timing by downstream control on the upstream side, the control program on the downstream side is changed to affect the control timing on the upstream side. In this case, it is necessary to rewrite not only the downstream control program but also the upstream data.

  More specifically, when the second post-processing timing is changed by changing the control program of the second post-processing apparatus, the control program itself of the image forming apparatus located on the upstream side or the first post-processing apparatus is also changed. The need arises.

  In other words, as a whole image forming system, it is necessary to consider the combination of the program version of the second post-processing device connected to the image forming system and the upstream program version. There was sex.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when the downstream control program is changed in the image forming system to affect the upstream control timing, the troublesome data update or program version is required. An object of the present invention is to realize an image forming system capable of solving the problems caused by the combination of the above.

  That is, the present invention as means for solving the above problems is as described below.

  (1) The invention described in claim 1 is an image forming apparatus, a first post-processing apparatus connected downstream of the image forming apparatus, and a second post-processing apparatus connected downstream of the first post-processing apparatus. Are connected to at least the image forming system, and control data that may change at least one of a recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus or a first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus The second post-processing device notifies the control data to at least one of the image forming device or the first post-processing device, and receives the control data notification. The apparatus or the first post-processing apparatus is an image forming system characterized in that the recording paper conveyance timing or the first post-processing timing is changed with reference to the control data.

  (2) In the invention according to claim 2, the first post-processing device executes post-processing for inserting an insertion sheet into a recording sheet, and when receiving the control data, The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the timing for inserting the insertion sheet is changed as the first post-processing timing with reference to the control data.

  (3) The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that the second post-processing device notifies the control data when the connection of each device is recognized. It is an image forming system of description.

  (4) The invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that the second post-processing device notifies the control data to a device that has transmitted a transmission request for timing data when the connection of each device is recognized. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.

  As described above, in the image forming system of the present invention, control data that may change the recording paper conveyance timing or the first post-processing timing is held in the second post-processing device. Then, the control data is notified from the second post-processing apparatus to the image forming apparatus and the first post-processing apparatus.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus or the first post-processing apparatus that has received the notification changes the recording paper conveyance timing or the first post-processing timing with reference to the notified control data. Here, “control data” refers to data including information necessary for the image forming apparatus to change the recording paper conveyance timing, or the first post-processing apparatus to change the first post-processing timing. Data that contains the necessary information.

  In this way, even if the second post-processing timing is changed by changing the control program of the second post-processing apparatus, it is necessary to change the control program itself of the image forming apparatus or the first post-processing apparatus. This eliminates troublesome data updates. In addition, it becomes unnecessary to be aware of the combination of program versions of the second post-processing device connected to the image forming system, and it is possible to avoid problems due to the combination.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as an embodiment) will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, an image forming system will be described by taking as an example an image forming apparatus (copying apparatus) having a function of reading and copying the contents of a copy object as image information by a document reading means. However, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming system that does not include a document reading unit (scanner).

<First Embodiment>
First, the mechanical configuration of the overall configuration of an apparatus to which the image forming system of the embodiment is applied will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 100 denotes an image forming apparatus that forms an image on recording paper by an electrophotographic method or the like. Here, a description is given using a copying apparatus as an example of the image forming apparatus 100.

  Reference numeral 200 denotes a first post-processing device that executes first post-processing such as sorting or insertion of the insertion paper on the recording paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100. Reference numeral 260 denotes a tray (insertion sheet tray) on which insertion sheets are stacked in the first post-processing apparatus 200.

  Reference numeral 300 denotes a second post-processing device that executes second post-processing such as stapling on a recording sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 100 and post-processed by the first post-processing device 200. Reference numeral 360 denotes a staple driving unit that executes a staple process.

  Next, a specific example of the electrical configuration of the image forming system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, an image in which an image forming apparatus, a first post-processing apparatus connected to the downstream side of the image forming apparatus, and a second post-processing apparatus connected to the downstream side of the first post-processing apparatus are connected. A forming system is taken as a specific example.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 100, the first post-processing apparatus 200, and the second post-processing apparatus 300 are electrically connected to each other via connection means 500 such as interface cables of various networks. The connection means 500 includes not only a metallic cable but also an optical cable or a wireless connection.

  Here, the image forming apparatus 100 includes the following units. Reference numeral 101 denotes a CPU as control means for controlling each unit of the image forming apparatus 100, 102 denotes a ROM in which copy control data and a copy control program of the image forming apparatus 100 are stored as read-only data, and 103 denotes the image forming apparatus 100. RAM as a memory in which various programs and various data are expanded (or temporarily stored), 110 is an interface for connecting to other devices via connection means 500, and 120 is an operation for inputting various operations for copying. Reference numeral 130 denotes a reading unit (scanner unit) that reads a document and generates image data, 140 denotes an image processing unit that performs image processing on the image data as necessary, and 150 denotes image formation that forms an image based on the image data. Part.

  Further, the first post-processing apparatus 200 includes the following means. 201 is a CPU as a control means for controlling each part of the first post-processing device 200, 202 is a ROM in which post-processing control data and post-processing control programs of the first post-processing device 200 are stored as read-only data, 203 Is a RAM as a memory in which various programs and various data of the first post-processing device 200 are expanded (or temporarily stored), 210 is an interface for connecting to other devices via the connection means 500, and 220 is the first A sensor that performs various detections for processing, 230 is a sensor that performs various detections for first post-processing, 240 is a drive unit that performs first post-processing based on sensor detection results and post-processing programs, and 250 is It is a drive part which performs the 1st post-process based on the detection result of a sensor, and a post-processing program. Here, the first post-processing corresponds to a sorting process or an insertion sheet insertion process.

  Further, the second post-processing device 300 is configured by the following means. 301 is a CPU as a control means for controlling each part of the second post-processing device 300, 302 is a ROM in which post-processing control data and post-processing control programs of the second post-processing device 300 are stored as read-only data, 303 Is a RAM as a memory in which various programs and various data of the second post-processing device 300 are expanded (or temporarily stored), 310 is an interface for connecting to other devices via the connection means 500, and 320 is a second post-processing device. Sensors that perform various detections for processing, 330 are sensors that perform various detections for second post-processing, 340 is a drive unit that performs second post-processing based on sensor detection results and post-processing programs, and 350 is It is a drive part which performs a 2nd post-process based on the detection result and post-processing program of a sensor. Here, the second post-processing corresponds to a stapling process or a booklet creation process.

  The ROM 302 includes data including information necessary for the image forming apparatus to change the recording paper conveyance timing, or data including information necessary for the first post-processing apparatus to change the first post-processing timing. It is assumed that “control data” is stored. And this control data shall store the data which have suitable information with the post-processing control data of the 2nd post-processing apparatus 300, and the update of a program.

  In the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the image forming means 10 may be an electrophotographic system using a laser beam, an LED print head, or an ink jet system.

  In the image forming apparatus as described above, the operation of the characteristic part of the embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts in FIG. In the following description, it is assumed that the control is performed by the CPU unless otherwise specified.

  First, the information transmission side will be described with reference to FIG. 3, and the information reception side will be described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the information transmission side is a second post-processing device 300 connected downstream of the image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing device 200, and the recording paper conveyance timing and the first post-processing device of the image forming apparatus 100. The second post-processing device 300 that executes the second post-processing that may change at least one of the first post-processing timings 200 is meant.

  The information receiving side is the image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing apparatus 200 that are connected upstream of the second post-processing apparatus 300 that is the information transmitting side described above. The post-processing timing means a side on which at least one of the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus 200 needs to be changed.

  The second post-processing device 300 that is the information transmitting side, the image forming device 100 that is the information receiving side, and the first post-processing device 200 execute initial initials for initializing each part of the device when the power is turned on (see FIG. 3S1, FIG. 4S1). Further, in this initial initial, not only initialization of each unit but also initial communication transmission for transmitting the device name of the own device to the other device is performed in order to confirm the connection status of the other device.

  If the information receiving side receives initial communication from another device (Y in FIG. 4 S2) and the downstream device is not connected (N in FIG. 4 S3), data for the initial communication is received. A reply is made (S4 in FIG. 4), and the process ends.

  The information receiving side receives the initial communication from another device (Y in FIG. 4S2), and when the downstream device is connected (Y in FIG. 4S3), the downstream side The initial communication is transmitted to the device (S5 in FIG. 4).

  When the second post-processing device 300 on the information transmitting side receives initial communication from other devices (the image forming device 100 and the first post-processing device 200 on the information receiving side) (Y in FIG. 3 S2), Data is returned for the initial communication (S3 in FIG. 3).

  The second post-processing device 300 on the information transmission side analyzes whether the first post-processing device 200 exists in the upstream upstream stage with reference to the initial communication from another device (S4 in FIG. 3).

  The second post-processing device 300 that is the information transmitting side, when the first post-processing device 200 exists in the upstream upstream stage (Y in FIG. 3 S4), the type of the first post-processing device 200 (Model, capability, etc.) are analyzed with reference to initial communications from other devices (S5 in FIG. 3).

  Further, the second post-processing device 300 on the information transmission side inserts an insertion sheet for the first post-processing device 200 existing upstream in the upstream according to the second post-processing timing of the second post-processing to be executed. It is determined whether or not the timing is affected (S6 in FIG. 3).

  This determination is made based on whether or not the control data to be transmitted to the upstream first post-processing device 200 exists in the ROM 302 in addition to determining whether or not the upstream side is actually affected. May be.

  Then, when the first post-processing device 200 does not exist in the upstream upstream stage (N in FIG. 3 S4), or the insertion of the insertion sheet of the first post-processing device 200 at the second post-processing timing of the second post-processing When the timing is not affected (N in FIG. 3 S6), the second post-processing device 300 on the information transmission side reads control data (data including information necessary for timing change of the image forming apparatus 100) from the ROM 302 ( 3S7), control data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 100 (S8 in FIG. 3).

  Further, when the first post-processing device 200 exists in the upstream upstream stage (Y in FIG. 3), the insertion timing of the insertion sheet of the first post-processing device 200 is determined by the second post-processing timing of the second post-processing. (Y in FIG. 3 S6), the second post-processing device 300 on the information transmission side sends control data (information necessary for timing change of the image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing device 200) from the ROM 302. Data including information necessary for timing change) is read (S9 in FIG. 3), and control data is transmitted to both the image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing apparatus 200 (S10 in FIG. 3).

  When the information receiving side (first post-processing device 200) receives a data reply (FIG. 3 S3) from the second post-processing device 300 on the information transmitting side (Y in FIG. 4 S6), the image receiving device 100 is initially set. Communication data is returned (S7 in FIG. 4).

  The information receiving side (the image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing apparatus 200) receives a data reply (FIG. 3 S3) from the second post-processing apparatus 300 on the information transmitting side (Y in FIG. 4 S6). Control data from the second post-processing device 300 is received (S8 in FIG. 4).

  The control data reception process (S8 in FIG. 4) is shown in detail in FIG. 5 (a) or FIG. 5 (b).

  Here, if the information receiving side is the first post-processing device 200, control data from the second post-processing device 300 on the information transmitting side is received via the I / F 210 (FIG. 5 (a) S1) and received. The CPU 201 stores the control data in the RAM 203 (FIG. 5S (a) 2), and further transmits data indicating that this reception processing has been executed to the image forming apparatus 100 (FIG. 5 (a) S3).

  If the information receiving side is the image forming apparatus 100, control data from the second post-processing apparatus 300 on the information transmitting side is received via the I / F 110 (FIG. 5 (b) S1), and the received control data is received. The CPU 101 stores the data in the RAM 103 (FIG. 5S (b) 2) (FIG. 5 (b) S3). When receiving this control data, the data flows as shown by the broken line in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing apparatus 200 that have received the control data as described above are characterized by performing timing control as shown in FIG. 6 during image formation.

  First, the image forming apparatus 100 and the first post-processing apparatus 200 that have received the control data confirm the operation mode during image formation (S1 in FIG. 6).

  This confirmation of the operation mode means confirmation of whether or not the operation mode may change the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus 100 or the first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus 200. To do.

  For example, the staple processing as the second post-processing in the second post-processing apparatus 300 may change the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus 100 or the first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus 200. It corresponds to a certain operation mode.

  Here, when the operation mode does not correspond to an operation mode that may change the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus 100 or the first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus 200 (N in FIG. 6 S2). In the image forming apparatus 100, the CPU 101 reads unique data (recording paper conveyance timing data stored in the ROM 102 in advance) from the ROM 102, and in the first post-processing apparatus 200, the CPU 201 stores the unique data (stored in the ROM 202 in advance). Read first post-processing timing data) (S3 in FIG. 6).

  On the other hand, when the operation mode corresponds to an operation mode that may change the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus 100 or the first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus 200 (Y in FIG. 6). In the image forming apparatus 100, for example, in the staple mode, the CPU 101 reads out unique data (recording paper conveyance timing data stored in the ROM 102 in advance) from the ROM 102 (S4 in FIG. 6) and stores it in the RAM 103. Received data (control data (FIG. 7 (1)) received from the second post-processing device 300) is read (S5 in FIG. 6), and the final timing is determined using the data read from the ROM 102 and the data read from the RAM 103. Is calculated (FIG. 6 S6, FIG. 7 (3)).

  Further, in the first post-processing device 200, the CPU 201 reads out the unique data (data of the recording paper transport timing stored in advance in the ROM 202) from the ROM 202 (S4 in FIG. 6), and receives the received data (second post-processing in the RAM 203). The control data (FIG. 7 (2))) received from the apparatus 300 is read (FIG. 6S5), and the final timing is calculated using the data read from the ROM 202 and the data read from the RAM 203 (FIG. 6S6, FIG. 7). (4)).

  As described above, the timing based on the unique data read from the ROM (FIG. 6S3) or the timing calculated by reading from the ROM and the RAM (FIG. 6S6) is the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus 100. Or it sets to the timer of waiting time as the 1st post-processing timing of the 1st post-processing apparatus 200 (S7 of Drawing 6).

  FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing how the recording paper conveyance timing is controlled when the image forming apparatus 100 forms an image. Here, the base point corresponds to a position for timing adjustment such as the second paper feed roller of the image forming apparatus 100.

  First, in the normal mode in which the second post-processing is not set to the staple mode, the timer T1 that measures the time until the next transfer paper # 2 starts when the transfer paper # 1 starts from the base point starts operating. (FIG. 8A). Then, when T1 has elapsed, the transfer paper # 2 starts (FIG. 8B). Thereby, the transfer paper # 1 and the transfer paper # 2 are conveyed while being controlled at a predetermined interval corresponding to the time T1.

  In the mode in which the second post-processing is the staple mode, a timer T3 (= T1 + S1) that measures the time until the next transfer paper # 2 starts when the transfer paper # 1 starts from the base point. Starts operation (FIG. 8C). Then, when T3 has elapsed, the transfer sheet # 2 starts (FIG. 8D). Thereby, the transfer paper # 1 and the transfer paper # 2 are conveyed while being controlled at a predetermined interval corresponding to the time T3 (= T1 + S1). That is, the control data from the second post-processing device 300 is taken into consideration and conveyed at intervals.

  In this case, since the control data uses the data sent from the second post-processing apparatus 300, the image forming apparatus even when the control program of the second post-processing apparatus 300 is changed and the timing is changed. Troublesome work such as ROM update on the 100 side does not occur. Further, there is no occurrence of a malfunction in conveyance timing due to a ROM version mismatch between the second post-processing apparatus 300 and the image forming apparatus 100.

  Further, when the second post-processing timing of the second post-processing device 300 is accelerated, the processing timing of the image forming apparatus 100 on the upstream side is also changed accordingly, and thus the performance (productivity) of the system. Can be improved without waste.

  FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram schematically showing how the insertion timing of the insertion sheet is controlled in the first post-processing apparatus 200. Here, the base point corresponds to a position for timing adjustment such as a post-processing roller of the first post-processing apparatus 200.

  First, in the normal mode in which the second post-processing is not set to the staple mode, the timer T2 that measures the time until the next insertion sheet starts starts when the transfer sheet starts from the base point (FIG. 9). (A)). Then, when T2 elapses, the insertion sheet starts (FIG. 9B). As a result, the transfer sheet and the insertion sheet are conveyed while being controlled at a predetermined interval corresponding to the time T1.

  Further, in the mode in which the second post-processing is the staple mode, the timer T4 (= T2 + S1) that measures the time until the next insertion sheet starts when the transfer sheet starts from the base point starts to operate. (FIG. 9 (c)). Then, when T4 has elapsed, the insertion sheet starts (FIG. 9D). Thereby, the transfer sheet and the insertion sheet are conveyed while being controlled at a predetermined interval corresponding to the time T4 (= T2 + S1). That is, the control data from the second post-processing device 300 is taken into consideration and conveyed at intervals.

  In this case, since the control data uses data sent from the second post-processing device 300, the first post-processing even if the control program of the second post-processing device 300 is changed and the timing is changed. Troublesome work such as ROM update on the processing apparatus 200 side does not occur. Further, there is no occurrence of a conveyance timing malfunction due to a ROM version mismatch between the second post-processing device 300 and the first post-processing device 200.

  Further, when the second post-processing timing of the second post-processing device 300 is accelerated, the processing timing of the first post-processing device 200 on the upstream side is also changed accordingly. Property) can be improved without waste.

Other embodiments:
In the above description of the embodiment, staples are exemplified as the second post-processing of the second post-processing apparatus 300, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  In addition, the state where the two post-processing devices, the first post-processing device 200 and the second post-processing device 300 are connected, is illustrated, but even if more post-processing devices are connected, the downstream side By transmitting the control data from the post-processing apparatus to the upstream post-processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, when the second post-processing described above is applied to a case where a new paper type or a new paper thickness is used, a good result can be obtained.

  Further, in the case of timing change due to the version upgrade of the control program of the second post-processing device 300, the upstream control data is stored together with the program of the second post-processing device 300. Good results can be obtained as a whole system.

1 is a configuration block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a configuration block diagram illustrating a mechanical configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of the image forming apparatus of embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

100 Image forming apparatus 101 CPU
102 ROM
103 RAM
110 I / F
120 Operation Unit 130 Reading Unit 140 Image Processing Unit 150 Image Forming Unit 200 First Post-Processing Device 201 CPU
202 ROM
203 RAM
210 I / F
220 sensor 230 sensor 240 drive unit 250 drive unit 300 second post-processing device 301 CPU
302 ROM
303 RAM
310 I / F
320 Sensor 330 Sensor 340 Drive unit 350 Drive unit

Claims (4)

An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus, a first post-processing apparatus connected downstream of the image forming apparatus, and a second post-processing apparatus connected downstream of the first post-processing apparatus are connected. There,
Control data that may change at least one of the recording paper conveyance timing of the image forming apparatus or the first post-processing timing of the first post-processing apparatus is held in the second post-processing apparatus,
The second post-processing device notifies the control data to at least one of the image forming device or the first post-processing device,
The image forming apparatus or the first post-processing apparatus that has received the control data changes the recording paper conveyance timing or the first post-processing timing with reference to the control data.
An image forming system. The first post-processing device executes post-processing for inserting an insertion sheet into a recording sheet. When receiving the control data notification, the first post-processing device refers to the control data to determine the first post-processing timing. Change the timing to insert the insert paper as,
The image forming system according to claim 1. The second post-processing device notifies the control data when the connection of each device is recognized.
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system. The second post-processing device notifies the control data to a device that has transmitted a transmission request for timing data when the connection of each device is recognized.
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is an image forming system.

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