JP2006197436A - Image formation system and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation system for managing and controlling an operation state (power supply state) of other image forming apparatuses in a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to one another. <P>SOLUTION: A main image forming apparatus 1 detects the operation state of a sub image forming apparatus 3 (S04). Concretely, the main image forming apparatus 1 determines that a power supply switch of the sub image forming apparatus 3 controlled in a software manner is in an off state from a received signal indicating a "standby state". When the operation state is determined to be a "standby state", a control part of the main image forming apparatus 1 outputs to the sub image forming apparatus 3 a power control signal (signal for turning on the power supply switch controlled in software manner) in order to make the sub image forming apparatus 3 an "operating state" (S05). A control part of the sub image forming apparatus 3 becomes an "operating state" by turning on the power supply switch of the self-device controlled in a software manner according to the power control signal (S06). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system and an image forming apparatus including a plurality of image forming apparatuses.

  In general, in an image forming system in which a plurality of image forming apparatuses such as printers are connected via a network, each image forming apparatus is managed by a print server (management server). The print server receives a print request from a personal computer or the like on the network, and controls print output to each image forming apparatus according to the print request.

  In addition, tandem printing is performed in which image data read by one image forming apparatus is distributed to other image forming apparatuses connected to the image forming apparatus via a network, and printing processing is performed. Compared to the printing process performed by the apparatus, the printing process time can be greatly reduced.

  In an image forming system capable of performing such tandem printing, when an operation for setting a print job processing order (for example, an instruction for carry-up or interruption) is performed on the image forming apparatus that has read the image data, In addition, an image forming system is also known in which the same print job processing order operation is performed in another image forming apparatus that already has a print job (for example, Patent Document 1).

  In addition, when a print job is transferred from the image forming apparatus that has read the image data to another image forming apparatus, the power of the other image forming apparatus is in an OFF state, or the other image forming apparatus is in a standby state (sleep state). In this case, an image forming system that transfers a print job to an image forming apparatus other than the image forming apparatus in a standby state is known (for example, Patent Document 2).

JP 2004-234339 A JP 2002-218136 A

  As described above, in the conventional image forming system, only control of the print job is performed. Therefore, the power of the image forming apparatus to which the print job is distributed is turned off, or the image forming apparatus is in a standby state (sleep state). In this case, the print job is not transferred to the image forming apparatus.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and in a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to each other by communication means, manages and controls the operation state (power supply state) of the other image forming apparatus. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that transfers a print job to the image forming apparatus.

  According to a first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system including a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network, at least one of the plurality of image forming apparatuses is a main image forming apparatus, Another image forming apparatus is a sub image forming apparatus, and the main image forming apparatus includes an operation control unit that controls the operation of the sub image forming apparatus.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the first aspect, the sub-image forming apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies the main image forming apparatus of an operation state, and the operation control unit Controls the operation of the sub-image forming apparatus in accordance with the notification.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the second aspect, when the operation control means indicates that the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state, The sub image forming apparatus is put into an operating state.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the operation control means indicates that the content of the notification is that the sub image forming apparatus is not performing a printing operation, and When it is indicated that there is no standby print job to be executed, the sub image forming apparatus is set in a standby state.

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the second aspect, wherein the main image forming apparatus distributes printing to the self apparatus and the sub image forming apparatus based on the input print job. A determination unit that determines whether or not a distribution function is specified, and a distribution unit that distributes a print job to each of the apparatus and the sub image forming apparatus when the determination unit determines that the distribution function is specified And a print job transfer unit that transfers the distributed print job to the sub-image forming apparatus, and the operation control unit determines that the distribution function is specified by the determination unit, and When the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state, the sub image forming apparatus is put in an operating state, and the sub image forming apparatus is It is characterized in that performing a print operation according to the print job that is the transfer.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the second aspect, wherein the operation control unit cannot continue the printing operation during the printing operation by the main image forming apparatus, and When the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state, the sub image forming apparatus is activated, and the sub image forming apparatus performs a printing operation for the remaining number of copies. Is.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the main image forming apparatus is configured to display information indicating an input print job and a page at the time when the printing operation becomes impossible. Are further transferred to the sub image forming apparatus, and the sub image forming apparatus executes the transferred print job and the page at the time when the printing operation becomes impossible. Thus, the printing operation for the remaining number of copies is performed.

  The invention according to an eighth aspect is the image forming system according to the sixth aspect, wherein the main image forming apparatus performs the remaining print job when the continuation of the printing operation becomes impossible. The image forming apparatus further includes a print job transfer unit configured to transfer to the sub image forming apparatus, and the sub image forming apparatus executes the remaining print job transferred to perform the remaining number of print operations. .

  The invention according to claim 9 is the image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the main image forming apparatus further includes a print job transfer means for transferring a print job to the sub image forming apparatus, The operation control unit operates the sub image forming apparatus when the main image forming apparatus cannot continue the printing operation and the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state. In this state, the sub-image forming apparatus executes the remaining number of print jobs by performing the remaining print jobs out of the transferred print jobs.

  According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the ninth aspect, the print job transfer unit is configured so that the remaining number of copies is not allowed when the main image forming apparatus cannot continue the printing operation. Is transferred to the sub-image forming apparatus, and the sub-image forming apparatus executes the remaining print job based on the transferred remaining number information and performs the printing operation for the remaining number of copies. It is what.

  The invention according to an eleventh aspect is the image forming system according to the ninth aspect, wherein the sub-image forming apparatus includes a storage unit that stores the transferred print job, and the print job transfer unit includes: When the printing operation cannot be continued, information indicating a page that has been printed immediately before the printing operation cannot be continued is transferred to the sub image forming apparatus, and the sub image forming apparatus Is characterized in that, from the page indicated by the transferred information or the next page, the print job stored in the storage means is executed to perform the printing operation for the remaining number of copies.

  A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to the eleventh aspect, wherein at least one of the main image forming apparatus and the sub image forming apparatus is stored in a storage unit of the sub image forming apparatus. It further has a print job management means for changing the execution order of the print jobs.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the operation of the sub image forming apparatus is controlled by an operator by the main image forming apparatus. It further has an informing means which informs recognizable state in a recognizable manner.

  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the image forming system according to any one of the fifth to thirteenth aspects, in which the operation control means is configured such that the content of the notification is a printing operation by the sub image forming apparatus. The sub image forming apparatus is set in a standby state when it indicates that the process has been completed.

The invention according to claim 15 is an image forming apparatus connected to an external image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus comprising operation control means for controlling the operation of the external image forming apparatus.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the fifteenth aspect, the operation control unit is configured to perform an operation of the external image forming apparatus in accordance with an operation state notification sent from the external image forming apparatus. The operation is controlled.

  According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, when the operation control unit indicates that the content of the notification indicates that the external image forming apparatus is in a standby state. The external image forming apparatus is put into an operating state.

  The invention according to claim 18 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the operation control means indicates that the content of the notification is that the external image forming apparatus is not performing a printing operation, and The external image forming apparatus is set in a standby state when there is no print job to be executed.

  According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, a distribution function for distributing printing to the own apparatus and the external image forming apparatus is designated based on the input print job. A determination unit that determines whether or not a distribution function is designated by the determination unit; and a distribution unit that distributes a print job to each of the image forming apparatus and the external image forming apparatus. Print job transfer means for transferring the print job to the external image forming apparatus, and the operation control means determines that the distribution function is designated by the determination means, and the content of the notification is When the external image forming apparatus indicates that it is in a standby state, the external image forming apparatus is activated and printed according to the transferred print job. It is characterized in that to perform the operation.

  According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, the operation control unit cannot continue the printing operation during the printing operation by the own device, and the content of the notification. However, when the external image forming apparatus indicates that it is in a standby state, the external image forming apparatus is set in an operating state to perform a printing operation for the remaining number of copies.

  According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twentieth aspect, an input print job and information indicating a page at the time when the printing operation becomes impossible are displayed on the external image. A print job transfer means for transferring to the forming apparatus, and causing the external image forming apparatus to execute the transferred print job to print the remaining number of copies from the page at the time when the printing operation becomes impossible An operation is executed.

  The invention according to claim 22 is the image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein when the printing operation cannot be continued, the remaining print job is transferred to the external image forming apparatus. And a print job transfer means for executing the remaining print job transferred and executing the printing operation for the remaining number of copies.

  A twenty-third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the sixteenth aspect, further comprising a print job transfer unit that transfers a print job to the external image forming apparatus, and the operation control unit includes the operation control unit. When the printing operation by the apparatus cannot be continued, and the content of the notification indicates that the external image forming apparatus is in a standby state, the external image forming apparatus is set in an operating state, and the transferred printing is performed. Among the jobs, the remaining print jobs are executed, and the printing operation for the remaining number of copies is executed.

  According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect, the print job transfer unit displays the remaining number of copies when the printing operation by the own apparatus cannot be continued. The copy number information is transferred to the external image forming apparatus, and the remaining print job is executed based on the transferred remaining copy number information to execute the printing operation for the remaining number of copies.

  According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming apparatus according to the twenty-third aspect, the print job transfer unit does not continue the printing operation when the printing operation cannot be continued. Information indicating a page that has been printed immediately before it is transferred is transferred to the external image forming apparatus, and the print job is assigned to the print job from the page indicating the transferred information or the next page. Is executed.

  According to the present invention, by controlling the operation of the sub image forming apparatus by the main image forming apparatus, for example, when the print operation is distributed and the printing operation is performed, the distribution destination image forming apparatus (sub image forming apparatus) Even in the “standby state”, since the image forming apparatus in the “standby state” can be put into an operating state, a print job can be distributed to the image forming apparatus (sub image forming apparatus) to perform a printing operation. It becomes possible.

  Even when a jam or the like occurs in the image forming apparatus and it is impossible to continue the printing operation, the other connected image forming apparatus is set to the “operating state” and the print job is transferred. By executing the remaining print jobs, it is possible to continue the printing operation, avoiding trouble when a jam or the like occurs, and completing the target printing.

  Furthermore, when the print operation is completed, the power consumption can be reduced by placing the print job distribution destination or the print job transfer destination image forming apparatus in the “standby state”.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus and an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

(Constitution)
First, the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming system includes external devices P1, P2, and P3 and image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3. For example, the external device P1 and the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 are connected via a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network), and the external devices P2 and P3 are connected via a network N such as the Internet. Yes. Furthermore, the external devices P2 and P3 and the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 are connected via a network N and a server S. The image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 are connected by a cable C or the like.

  In the image forming system shown in FIG. 1, an example is shown in which three external devices P1, P2, P3 and three image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 are provided. The number of image forming apparatuses is not particularly limited. The external devices P1, P2, and P3 are terminals such as personal computers, and include a printer driver for controlling the main image forming apparatus 1.

  Next, the configuration of the main parts of the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of main parts of the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 are digital multifunction peripherals having functions such as copying, printer, and scanning. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 11 (job management unit), the image reading unit 12, the operation / The display unit 13, the storage unit 14, the compression / decompression unit 15, the image processing unit 16, the image forming unit 17, and the I / F unit 18 are configured.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. The CPU controls the operation of each unit in the image forming apparatus according to various control programs stored in the ROM, and exchanges data between other image forming apparatuses connected to the network N and external devices P1, P2, and P3. Send and receive. Further, the control unit 11 receives a print request signal (print job) from the external device P1 or the like, develops image data in the storage unit 14, and controls the printing operation in the image forming apparatus according to the print request signal (print job). To do. Here, the print request signal (print job) is the content of processing executed by the image forming apparatus, and image data (document, figure, photo, etc.) to be printed, paper type, paper size, and number of printed sheets. It is what has.

  Further, when the tandem mode is specified for the input print job, the control unit 11 executes a tandem print process for performing a printing operation in parallel with the sub image forming apparatus connected to the own apparatus. To do. Here, the tandem mode is to execute a distribution function for distributing prints by a plurality of image forming apparatuses by exchanging print jobs through a network.

  The control unit 11 also has functions as a determination unit, a distribution unit, an operation state detection unit, an operation control unit, and a print job management unit. The determination unit determines whether the tandem mode is designated from the input print job. When the tandem mode is designated for the input print job, the distribution unit distributes the input print job in order to distribute and transfer the print job to a plurality of image forming apparatuses. The operation state detection unit detects an operation state (power supply state) of an external image forming apparatus connected via a network and determines the operation state. The operation control unit controls the operation (power supply) of the external image forming apparatus, and generates a power switch ON / OFF signal to be transmitted to the external image forming apparatus. The print job management unit confirms whether there is a print job being executed and a standby print job in the external image forming apparatus. Further, the print job management unit follows the instruction from the operation / display unit 13 or the external device P. The order of print jobs executed in the image forming apparatus is changed. The control unit 11 has functions as a print job transfer unit and a notification unit together with the I / F unit 18. The print job transfer unit transfers the print job to an external image forming apparatus.

  The image reading unit 12 includes a scanner below a contact glass on which an original is placed. The scanner includes a light source, a lens, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), and the like, and reads an image of a document by forming an image of reflected light of light scanned from the light source to the document and performing photoelectric conversion. Here, the image includes not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  The operation / display unit 13 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and performs predetermined display according to a display signal input from the control unit 11. In addition, the operation / display unit 13 includes various operation keys such as a numeric keypad and a function key for switching various settings, and outputs a press signal by the key operation to the control unit 11.

  The storage unit 14 includes a memory such as a ROM and a RAM, and temporarily stores an input print job. The storage unit 14 includes a page memory and a compression memory. The page memory temporarily stores image data for one or two pages input from the control unit 11 and image data for one or two pages decompressed by the compression / decompression unit 15. The compression memory stores the image data compressed by the compression / decompression unit 15.

  The compression / decompression unit 15 compresses the image data input from the image reading unit 12 and the image data input from the page memory in the image memory 15. The compression / decompression unit 15 decompresses the compressed image data input from the compression memory in the image memory 14.

  The image processing unit 16 performs enlargement / reduction, rotation, position conversion, or the like on the image data input from the image reading unit 12. In the image processing correction, the image data input from the image reading unit 12 is subjected to image processing such as density conversion processing, color correction processing, density gradient correction processing, gradation characteristic correction processing, halftone processing, and the like. The output data is output to the image forming unit 17.

  The image forming unit 17 includes an LD (Laser Diode), a photosensitive drum, toner, a paper feeding unit, a discharge unit, and the like, and is a size input from the operation / display unit 13 in accordance with a control signal from the control unit 11. Are conveyed from the paper feed unit, and the LD is driven and controlled by an image signal input from the control unit 11 to form an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum. Further, the image forming unit 17 attaches toner to an area including the electrostatic latent image on the surface of the photosensitive drum, transfers the toner onto the printing paper conveyed from the paper feeding unit, fixes the toner, and then discharges the paper from the discharging unit. To do.

  The I / F unit 18 is an interface for connecting the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 to other image forming apparatuses and external devices P 1, P 2, and P 3 via the network N.

(Operation)
[First operation]
Next, a first operation of the image forming system and the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. First, the first operation executes tandem printing. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing a first operation of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the first operation, the image forming apparatus 1 is referred to as a main image forming apparatus 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 is referred to as a sub image forming apparatus 3.

  For example, when a tandem mode instructing printing on the main image forming apparatus 1 and the sub image forming apparatus 3 is designated on the print screen of the printer driver of the external device P1, the external device P1 prints to the main image forming device 1. A request signal (print job) is transmitted (step S01). The main image forming apparatus 1 receives a print request signal (print job) via the I / F unit 18, temporarily stores the print request signal (print job) in the storage unit 14, and starts preparation for a printing operation. To do. Further, the control unit 11 (determination unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the tandem mode is designated from the print request signal (print job).

  When the control unit 11 (determination unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 determines that the tandem mode is designated, the main image forming apparatus performs communication connection with the sub image forming apparatus 3 that is the distribution destination of the print job. The control unit 11 of the apparatus 1 transmits a tandem communication connection request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S02). The control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the tandem communication connection request signal via the I / F unit 18 and outputs a tandem connection OK signal to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1.

  When the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the tandem connection OK signal (step S03), the control unit 11 (operation state detecting unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 forms a sub image that is a distribution destination of the print job. The operating state (power supply state) of the device 3 is detected (step S04). For example, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 transmits an operation state request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 3. When the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the operation state request signal, a signal indicating the operation state (power state) of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) is sent to the I / F unit 18. The control unit 11 (operation state detection means) of the main image formation unit 1 receives a signal indicating the operation state (power state), and receives a sub image from the received signal. The operation state (power supply state) of the forming apparatus 3 is detected and determined.

  Here, operation states of the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 will be described. The operation state of the image forming apparatus is roughly classified into “operation state” and “standby state”. “Operating state” refers to the control unit 11, the image reading unit 12, the operation / display unit 13, the compression / expansion unit 15, the image processing unit 16, the image forming unit 17, and the I / F provided in the image forming apparatus 3. This means that the unit 18 is being driven. The image forming unit 17 is in a state where the photosensitive drum, the paper transport unit, the developing unit, the fixing unit, the exposure unit, and the like are driven. That is, it means a state in which power is supplied to each unit from a power source (not shown) installed in the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3.

  For example, it is assumed that the power switches of the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3 include a power switch controlled by hardware and a power switch controlled by software by the control unit 11. That is, it is assumed that the power ON / OFF control is performed by two-stage control of hardware control and software control. With hardware control, for example, a power switch (a switch controlled by hardware) is provided in the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3, and an operator presses the power switch to switch ON / OFF. Is performed. When this power switch is turned off, the power supply of the entire image forming apparatus is turned off. The software control is performed by switching the power ON / OFF based on a control signal from the control unit 11.

  When a hardware-controlled power switch is turned on, power is supplied from the power source (not shown) to the control unit 11 and the I / F unit 18. Further, when a power switch controlled by software by the control unit of the control unit 11 is turned on, power is supplied from the power source (not shown) to the image reading unit 12 and the like. When the power switch is controlled as described above, in the “operating state”, the power switch controlled by hardware is turned on, and further, the power switch controlled by software is turned on.

  On the other hand, the “standby state” means that the image forming apparatus is in a so-called “sleep state”. For example, the image reading unit 12, the operation / display unit 13, the compression / display unit provided in the image forming apparatus 3, for example. This means that the driving of the expansion unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the image forming unit 17 is stopped, and the control unit 11 and the I / F unit 18 for performing communication with the main image forming apparatus 1 are driven. To do. Accordingly, the image forming unit 17 is in a state where the driving of the photosensitive drum, the paper transport unit, the fixing unit, the exposure unit, and the like is stopped. That is, power is supplied to the control unit 11 and the I / F unit 18 from a power source (not shown) installed in the image forming apparatuses 1, 2, and 3, and the image reading unit 12 and the operation / display unit 13 are supplied. Thus, no power is supplied to the compression / decompression unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the image forming unit 17. In this case, a power switch controlled by hardware is turned on, power is supplied from a power supply (not shown) to the control unit 11 and the I / F unit 18, and the power source controlled by the control unit 11 in software. The switch is turned off, and power is not supplied from the power source (not shown) to the image reading unit 12 and the like.

  Even when a part of the image forming unit 17 is driven, the “standby state” may be set. For example, the driving of the photosensitive drum, the paper transporting unit, and the developing unit of the image forming unit 17 is stopped, the fixing unit is driven to maintain a low temperature, the exposure unit is driven only by a polygon motor, and laser emission is stopped. In this case, a part of the image forming unit 17 is driven. Even in this case, the “standby state” is set.

  Therefore, the control unit 11 and the I / F unit 18 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 are driven unless the hardware-controlled power switch is turned off and the power of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is completely turned off. Therefore, the control unit 11 (notification unit) can output (notify) the main image forming apparatus 1 a signal indicating the operation state (power supply state) of the own apparatus (sub-image forming apparatus 3). That is, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 can output a signal indicating the ON / OFF state of the power switch controlled by software to the main image forming apparatus 1.

  In addition, since the control unit 11 and the I / F unit 18 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 are in the driving state, the tandem communication connection request signal reception and the tandem connection OK signal are performed in steps S02 and S03. be able to.

  Then, the control unit 11 (operation state detection means) of the main image forming apparatus 1 is a signal indicating the operation state (power state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3, that is, the ON / OFF state of the power switch controlled by software. Is detected, and the operation state (power state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is detected based on the received signal.

  For example, when the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “standby state”, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 transmits a signal indicating that the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) is in the “standby state”. Output (notify). That is, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 has the power switch controlled by hardware of the sub image forming apparatus 3 in the ON state and the power switch controlled by software in the OFF state. A signal indicating the presence is output (notified) to the main image forming apparatus 1.

  Then, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal indicating the “standby state” and detects the operation state (power state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 based on the received signal. To do. That is, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 has the power switch controlled by hardware of the sub image forming apparatus 3 in the ON state from the received signal indicating the “standby state”. Then, it is determined that the power switch controlled by software is in the OFF state.

  When the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “operating state”, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 indicates that the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) is in the “operating state”. Is output (notified). That is, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 has the power switch controlled by hardware of the sub image forming apparatus 3 in the ON state and the power switch controlled by software is in the ON state. A signal indicating the presence is output (notified) to the main image forming apparatus 1.

  Then, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal indicating the “operation state” and detects the operation state (power supply state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 based on the received signal. To do. That is, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 has the power switch controlled by hardware of the sub image forming apparatus 3 in the ON state based on the received signal indicating the “operation state”. Then, it is determined that the power switch controlled by software is in the ON state.

  As described above, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 detects the operation state (power state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 when the tandem mode is designated. Then, a signal indicating “standby state” is output (notified) to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 from the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3, and the control unit of the main image forming apparatus 1. 11 determines that the operation state of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is the “standby state”, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 sets the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the “operating state”. Therefore, a power control signal (a signal for turning on a power switch controlled by software) is output to the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S05).

  When the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the power control signal output from the main image forming apparatus 1, a power switch controlled by software of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) according to the power control signal. Is turned on (step S06). As a result, power is supplied from the power source (not shown) installed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the image reading unit 12, the operation / display unit 13, the compression / expansion unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the image forming unit 17. Then, the sub image forming apparatus 3 enters the “operating state”.

  When the control unit 11 (distribution unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the tandem connection OK signal from the sub image forming apparatus 3, it distributes the print job to the sub image forming apparatus 3, specifically, prints. Sort the number of copies. Further, the main image forming apparatus 1 starts a printing operation for the number of copies distributed to the main image forming apparatus 1 by the distribution (step S07), and transmits a tandem print start request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 3. (Step S08).

  When the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the tandem print start OK signal from the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S09), the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 sets the number of print copies distributed to the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the sub image forming apparatus 3. Transfer of the print job is started (step S10). The sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the print job distributed from the main image forming apparatus 1 and starts a printing operation (step S11).

  When the printing operations of the main image forming apparatus 1 and the sub image forming apparatus 3 are completed, the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not there is a print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3. Confirm (step S12). For example, the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 transmits a print job confirmation request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 3. When the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the print job confirmation request signal, a signal indicating whether or not the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) has a print job is sent to the I / F. The image is output (notified) to the main image forming apparatus 1 via the unit 18, and the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives a signal indicating the presence or absence of the print job, and sub-images from the received signal The presence or absence of a print job in the forming apparatus 3 is confirmed.

  When the printing operation in step S11 is completed and the sub image forming apparatus 3 has no other print job (when no print job is stored in the storage unit 14), the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is used. (Notification means) outputs (notifies) a signal indicating that there is no print job to the main image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal transmitted from the sub image forming apparatus 3 and determines the presence or absence of a print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal. The other print job is a print job (standby print job) in a standby state in the sub image forming apparatus 3, and is a print job other than the print job executed in step S11.

  When the sub image forming apparatus 3 has another print job (standby print job) when the printing operation in step S11 ends, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 A signal indicating that there is a print job (standby print job) is output (notified) to the main image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal transmitted from the sub image forming apparatus 3, and determines whether there is a print job (standby print job) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal. Judging.

  In this manner, the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 prints the print job (sub job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 when the printing operation by the main image forming apparatus 1 and the sub image forming apparatus 3 is completed. The presence or absence of a standby print job) is detected. Then, a signal indicating “no print job” is output from the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1, and the control unit 11 (print job) of the main image forming apparatus 1 is output. When the management unit determines that there is no print job (standby print job) of the sub image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 sets the sub image forming apparatus 3 to "standby state". In order to achieve this, a power control signal (a signal for turning off a power switch controlled by software) is output to the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S13).

  When the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the power control signal output from the main image forming apparatus 1, a power switch controlled by software of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) according to the power control signal. Is turned off (step S14). As a result, power from the power source (not shown) installed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the image reading unit 12, the operation / display unit 13, the compression / expansion unit 15, the image processing unit 16, and the image forming unit 17. The supply is stopped, and the sub image forming apparatus 3 enters the “standby state”.

  Further, a signal indicating that “a print job exists” is output from the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1, and the control unit 11 (print job) of the main image forming apparatus 1 is output. When the management unit) determines that the sub image forming apparatus 3 has a print job (standby print job), the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 continues to print the sub image forming apparatus 3. Detects the presence of jobs. In this case, when there is a standby print job in the sub image forming apparatus 3, the sub image forming apparatus 3 executes the standby print job to perform a printing operation.

  The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 continues to detect the presence or absence of the print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 while the sub image forming apparatus 3 is executing the standby print job. . When there is no print job being executed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 and there is no standby print job, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 controls the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3. A power control signal (a signal for turning off a power switch controlled by software) is output. Upon receiving the power control signal, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 turns off the power switch controlled by software, stops the power supply to the image forming unit 17 and the like, and enters the “standby state”. To do.

  As described above, according to the image forming system and the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, when executing a print job in which the tandem mode is designated, the sub image forming apparatus 3 to which the print job is distributed is in the “standby state”. Even so, it is possible to cause the sub-image forming apparatus 3 to execute a part of the print job.

  When the tandem mode print job is completed and there is no standby print job in the sub image forming apparatus 3, the sub image forming apparatus 3 is placed in a “standby state”, so that the excess consumption of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is achieved. Electric power can be reduced.

  Further, when the own apparatus (sub-image forming apparatus 3) is changed from the “standby state” to the “operating state” and executes the distributed print job, the fact that it is set to the “operating state” and the print job is executed. In order to notify the operator of this fact, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 sends a display command to the operation / display unit 13 of the own apparatus, and the display screen of the operation / display unit 13 of the own apparatus is displayed. In addition, “execute print job” may be displayed. By displaying in this way, the operator can recognize that the sub image forming apparatus 3 is set to the “operating state” to perform the printing operation. There is no possibility that the power switch to be controlled is turned off and the sub image forming apparatus 3 is completely turned off. Accordingly, the sub image forming apparatus 3 can normally execute the distributed print job.

  Further, the execution order of the print jobs distributed to the sub image forming apparatus 3 may be changeable. When an instruction to change the order of print jobs is input from various operation keys installed on the operation / display unit 13 of the main image forming apparatus 1 or the sub image forming apparatus 3 by the operation of the operator, the sub image forming apparatus 3 The control unit 11 (print job management means) changes the order of the print jobs in accordance with the instruction. For example, when a sorted print job is transmitted from the main image forming apparatus 1 and there is a standby print job in the sub image forming apparatus 3, an order change instruction is input from the operation / display unit 13. In response to the instruction, the control unit 11 outputs an execution command for the distributed print job to the image forming unit 17 so that the distributed print job is executed first. Thereby, even when there is a standby print job, the print job transmitted from the main image forming apparatus 1 can be preferentially executed.

  Further, the print job may be executed by lowering the priority order of the distributed print jobs. For example, when a new print job is input to the sub image forming apparatus 3 after the distributed print job is transmitted to the sub image forming apparatus 3, an order change instruction is input from the operation / display unit 13. Then, the control unit 11 (print job management unit) outputs a print job execution command to the image forming unit 17 so as to execute the print job input later.

  As described above, by making it possible to change the priority order of print jobs, it is possible to perform urgent printing first. Further, when a print job is being executed, another print job may be executed by interrupting the print job.

[Second operation]
Next, a second operation of the image forming system and the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The second operation is to execute a printing operation that is not tandem printing. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing a second operation of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the second operation, the image forming apparatus 1 is referred to as a main image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 2 is referred to as a sub image forming apparatus 2, and the image forming apparatus 3 is referred to as a sub image forming apparatus 3.

  For example, a print mode for instructing printing on the main image forming apparatus 1 is designated on the print screen of the printer driver of the external device P1, and a print request signal (print job) is transmitted from the external device P1 to the main image forming apparatus 1. (Step S21). The control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives a print request signal (print job) via the I / F unit 18, temporarily stores the print request signal (print job) in the storage unit 14, and performs a printing operation. Start preparing for. Further, the control unit 11 (determination unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the tandem mode is designated from the print request signal (print job).

  When the control unit 11 (determination unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 determines that the tandem mode is not designated, the main image forming apparatus 1 is sent from the external device P1 and is stored in the storage unit 14 according to the print job. A printing operation is started (step S22). An instruction to execute a printing operation is issued from the control unit 11 to the image forming unit 17, and the image forming unit 17 performs a printing operation according to a print job stored in the storage unit 14.

  Then, when the printing operation is performed by the image forming unit 17, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 monitors the printing status of the image forming unit 17, and the printing operation is performed normally without occurrence of a jam or the like. It is determined whether it is being performed (step S23). For example, when a jam is detected by a known method, the control unit 11 receives the detection result and determines that the printing operation by the image forming unit 17 is not normally performed. That is, the control unit 11 determines that the printing operation cannot be continued.

  If it is determined that the printing operation cannot be continued due to the occurrence of a jam or the like and the printing operation by the image forming unit 17 is not normally performed, the subsequent print job is executed by another image forming apparatus. Therefore, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 transmits a communication connection request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 2 or 3 (step S24). Here, the case where the sub image forming apparatus 3 executes a subsequent print job will be described. The control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the communication connection request signal via the I / F unit 18 and outputs a connection OK signal to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1.

  When the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection OK signal (step S25), the control unit 11 (operation state detecting means) of the main image forming apparatus 1 operates the operation state (power state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3. ) Is detected (step S26). Similarly to the above-described example, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 transmits an operation state request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 3. Then, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 outputs a signal indicating the operation state (power supply state) of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) to the main image forming apparatus 1, and the main image forming apparatus. 1 control unit 11 (operation state detection means) receives a signal indicating the operation state (power supply state), and determines the operation state (power supply state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal.

  For example, when the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “standby state”, as described above, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 has the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) in the “standby state”. The signal which shows that is output. Then, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal indicating the “standby state” and detects the operation state (power state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 based on the received signal. To do. In this case, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 turns on the power switch controlled by hardware of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal indicating the “standby state”. Yes, it is determined that the power switch controlled by software is in the OFF state.

  Even when the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “operating state”, similarly to the above-described first operation, the control unit 11 (operation state detecting unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 operates the operating state of the sub image forming apparatus 3 ( Detect the power state) and determine the state.

  When it is determined that the operation state of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is the “standby state”, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 sets the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the “operating state”. Then, a power control signal (a signal for turning on a power switch controlled by software) is output to the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S27).

  When the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the power control signal output from the main image forming apparatus 1, a power switch controlled by software of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) according to the power control signal. Is turned on (step S28). As a result, power is supplied from the power source (not shown) installed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the image forming unit 17 and the like, and the sub image forming apparatus 3 enters the “operating state”.

  Further, when the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection OK signal from the sub image forming apparatus 3 in step S25, it is stored in the storage unit 14 of the main image forming apparatus 1. The print job is output to the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S29). The print job output at this time is the print job itself output from the external device P1 to the main image forming apparatus 1. Further, the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 outputs a signal indicating a page at the time when the printing operation cannot be continued. For example, if the content of the print job is to print 100 pages, printing is completed up to 60 pages, jamming occurs on the 61st page, printing is stopped, and the printing operation is continued. When it becomes impossible, the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 outputs information indicating the 61 pages to the sub image forming apparatus 3 together with the print job.

  When the control unit 11 of the sub-image forming apparatus 3 receives a print job and a signal indicating a page at the time when the printing operation cannot be continued, the control unit 11 temporarily stores the print job and the signal indicating the page. 14. Then, in order to execute the print job from the page at the time when the printing operation cannot be continued and to perform the printing operation, the control unit 11 outputs an execution instruction of the printing operation to the image forming unit 17 and performs image formation. The unit 17 performs a printing operation according to the transferred print job, and prints the remaining number of copies (step S30). For example, when a jam occurs on page 61 and the main image forming apparatus 1 cannot continue the printing operation, the sub image forming apparatus 3 executes a print job from the 61st page and starts the printing operation. Then, printing up to 100 pages is completed to complete the print job. Thereby, printing of the remaining number of copies can be completed.

  As described above, a jam or the like occurs in the main image forming apparatus 1 that executes the print job, and the printing operation cannot be continued, and the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “standby state”. Even in such a case, the print job being executed can be transferred to the sub-image forming apparatus 3 and the remaining print jobs that have not been executed can be executed to continue the printing operation.

  In step S29, the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 may transfer the remaining print jobs that have not been executed to the sub image forming apparatus 3. For example, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 transfers a print job indicating execution of printing of 61 pages to 100 pages to the sub image forming apparatus 3. Upon receiving the transferred print job, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 issues a print operation execution command to the image forming unit 17 in order to execute printing of pages 61 to 100, and the image forming unit 17 Performs the printing operation of 61 pages to 100 pages. As a result, the remaining print job is executed, the printing operation can be continued, and the target printing can be completed.

  Further, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 can recognize to the operator that a jam has occurred and that the print job has been transferred to the sub image forming apparatus 3 by the operation / display unit 13 of the own apparatus. It may be displayed to any extent. Further, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 may display the fact that printing is being performed by executing the print job by the operation / display unit 13 of the own apparatus to an extent that can be recognized by the operator. . The display of the sub image forming apparatus 3 allows the operator to recognize that the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “operating state” and performs a printing operation. Therefore, there is no possibility of turning off the power switch that is controlled to turn off the sub image forming apparatus 3 completely.

  In addition, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 outputs a display command to display that a jam has occurred and that the print job has been transferred to the external device P1 that has transmitted the print job. The occurrence of a jam and the transfer of a print job may be displayed on the screen of the external device P1.

  When the printing operation of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is completed, the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 checks whether there is a print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S31). Similar to the first operation described above, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 sends a signal indicating whether or not the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) has a print job to the main image. The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal indicating the presence / absence of the print job and outputs the presence / absence of the print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal. Check.

  When the printing operation in step S30 is completed and the sub image forming apparatus 3 does not have any other print job (standby print job), the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 determines that the print job is A signal indicating the absence is output to the main image forming apparatus 1. The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal transmitted from the sub image forming apparatus 3 and confirms the presence or absence of the print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal.

  Then, a signal indicating “no print job” is output from the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1, and the control unit of the main image forming apparatus 1. 11 (print job management unit) determines that there is no print job (standby print job) of the sub image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 performs the sub image forming apparatus 3. Is set to the “standby state”, a power control signal (a signal for turning off the power switch controlled by software) is output to the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S32).

  When the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the power control signal output from the main image forming apparatus 1, a power switch controlled by software of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) according to the power control signal. Is turned off (step S33). As a result, power supply from the power source (not shown) installed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the image forming unit 17 and the like is stopped, and the sub image forming apparatus 3 enters the “standby state”.

  When the sub image forming apparatus 3 has a standby print job when the printing operation in step S30 is completed, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 gives a signal indicating that the sub image forming apparatus 3 has a standby print job. Output to the main image forming apparatus 1. A signal indicating that “a print job is present” is output from the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1, and the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1. ) Determines that there is a print job (standby print job) of the sub image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 continues to detect the presence or absence of the print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3. In this case, the sub image forming apparatus 3 performs the printing operation by executing the standby print job.

  The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 continues to detect the presence or absence of the print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 while the sub image forming apparatus 3 is executing the standby print job. . When there is no print job being executed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 and there is no standby print job, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 controls the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3. A power control signal (a signal for turning off a power switch controlled by software) is output. Upon receiving the power control signal, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 turns off the power switch controlled by software, stops the power supply to the image forming unit 17 and the like, and enters the “standby state”. To do.

  As described above, according to the image forming system and the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, a jam or the like occurs in the image forming apparatus that executes a print job (main image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment), and the printing operation is continued. Even when another image forming apparatus (the sub image forming apparatus 3 in this embodiment) is in the “standby state”, the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the middle of execution. It becomes possible to continue the printing operation by transferring the print job and executing the remaining print job that has not been executed.

  When the print job by the image forming apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3 in this embodiment) to which the print job has been transferred ends and there is no standby print job, the image forming apparatus to which the print job has been transferred is set to “standby”. By setting the “state”, useless power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  Furthermore, as described in the first operation, the execution order of the print jobs transferred to the sub image forming apparatus 3 may be changeable.

[Third operation]
Next, a third operation of the image forming system and the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This third operation is to execute a printing operation that is not tandem printing, as in the second operation described above. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a third operation of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. In the description of the third operation, the image forming apparatus 1 is referred to as a main image forming apparatus 1, the image forming apparatus 2 is referred to as a sub image forming apparatus 3, and the image forming apparatus 3 is referred to as a sub image forming apparatus 3.

  For example, a print mode for instructing printing on the main image forming apparatus 1 is designated on the print screen of the printer driver of the external device P1, and a print request signal (print job) is transmitted from the external device P1 to the main image forming apparatus 1. (Step S41). The control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives a print request signal (print job) via the I / F unit 18, temporarily stores the print request signal (print job) in the storage unit 14, and performs a printing operation. Start preparing for. Further, the control unit 11 (determination unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 determines whether or not the tandem mode is designated from the print request signal (print job).

  When the control unit 11 (determination unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 determines that the tandem mode is not designated, the main image forming apparatus 1 transmits the external image P1 and stores it in the storage unit 14 according to the print job. A printing operation is started (step S42). An instruction to execute a printing operation is issued from the control unit 11 to the image forming unit 17, and the image forming unit 17 performs a printing operation according to a print job stored in the storage unit 14.

  When the printing operation is being performed by the image forming unit 17, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 transmits a communication connection request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 2 or the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S43). For example, a case where a communication connection request signal is transmitted to the sub image forming apparatus 3 will be described. The control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the communication connection request signal via the I / F unit 18 and outputs a connection OK signal to the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1.

  When the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the connection OK signal (step S44), the print job stored in the storage unit 14 of the main image forming apparatus 1 is output to the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S45). ). The print job output at this time is the print job itself transmitted from the external device P1 to the main image forming apparatus 1. When receiving the print job output from the main image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 temporarily stores the print job in the storage unit 14 and sets it as a standby print job (step S46). The sub image forming apparatus 3 does not immediately execute the received print job but waits until a print execution command is issued.

  When the printing operation is being performed by the main image forming apparatus 1, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 monitors the printing status of the image forming unit 17, and performs the printing operation normally without occurrence of a jam or the like. It is determined whether it is broken (step S47). Similarly to the second operation, when a jam is detected by a known method, the control unit 11 receives the detection result and determines that the printing operation by the image forming unit 17 is not normally performed. That is, the control unit 11 determines that the printing operation cannot be continued.

  If it is determined that the printing operation cannot be continued due to the occurrence of a jam or the like and the printing operation by the image forming unit 17 is not normally performed, the subsequent print job is executed by the sub image forming apparatus 3. In order to execute the control, the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 causes the sub image forming apparatus 3 to display a signal indicating a page that has been printed immediately before the printing operation cannot be continued (printing). Job information) is transferred (step S48). For example, if the content of the print job is to print 100 pages, printing has been completed up to 60 pages, a jam has occurred on page 61, printing has stopped, and the printing operation cannot be continued. When it becomes possible, the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 outputs a signal indicating 60 pages for which printing has been completed to the sub image forming apparatus 3.

  Subsequently, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 detects the operation state (power supply state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S49). Similarly to the above-described example, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 transmits an operation state request signal to the sub image forming apparatus 3. Then, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 outputs a signal indicating the operation state (power supply state) of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) to the main image forming apparatus 1, and the main image forming apparatus. 1 control unit 11 (operation state detection means) receives a signal indicating the operation state (power supply state), and determines the operation state (power supply state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal.

  For example, when the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “standby state”, as described above, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 has the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) in the “standby state”. The signal which shows that is output. Then, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal indicating the “standby state” and detects the operation state (power state) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 based on the received signal. To do. In this case, the control unit 11 (operation state detection unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 turns on the power switch controlled by hardware of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal indicating the “standby state”. Yes, it is determined that the power switch controlled by software is in the OFF state.

  Even when the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “operating state”, similarly to the above-described first operation, the control unit 11 (operation state detecting unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 operates the operating state of the sub image forming apparatus 3 ( Detect the power state) and determine the state.

  When it is determined that the operation state of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is the “standby state”, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 sets the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the “operating state”. Then, a power control signal (a signal for turning on a power switch controlled by software) is output to the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S50).

  When the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the power control signal output from the main image forming apparatus 1, a power switch controlled by software of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) according to the power control signal. Is turned on (step S51). As a result, power is supplied from the power source (not shown) installed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the image forming unit 17 and the like, and the sub image forming apparatus 3 enters the “operating state”.

  The control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is brought into an “operating state” under the control of the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1, and further indicates a page that has been printed from the main image forming apparatus 1. When the signal is received, in order to execute a print job temporarily stored in the storage unit 14 and serving as a standby print job, an execution command for a printing operation is output to the image forming unit 17, and the image forming unit 17 According to the print job, the print job is executed from the page before the print operation is stopped (step S52). For example, when a jam occurs on page 61 and the main image forming apparatus 1 cannot continue the printing operation, the sub image forming apparatus 3 executes a print job from the 60th page where printing is completed. The printing operation is started and printing is performed up to 100 pages to complete the print job. That is, the sub image forming apparatus 3 prints 60 pages to 100 pages. Thereby, printing of the remaining number of copies can be completed.

  As described above, a jam or the like occurs in the main image forming apparatus 1 that executes the print job, and the printing operation cannot be continued, and the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “standby state”. Even in such a case, the print job can be transferred to the sub-image forming apparatus 3 in advance, and the remaining print job that has not been executed can be executed to continue the printing operation.

  In step 48, the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 outputs a signal indicating the page at the time when the printing operation cannot be continued to the sub image forming apparatus 3, The sub image forming apparatus 3 may execute the print operation by executing a print job from the page at the time when the print operation is stopped. As a result, the sub image forming apparatus 3 can print 61 pages to 100 pages, which is the remaining number of copies, and complete the target printing.

  In step 48, the control unit 11 (print job transfer unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 sends the remaining number information indicating the remaining number of copies not printed by the main image forming apparatus 1 to the sub image forming apparatus 3. It may be transferred. The sub image forming apparatus 3 executes the print job stored in the storage unit 14 based on the transferred remaining number information, and performs the printing operation for the remaining number of copies that has not been executed in the main image forming apparatus 1. As a result, the sub image forming apparatus 3 can print 61 pages to 100 pages, which is the remaining number of copies, and complete the target printing.

  In addition, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 recognizes to the operator that a jam has occurred and that the print job has been transferred to the sub image forming apparatus 3 in advance by the operation / display unit 13 of the own image forming apparatus 1. It may be displayed as much as possible. Further, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 may display the fact that printing is being performed by executing the print job by the operation / display unit 13 of the own apparatus to an extent that can be recognized by the operator. . Since the display of the sub image forming apparatus 3 allows the operator to recognize that the sub image forming apparatus 3 is in the “operating state” and performs a printing operation, the hardware of the sub image forming apparatus 3 can be recognized. Therefore, there is no possibility that the power switch that is controlled automatically is turned off and the sub image forming apparatus 3 is completely turned off.

  Further, the control unit 11 of the main image forming apparatus 1 indicates that a jam has occurred with respect to the external device P1 that has transmitted the print job, and that the sub image forming apparatus 3 executes the print job to perform printing. In order to display it, a display command may be output to display the occurrence of a jam and execution of printing in another image forming apparatus on the screen of the external device P1.

  When the printing operation of the sub image forming apparatus 3 is completed, the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 checks whether or not there is a print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S53). Similar to the first operation described above, the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 sends a signal indicating whether or not the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) has a print job to the main image. The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 receives the signal indicating the presence / absence of the print job and confirms the presence / absence of the print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 from the received signal. To do.

  A signal indicating “no print job” is output from the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1, and the main image forming apparatus 1 control unit 11 (print job management unit) determines that there is no print job (standby print job) of the sub image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 In order to place the image forming apparatus 3 in the “standby state”, a power control signal (a signal for turning off a power switch controlled by software) is output to the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 (step S54). ).

  When the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 receives the power control signal output from the main image forming apparatus 1, a power switch controlled by software of the own apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3) according to the power control signal. Is turned off (step S55). As a result, power supply from the power source (not shown) installed in the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the image forming unit 17 and the like is stopped, and the sub image forming apparatus 3 enters the “standby state”.

  On the other hand, a signal indicating that “a print job exists” is output from the control unit 11 (notification unit) of the sub image forming apparatus 3 to the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1, and the main image is displayed. When the control unit 11 of the forming apparatus 1 determines that there is a print job (standby print job) of the sub image forming apparatus 3, the control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 continues to form the sub image. The presence or absence of a print job in the apparatus 3 is detected. In this case, the sub image forming apparatus 3 performs the printing operation by executing the standby print job.

  The control unit 11 (print job management unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 continues to detect the presence or absence of the print job of the sub image forming apparatus 3 while the sub image forming apparatus 3 is executing the standby print job. . When there is no print job being executed on the sub image forming apparatus 3 and there is no standby print job, the control unit 11 (operation control unit) of the main image forming apparatus 1 controls the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3. On the other hand, a power control signal (a signal for turning off a power switch controlled by software) is output. Upon receiving the power control signal, the control unit 11 of the sub image forming apparatus 3 turns off the power switch controlled by software, stops the power supply to the image forming unit 17 and the like, and enters the “standby state”. To do.

  As described above, according to the image forming system and the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment, a jam or the like occurs in the image forming apparatus that executes a print job (main image forming apparatus 1 in this embodiment), and the printing operation is continued. Even when the other image forming apparatus (the sub image forming apparatus 3 in this embodiment) is in the “standby state”, the print job is sent to the sub image forming apparatus 3 in advance. It is possible to continue the printing operation by executing the remaining print jobs that have been transferred and not executed.

  When the print job by the image forming apparatus (sub image forming apparatus 3 in this embodiment) to which the print job has been transferred ends and there is no standby print job, the image forming apparatus to which the print job has been transferred is set to “standby”. By setting the “state”, useless power consumption of the image forming apparatus can be reduced.

  Furthermore, as described in the first operation, the execution order of the print jobs transferred to the sub image forming apparatus 3 may be changeable.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating a first operation of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a second operation of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a third operation of the image forming system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

1, 2, 3 Image forming apparatus 11 Control unit 12 Image reading unit 13 Operation / display unit 14 Storage unit 15 Compression / decompression unit 16 Image processing unit 17 Image forming unit 18 I / F unit P1, P2, P3 External device

Claims (25)

In an image forming system composed of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to a network,
Of the plurality of image forming apparatuses, at least one image forming apparatus is a main image forming apparatus, and the other image forming apparatuses are sub-image forming apparatuses.
The image forming system, wherein the main image forming apparatus includes operation control means for controlling the operation of the sub image forming apparatus. The sub image forming apparatus includes a notification unit that notifies the main image forming apparatus of an operation state,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the operation control unit controls the operation of the sub image forming apparatus in accordance with the notification.   3. The image according to claim 2, wherein the operation control unit sets the sub image forming apparatus in an operating state when the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state. Forming system.   The operation control unit sets the sub image forming apparatus in a standby state when the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is not performing a printing operation and there is no standby print job to be executed. The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein: The main image forming apparatus includes:
Determination means for determining whether or not a distribution function for distributing printing is specified for the apparatus and the sub-image forming apparatus based on the input print job;
A distribution unit that distributes the print job to each of the device and the sub image forming device when the determination unit determines that the distribution function is designated;
Print job transfer means for transferring the distributed print job to the sub-image forming apparatus,
The operation control unit operates the sub image forming apparatus when it is determined that the distribution function is designated by the determination unit and the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state. State
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the sub image forming apparatus performs a printing operation according to the transferred print job. The operation control means, when the printing operation by the main image forming apparatus cannot be continued, and when the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state, Activate the sub-image forming device,
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the sub image forming apparatus performs a printing operation for the remaining number of copies. The main image forming apparatus includes:
A print job transfer means for transferring an input print job and information indicating a page at the time when the printing operation is disabled to the sub-image forming apparatus;
7. The sub image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the sub image forming apparatus executes the transferred print job and performs the remaining number of copies from the page at the time when the printing operation becomes impossible. Image forming system. The main image forming apparatus further includes a print job transfer unit that transfers the remaining print job to the sub image forming apparatus when the printing operation cannot be continued.
The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein the sub image forming apparatus performs the remaining number of copies by performing the transferred remaining print job. The main image forming apparatus includes:
A print job transfer means for transferring the print job to the sub-image forming apparatus;
When the main image forming apparatus cannot continue the printing operation and the content of the notification indicates that the sub image forming apparatus is in a standby state, the operation control unit Put into operation,
The image forming system according to claim 2, wherein the sub image forming apparatus executes a remaining number of copies of the transferred print jobs to perform a remaining number of print operations. The print job transfer means transfers remaining number information indicating the remaining number to the sub image forming apparatus when the main image forming apparatus cannot continue the printing operation.
The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the sub image forming apparatus executes a remaining print job based on the transferred remaining number information and performs a printing operation for the remaining number of copies. The sub-image forming apparatus has storage means for storing the transferred print job,
When the printing operation cannot be continued, the print job transfer unit transfers information indicating a page that has been printed immediately before the printing operation cannot be continued to the sub-image forming apparatus. ,
10. The sub-image forming apparatus executes a print operation for the remaining number of copies by executing a print job stored in the storage unit from a page indicated by the transferred information or a next page. The image forming system described in 1.   At least one of the main image forming apparatus and the sub image forming apparatus further includes a print job management unit that changes the execution order of print jobs stored in the storage unit of the sub image forming apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 11.   13. The sub-image forming apparatus further includes notification means for notifying an operator of a state in which the operation is controlled by the main image forming apparatus in a recognizable manner. The image forming system described.   6. The operation control unit sets the sub image forming apparatus in a standby state when the content of the notification indicates that the printing operation by the sub image forming apparatus is finished. The image forming system according to claim 13. An image forming apparatus connected to an external image forming apparatus,
An image forming apparatus comprising operation control means for controlling the operation of the external image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the operation control unit controls the operation of the external image forming apparatus in accordance with a notification of an operation state sent from the external image forming apparatus.   17. The operation control unit sets the external image forming apparatus in an operating state when the content of the notification indicates that the external image forming apparatus is in a standby state. Image forming apparatus.   The operation control unit waits for the external image forming apparatus when the content of the notification indicates that the external image forming apparatus is not performing a printing operation and there is no print job to be executed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the image forming apparatus is in a state. Determining means for determining whether or not a distribution function for distributing printing to the own apparatus and the external image forming apparatus is specified based on the input print job;
A distribution unit that distributes a print job to each of the image forming apparatus and the external image forming apparatus when the determination unit determines that the distribution function is designated;
Print job transfer means for transferring the sorted print job to the external image forming apparatus;
The operation control unit determines that the distribution function is designated by the determination unit, and when the content of the notification indicates that the external image forming apparatus is in a standby state, the external image forming apparatus The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a printing operation is executed in accordance with the transferred print job.   The operation control means is unable to continue the printing operation during the printing operation by its own device, and when the content of the notification indicates that the external image forming apparatus is in a standby state, The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the image forming apparatus is put into an operating state to execute a printing operation for the remaining number of copies. A print job transfer means for transferring an input print job and information indicating a page at the time when the printing operation is disabled to the external image forming apparatus;
21. The printing operation of the remaining number of copies is executed from the page at the time when the printing operation is disabled by causing the external image forming apparatus to execute the transferred print job. Image forming apparatus. A print job transfer means for transferring the remaining print job to the external image forming apparatus when the printing operation cannot be continued;
21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the remaining print job that has been transferred is executed, and the printing operation for the remaining number of copies is executed. A print job transfer means for transferring the print job to the external image forming apparatus;
The operation control means activates the external image forming apparatus when the printing operation by the apparatus cannot be continued and the content of the notification indicates that the external image forming apparatus is in a standby state. State
17. The image forming apparatus according to claim 16, wherein, among the transferred print jobs, the remaining print jobs are executed to execute the remaining number of print operations. The print job transfer means transfers the remaining number information indicating the remaining number to the external image forming apparatus when the printing operation cannot be continued by the own apparatus.
24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein a remaining print job is executed based on the transferred remaining number information to execute a printing operation for the remaining number of copies. When the printing operation cannot be continued, the print job transfer unit transfers information indicating a page that has been printed immediately before the printing operation cannot be continued to the external image forming apparatus. And
24. The image forming apparatus according to claim 23, wherein from the page indicating the transferred information or the next page, the print job is executed and the remaining number of print operations are executed.

Images