JP2007004246A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an Open IF controller operable by being connected with an arbitrary engine or an arbitrary option (a finisher, a sorter or the like), and to provide an image forming device controllable to a new paper discharge option, wherein program capacity can be reduced, without changing firmware of the controller. <P>SOLUTION: Each portion constituting this image forming device is made to have a procedure, a control method, and error handling information for controlling the portion, and information about them is gathered in a PDL part in time of system connection. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a highly versatile image forming apparatus in a network environment of an image forming system including a computer, an image reading apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and the like connected to a network.

  Conventionally, various image forming systems connectable to a network have been proposed. These are determined in advance at the time of design what kind of configuration is possible for the entire system, and by designing the PDL processing device accordingly, it can be designed as a black and white dedicated PDL device, or a sorter device When the PDL controller device is designed, the operation procedure when the sorter device is connected and the operation procedure when the finisher device is connected are combined in advance. When the sorter is actually connected, the sorter control software is used, and when the finisher is connected, the finisher control software is selected and operated, so that it operates regardless of which paper discharge device is connected. Could be designed to be possible.

As another conventional example, Patent Document 1 can be cited.
JP 2004-338198 A

  However, in the above-described conventional method, it is necessary to incorporate software corresponding to all system combinations in advance in the PDL device. For this reason, there is a new paper discharge device (such as a finisher or stacker) that is not initially assumed. When it was created, it was necessary to recreate the PDL controller software. In addition, since there are so many combinations of devices that need to be dealt with, there is a problem that the memory capacity required for the software is increased and the cost is increased. Also, it is necessary to design a printer driver corresponding to all possible configurations for the printer driver that is software on the client side, which is very laborious.

  In order to avoid some of these problems, in order to stop creating different printer driver software for each system configuration, the controllable information of the entire system is defined as a PPD file for each system configuration. One printer driver is used for various systems, and for that purpose, only a definition file corresponding to the system configuration you want to use is created and loaded, so that various attempts to support various systems with one driver software are also made. It was. However, the PDL that controls the system needs to be designed in advance to support all possible configurations of the system, and the PPD file also takes into account all possible configurations, and PPD files corresponding to each configuration must be pre-designed. The user must select and specify the PPD file that matches the image forming system that he / she wants to output, and design the pdL and PPD files assuming all configurations. So it took a long time to develop. Also, in order to deal with combinations of systems that were not initially anticipated, it was necessary to redesign the PDL software and create a PPD file that fits the new system configuration.

  Due to the problems described above, until now, it was impossible to use a controller once designed in combination with an engine with various configurations that were not originally assumed and a system with paper discharge options. Could not create a general purpose, OpenIF controller.

  In the present invention, each part of the image forming apparatus is provided with a procedure for controlling each part, a control method, and error handling information. When the system is connected, the information is collected in the PDL unit and connected to the PDL. OPEN that can be used in combination with system combinations that have not been envisaged in advance by dynamically communicating the functions that are possible with the configured system and the control procedure when that function is selected Provide IF control system. Also, the control commands defined in each part of the image forming apparatus are combined into one, sent to the host, and the host presents and selects a setting command that can be selected from the information by the host. When an error occurs during command execution at each part when transferring to the forming apparatus and executing printing, an error message is roughly generated from the error information defined in each part of the image dispute apparatus in advance. An image forming apparatus capable of being displayed on the operation panel is provided, and an image forming apparatus capable of generating sound information at the time of error from one or a plurality of utterance units of the approximate image forming apparatus is provided.

  As described above, according to the present invention, for each unit, a selectable function name list, a list of commands for realizing the function, error definition information for defining an error, handling information at the time of an error, and a screen By providing display information, it is possible to select and implement various functions by combining arbitrary units and configuring the system without having to decide the overall system configuration in advance and design detailed operations. It is possible to create a device, and there is a merit that it is possible to correspond to a new option without changing the firmware of the controller even when dealing with a new paper output option after designing the controller. .

  Next, details of the present invention will be described in accordance with the description of the embodiments.

[Overview of overall device]
FIG. 1 shows an overview of the entire apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The computers 102 and 103 connected to the network 101 play the roles of a server and a client, respectively. Actually, there are a plurality of clients 103, which are indicated by 103a and 103b in FIG. write.

  On the other hand, multi-purpose network devices 104 and 105 called MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) are connected to the network 101, 104 is a color MFP that can scan and print in full color, 105 scan and print in monochrome This is a monochrome MFP.

  On the other hand, network devices that operate with a single function are also connected to the network 101, and there are a scanner 106, a printer 107, and the like. Collectively expressed in MFP.

  Reference numeral 108 denotes a memory device for data storage connected to the network, which can temporarily store / store various data sent via the network 101.

  Further, although not shown in the figure, other devices such as a client, various servers, an MFP other than the above, a scanner, a printer, and a FAX are also connected.

  Here, on the computer 102 (or 103), so-called DTP (Desk Top Publishing) application software is operated to create / edit various documents / graphics. The computer 102 (or 103) converts the created document / figure into a PDL language (Page Description Language = page description language), and instructs the computer 102 (or 103) with start-up software called a printer driver. The data is sent to the MFPs 104 and 105 or the printer 107 via the network 101 and output.

  In addition, an original placed on the scanner 107 or the scanner unit of the MFP 104 or 105 is sent as image data to the network 101 by instructing it from the computer 102 (or 103) by startup software called a scanner driver. It can be stored in the device 108, displayed on the display of the computer 102 (or 103), sent to the MFP 104, 105 or the printer 107 and output.

  Next, the MFPs 104 and 105 each have communication means capable of exchanging information with the computer 102 (or 103) side via the network 101, and the setting information and device status of the MFPs 104 and 105 are stored in the computer 102 (or 103). ) Side is a mechanism to notify sequentially. Further, the computer 102 (or 103) side has utility software that operates in response to the information, and devices such as MFPs are centrally managed under the computer 102 (or 103).

[Configuration of MFP104,105]
Next, the configuration of the MFPs 104 and 105 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  However, the difference between MFP104 and MFP105 is the difference between full color and monochrome, and in many parts other than color processing, the full color device often includes the configuration of the monochrome device. Therefore, a description of the monochrome part will be added as needed.

  MFPs 104 and 105 are a scanner unit 201 that reads an image, 202 is an RGB-IP unit that performs image processing of the image data, 203 is a FAX unit that transmits and receives an image using a telephone line typified by a facsimile, etc. Further, 204 is a NIC (Network Interface Card) part that exchanges image data and device information using a network, 205 is a PDL part that develops a page description language (PDL) sent from the computer side into an image signal, 212 Is normally through, but is effective when adding and releasing add-on information. Then, the core unit 206 temporarily stores an image signal and determines a path according to the usage of the MFPs 104 and 105.

  Next, the image data output from the core unit 206 is sent to the PWM unit 208 via the CMYK-IP unit 207, and then to the printer unit 209 that performs image formation. Is printed out by the finisher unit 210 for performing

  In addition, the display unit 211 operates as a preview function for eliminating the need to print an image or determining whether the print state is right or wrong.

  In FIG. 2, the finisher 210 can be detached from the engine unit 220 including 201, 202, 203, 206, 207, 206, 209, and 211, and the finisher 210 or the sorter 213 can be connected to the engine unit 220. Further, the NIC unit 204 and the PDL unit 205 constitute a controller unit 221, and the controller unit 221 can be detachably attached to the engine unit 220. The engine unit 220 is a color engine. Therefore, as the print system, the controller unit 221 and the engine unit 220 can use either the color engine shown in FIG. 9 or the monochrome engine shown in FIG. The operation can be performed in combination with the finisher 210 or the sorter 213.

  In addition, as a feature of the present invention, mode information that can be selected as an output mode for each unit, that is, to the finisher unit 210, the sorter unit 213, the engine unit 220, and the controller unit 221 when outputting using each unit. In addition, it holds command information for executing the selected mode, message information at the time of error, and the like. When the power is turned on or when the connection configuration is changed, the finisher unit 210 or the sorter unit 213 transmits the information to the engine unit 220, and the engine unit retains the data as it is or the engine has It is combined with the mode information, command information for executing the selected mode, message information at the time of error, etc., and transmitted to the controller unit 221.

  The controller unit 221 synthesizes the transmitted information, reselects the information that can be selected and operated in the entire system, and controls the entire system.

  Information held by each unit is not limited to the above information, but may include image information to be displayed on the user IF.

[Configuration of scanner unit 201]
The configuration of the scanner unit 201 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in copying a document as a copying machine, reference numeral 301 denotes a platen glass on which a document 302 to be read is placed. An original 302 is irradiated with illumination 303, passes through mirrors 304, 305, and 306, and an image is formed on a CCD 308 by an optical system 307. Furthermore, the first mirror unit 310 including the mirror 304 and the illumination 303 is mechanically driven at a speed v by the motor 309, and the second mirror unit 311 including the mirrors 305 and 306 is driven at a speed 1 / 2v. The entire surface of the document 302 is scanned.

[Configuration of RGB-IP unit 202]
The image processing unit 202 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The input optical signal is converted into an electric signal by the CCD sensor 308. The CCD sensor 308 is an RGB 3-line color sensor and is input to the A / D converter 401 as RGB image signals. Here, after gain adjustment and offset adjustment, each color signal is converted into 8-bit digital image signals R0, G0, and B0 by an A / D converter. Thereafter, a known shading correction using a read signal of the reference white plate is performed for each color in the shading correction 402. Further, since the color line sensors of the CCD sensor 308 are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, the line delay adjustment circuit 403 corrects the spatial deviation in the sub-scanning direction.

  Next, the input masking unit 404 is a part that converts the reading color space determined by the spectral characteristics of the R, G, and B filters of the CCD sensor 308 into the NTSC standard color space. The sensitivity characteristic / illumination lamp of the CCD sensor 308 Performs 3 × 3 matrix calculation using device-specific constants that take into account various characteristics such as spectral characteristics, and converts the input (R0, G0, B0) signal into a standard (R, G, B) signal. Convert.

  Further, the luminance / density conversion unit (LOG conversion unit) 405 is configured by a look-up table (LUT) RAM, and converts the RGB luminance signal into C1, M1, and Y1 density signals.

  When performing monochrome image processing with the MFP 105, after performing A / D conversion and shading for a single color using a single line sensor for a single color, input / output masking, gamma conversion, and spatial filtering may be performed in this order. I do not care.

[Configuration of FAX section 203]
The FAX unit 203 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, when receiving data, the NCU unit 501 receives data from the telephone line, converts the voltage, performs A / D conversion and demodulation operation by the demodulation unit 504 in the modem unit 502, and then performs rasterization by the decompression unit 506. Expand to data. In general, a run-length method or the like is used for FAX compression / expansion, but since it is known, the description thereof is omitted here. The image converted into the raster data is temporarily stored in the memory unit 507, and is sent to the core unit 206 after confirming that there is no transfer error in the image data.

  Next, at the time of transmission, compression such as a run length method is performed on the image signal of the raster image coming from the core unit by the compression unit 505, and D / A conversion and modulation are performed by the modulation unit 503 in the modem unit 502 After the operation, it is sent to the telephone line via the NCU unit 501.

[Configuration of NIC unit 204]
The NIC unit 204 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The NIC unit 204 has an interface function with respect to the network 101, and plays a role of obtaining information from the outside by using a LAN cable or the like and flowing information to the outside.

  When obtaining information from the outside, first, the voltage is converted by the transformer unit 601 and sent to the LAN controller unit 602. The LAN controller unit 602 has a buffer memory 1 (not shown) in its interior. After determining whether or not the information is necessary information, the LAN controller unit 602 sends it to the buffer memory 2 (not shown), and then the PDL unit. A signal is sent to 205.

  Next, when providing information to the outside, the data sent from the PDL unit 205 is added with necessary information by the LAN controller unit 602 and connected to the network via the transformer unit 601.

  Reference numeral 607 denotes a generation device for acquiring error notification audio information from each unit when error information is generated and notifying the error. When error information is simultaneously acquired from a plurality of units, the error information is synthesized. Can be generated simultaneously as a series of sounds.

  Reference numeral 608 denotes a display device for acquiring error display information from each unit and displaying an error when error information occurs. When error display information is acquired simultaneously from a plurality of units, they can be combined and displayed on a single display device at the same time.

[Configuration of PDL unit 205]
Next, the PDL unit 205 will be described with reference to FIG.

  Image data created by application software running on a computer consists of documents, figures, photographs, etc., each of which consists of a combination of character description, figure code, and image description elements such as raster image data. ing.

  This is so-called PDL (Page Description Language).

  FIG. 6 is a part showing the conversion process from the PDL data to the raster image data. The PDL data sent from the NIC unit 204 is once transmitted to the hard disk (HDD) via the CPU unit 603. It is stored in the large-capacity memory 604, where it is managed and saved for each job.

  Next, if necessary, the CPU unit 603 performs rasterized image processing called RIP (Raster Image Processing) to develop PDL data into a raster image. The raster image data that has been developed is stored for each job in a memory 605 that can be accessed at high speed, such as DRAM, for each color component of CMYK, and in accordance with the status of the printer unit 208, again via the CPU unit 603, It is sent to the core unit 206. Both the NIC unit 204 and the add-on unit 212 are electrically detachable from the core unit 206 and mechanically from the printer unit, and can be connected to the color printer shown in FIG. It is possible to connect with the monochrome printer shown.

  The NIC unit and the PDL unit constitute a controller unit 221, and the PDL unit has mode information that can be selectively controlled as a controller unit, command information for executing the selected mode, error information for error handling, and the like. . These pieces of information are called PCD (peripheral control description) information, and the PCD information of the controller unit is shown as an example in FIG.

  The PCD information of the engine and the paper discharge option is merged at the core portion in the engine and transmitted to the controller when the power is turned on or when connected to the controller. This PCD information is further merged with the PCD information of the PDL. FIG. 22 shows an example of PCD information as an example of merged PCD information of the controller, engine, and paper discharge option.

  The PCD information of the entire system merged by the controller is transmitted to the client PC when the client PC is connected, and the printer driver displays a function selector that can be selected by the printer driver. In the PDL language issued from the driver when a child is selected and a job is printed, a PDL command corresponding to the selector described in the PCD information is issued together with image data to be printed.

[Configuration of core unit 206]
The core unit 206 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The bus selector unit 701 of the core unit 206 plays a role of traffic control in using the MFPs 104 and 105. That is, the bus is switched according to various functions in the MFPs 104 and 105 such as a stand-alone copying function, network scanning, network printing, facsimile transmission / reception, or display display.

  If it explains in detail, the following functions can be considered in the flow.

・ Standalone copy machine: Scanner 201 → Core 206 → Printer 208
・ Network scan: Scanner 201 → Core 206 → NIC unit 204
-Network printing: NIC unit 204-> core 206-> printer 208
・ Facsimile transmission function: Scanner 201 → Core 206 → FAX section 203
-Facsimile reception function: FAX section 203-> core 206-> printer 208
・ Display function: Scanner 201 → Core 206 → Display 210
However, the input source of the display function may be the FAX unit 203 or the NIC unit 204.

  Next, the image data output from the bus selector unit 701 is sent to the printer unit 208 or the display unit 210 through the compression unit 702, the memory unit 703 including a large capacity memory such as a hard disk (HDD), and the decompression unit 704. It is done.

  The compression method used here may be a general method such as JPEG, JBIG, or ZIP.

  Next, the compressed image data is managed for each job and stored together with additional data such as a file name, a creator, a creation date and time, and a file size.

  Furthermore, if a job number and password are provided and stored together, the personal box function can be supported. This is a confidential function that can temporarily store data and print out (read from the HDD) only to a specific person.

  For each stored job, when a job is specified and called, the password is authenticated, then called from the HDD, decompressed, restored to a raster image, and returned to the printer unit. Sent to 207.

  The core unit controls information of the entire engine 220 and holds CPD information necessary for controlling the engine itself from the client. This information varies depending on the characteristics of the engine. For example, the information constituting the color engine shown in FIG. 9 and the monochrome engine shown in FIG. 10 are different. An example of configuration information CPD in the case of a color engine is shown in FIG. When a paper discharge option such as the finisher 210 or the sorter 213 is attached, the core unit has PCD information (mode information that can be selected and controlled, command information for executing the selected mode, Error information for error handling) is transmitted to the engine, and the engine has controllable mode information, command information for executing the selected mode, error information for error handling, etc. Merge and hold with PCD information. Then, the information is transmitted to the PDL unit 221.

  The engine and paper discharge option PCD information is merged at the core. As an example of the merged PCD information, the finisher PCD information FIG. 20 and the PCD information obtained by merging the engine PCD information are shown in FIG. .

[Configuration of CMYK-IP unit 207]
The CMYK-IP unit 207 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The data passed from the core unit 206 enters the output masking / UCR circuit unit 706, and the C1, M1, and Y1 signals after the LOG conversion (405) described in the RGB-IP unit 202 are used as the toner of the image forming apparatus. This is the part that converts the Y, M, C, and K signals, which are colors, using a matrix operation, and converts the C1, M1, Y1, and K1 signals based on the RGB signals read by the CCD sensor 308 into the spectral distribution characteristics of the toner. The output is corrected to the C, M, Y, and K signals based on the output.

  Next, the gamma correction unit 707 converts the data into C, M, Y, K data for image output using a look-up table (LUT) RAM in consideration of the color characteristics of the toner, and the spatial filter 708 Then, after sharpness or smoothing is performed, the image signal is sent to the PWM unit 208.

[Configuration of PWM unit 208]
The PWM unit 208 will be described with reference to 1 in FIG.

The image data separated into four colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) from the CMYK-IP unit 207 is image-formed through each PWM unit 208. The (In the case of MFP105, it is a single color.)
In FIG. 8, reference numeral 801 denotes a triangular wave generator. Reference numeral 802 denotes a D / A converter which converts an input digital image signal into an analog signal. These two signals are sent to the comparator 803 as shown in 2a of FIG. 8 and compared in magnitude, and are sent to the laser drive unit 804 as shown in 2b of FIG. The laser beam is converted into a laser beam by a laser 805.

  The polygon scanner 913 scans the respective laser beams and irradiates the respective photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929.

[Configuration of printer unit 209 (for color MFP104)]
FIG. 9 shows an overview of the color printer unit.

  A polygon mirror 913 receives four laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. One of them scans the photosensitive drum 917 through the mirrors 914, 915 and 916, the next one scans the photosensitive drum 921 through the mirrors 918, 919 and 920, and the next one scans the mirror 922. , 923, 924 through the photosensitive drum 925, and the next one scans the mirror 926, 927, 928 through the photosensitive drum 929.

  On the other hand, 930 is a developing device that supplies yellow (Y) toner, forms a yellow toner image on the photosensitive drum 917 in accordance with the laser beam, and 931 is a developing device that supplies magenta (M) toner. According to the laser beam, a magenta toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 921, and a developing device 932 supplies cyan (C) toner. According to the laser beam, a cyan toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 925. , 933 is a developing device that supplies black (K) toner, and forms a magenta toner image on the photosensitive drum 929 in accordance with the laser beam. The toner images of the four colors (Y, M, C, K) are transferred onto the paper, and a full color output image can be obtained.

  The paper fed from either one of the paper cassettes 934 and 935 and the manual feed tray 936 is attracted onto the transfer belt 938 via the registration roller 937 and conveyed. In synchronism with the timing of paper feeding, toner of each color is developed in advance on the photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929, and the toner is transferred to the paper as the paper is transported.

  The paper on which the toner of each color is transferred is separated and transported by the transport belt 939, and the toner is fixed on the paper by the fixing device 940 and discharged.

  The four photosensitive drums 917, 921, 925, and 929 are arranged at equal intervals with a distance d, and the sheet is conveyed at a constant speed v by the conveyance belt 939, and this timing synchronization is made. Thus, the four semiconductor lasers 805 are driven.

[Configuration of printer unit 209 (for monochrome MFP105)]
FIG. 10 shows an overview of the monochrome printer unit.

  A polygon mirror 1013 receives laser beams emitted from the four semiconductor lasers 805. The laser beam scans the photosensitive drum 1017 through the mirrors 1014, 1015, and 1016. On the other hand, reference numeral 1030 denotes a developing device for supplying black toner, which forms a toner image on the photosensitive drum 1017 in accordance with the laser beam, and the toner image is transferred onto a sheet to obtain an output image.

  The paper fed from any of the paper cassettes 1034 and 1035 and the manual feed tray 1036 is attracted onto the transfer belt 1038 through the registration roller 1037 and conveyed. The toner is developed in advance on the photosensitive drum 1017 in synchronization with the paper feeding timing, and the toner is transferred to the paper as the paper is transported.

  The sheet on which the toner has been transferred is separated, and the toner is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 1040 and is discharged in the same manner as a color image.

[Configuration of display unit 211]
FIG. 11 shows the display unit 211.

  Since the image data output from the core unit 206 is CMY data, it is necessary to convert it into RGB data by the inverse LOG conversion unit 1101. Next, in order to match the color characteristics of the display devices 1104 and 105 such as an output CRT, the gamma conversion unit 1102 performs output conversion using a lookup table. The converted image data is once stored in the memory unit 1103 and displayed by display devices 1104 and 105 such as a CRT.

  Here, the display unit 210 is used when a preview function for confirming an output image in advance, a proof function for verifying whether an output image is surely intended, or an image that does not need to be printed are confirmed. This is to eliminate waste of printing paper.

[Configuration of Finisher 210]
FIG. 12 shows an overview of the finisher section.

  The sheet that has exited the fixing unit 940 (or 1040) of the printer unit 209 enters the finisher unit 210.

  The finisher unit 210 includes a sample tray 1001 and a stack tray 1002, which are switched and discharged according to the type of job and the number of sheets to be discharged.

  There are two sort methods: a bin sort method that has a plurality of bins and distributes the bins to each bin, and an electronic sort function and bin (or tray), which will be described later, are shifted toward the back and the output paper is distributed for each job. Sorting can be performed by the shift sort method.

  The electronic sort function is called collate. If you have the large-capacity memory described in the core section above, the so-called collate function is used to change the buffered page order and discharge order using this buffer memory. It can also support electronic sorting functions.

  Next, the group function is a function that sorts for each page while sorting sorts for each job.

  Further, when discharging to the stack tray 1002, it is also possible to store the paper before discharging the paper for each job and bind it by the stapler 1005 immediately before discharging.

  In addition to the above two trays, there are a Z-folder 1004 for folding paper into a Z-shape and a puncher 1006 for punching two (or three) holes for files, depending on the type of job. Each process. Also, the inserter 1003 is used to perform a middle insertion function, and a medium for middle insertion can be put therein. Further, the saddle stitcher 1007 is used to fold the paper into a booklet format and bind the middle of the paper. In this case, it is discharged to the booklet tray 1008.

  In addition, although not shown in the drawing, it is also possible to add binding by glue (gluing) for bookbinding or cutting for aligning the end surface opposite to the binding side after binding.

[Configuration of Sorter Unit 211]
FIG. 18 shows a sorter unit 211 that can be connected to the core unit and the main body in place of the 210 finisher unit.

  The sheet that has exited the fixing unit 940 (or 1040) of the printer unit 209 enters the sorter unit 211.

  The sorter unit 211 includes a movable tray tray 1801 and a stack tray 1805, and can output a sort or output to a designated tray according to instructions from the core.

  As a sorting method, sorting can be performed in a “sort” mode in which sorting is performed for each page and a “group” mode in which sorting is performed for each page.

  Reference numeral 1808 denotes an instruction member that moves the movable trays 1801 to 1805 up and down for sorting.

[Sorter Finisher]
Both the sorter unit 211 and the finisher unit 210 have a known control circuit including a CPU, a memory, a sensor, and a motor, and operate in a designated mode by communicating with the core.

  Further, the finisher unit 210 can be detached from the main body, and a sorter can be used instead of the sorter 211 described later.

  Each of the finisher unit 210 and the sorter unit 211 is selectable and controllable, mode information, the name of the command for executing the selected mode, information on the actual command, error information for error handling, and display on the user IF FIG. 19 shows an example of the PCD information of the sorter unit 211, and FIG. 20 shows the PCD information of the finisher unit 210. Both the sorter unit and the finisher unit transmit their own PCD information to the engine when the power is turned on or when it is connected to the engine.

[Network 101]
Next, the network 101 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the network 101 is connected by a device called a router for interconnecting the configuration shown in FIG. 1 to form a further network called LAN (Local Area Network).

  The LAN 1306 is connected to a router 1305 in another LAN 1307 through an internal router 1301 and a dedicated line 1308, and these network networks are spread over many times to construct a vast connection form. Yes.

  Next, the data flowing through it will be described with reference to FIG.

  There is data 1401 existing in the transmission source device A (1400a), and the data may be image data, PDL data, or a program. When this is transferred to the receiving device B (1400b) via the network 101, the data 1401 is subdivided and divided imagewise as 1402. To the divided data 1403, 1404, 1406, etc., a destination address called a header 1405 (IP address of the destination when using the TCP / IP protocol) is added, and the packet 1407 is sequentially transmitted on the network 101. Send packets to. When the address of the device B and the header 1411 of the packet 1410 match, the data 1412 is separated and reproduced in the data state suitable for the device A.

  In the present embodiment, the user selects a function on the UI with respect to a function that can be selected by the print system that sends the job using the printer driver on the client PC. Then, the printer driver sends the necessary commands according to the selected item to the print system along with the drawing data (PDL or image), so the command corresponding to the selected function is sent at the beginning of the image data. To do.

[Scanner Driver]
Next, the scanner driver will be described.

  FIG. 15 shows a GUI (Graphic User Interface) of a scanner driver for instructing a scan operation on the computer 102 (or 103). By instructing the user, a user can set a desired setting parameter. By instructing it, it becomes possible to convert a desired image into data.

  First, reference numeral 1501 denotes a scanner driver window, and as a setting item therein, 1502 denotes a source device selection column for selecting a target transmission source. Generally, it is like the above-mentioned scanner 201, but it is also possible to bring in an image from the memory 108 or from a thing like a digital camera. 1503 is used to make detailed settings for the selected source device.Click here to enter the device-specific setting information on a separate screen and perform special image processing (for example, character mode / photo mode). It is possible to select and input an image in a processing mode suitable for it. Next, 1504 is an image size column for selecting an image size, 1505 is used to input the resolution, and 1506 is used to select a color mode. Reference numerals 1507 to 1509 are portions for determining the size of the image area, and a unit and length and width are input respectively.

  When the pre-scan key 1512 is pressed after making these designations, the computer 102 (or 103) instructs the device selected in the source device selection column 1502, and starts image input. Here, since pre-scanning is performed, image reading is performed coarser than the actual resolution, and the obtained image is displayed in 1511 as a preview image. In the display, the scale 1510 is displayed according to the unit 1507 of the image area.

  Here, when it is determined that the preview image is OK, by clicking the scan key 1513, this time, the resolution is set. If the preview image is NG, the pre-scan is performed again to confirm, and if the preview image is canceled, the cancel key 1514 is clicked.

[Printer Driver]
Next, the process of transmitting image data from the computer 102 (or 103) to the printer using the printer driver will be described with reference to FIG. The printer driver is a GUI for instructing a print operation. By instructing this, the user can instruct a desired setting parameter and send a desired image to a transmission destination such as a printer.

  Here, 1601 is a printer driver window, and 1602 is a transmission destination selection column for selecting a target output destination as a setting item therein. In general, the MFPs 104 and 105 or the printer 107 are used, but an image may be transferred to the memory 108 for the purpose of storage. When the MFP 104, the MFP 105, or the printer 107 is selected, the controller of the selected device synthesizes the PCD information of all the units connected to the controller and sends it to the printer driver. Then, the printer driver displays the selection items on the screen according to the PCD information received from the connection destination controller together with the columns 1603 and 1602 and the buttons 1605, 1606, and 1607 set as standard. FIG. 16 shows an example of display when the CPD information shown in FIG. 24 is received. Reference numeral 1610 denotes a RESOLUTION selection item indicating resolution, and 300 DPI is selected in the figure. 1611 is a finishing mode FINISHING instructing the finisher, and NO-STAPLE is selected. Reference numeral 1612 denotes a COLOR mode for selecting color or gray scale printing, and COLOR is selected. Reference numeral 1613 denotes a PAPER-SOURCE for selecting a paper feed cassette, and CASSETTE1 is selected as the paper feed cassette. Reference numeral 1614 denotes a COLOR-MODE designated for the engine, and MODE1 is selected. Reference numeral 1615 denotes a duplex mode DUPLEX in which LONG, that is, LONG EDGE BIND duplex is designated. Reference numeral 1616 denotes a PAPER SIZE. Here, A4 is selected.

  The item to be selected here is not limited to the above, and as an engine PCD information, for example, by adding a command for changing the parameters of the gamma conversion unit 707 and the spatial filter unit 708 in the CMYK-IP unit 207, By selecting them optimally, finer color reproduction and sharpness adjustment can be performed on the screen.

  Reference numeral 1603 denotes a page setting column for selecting an output page from the job, and determines which page of the image image created by the application software operating on the computer 102 (or 103) is to be output. 1604 is a number setting column for specifying the number of copies. Also, 1607 is a property key for performing detailed settings related to the destination device selected in the destination selection column 1602. Click here to enter driver-specific setting information on a separate screen and perform special image processing. Can be set.

  When the desired setting is completed, printing is started with the OK key 1605. When canceling, the cancel key 1606 is used to cancel printing. When the OK key is pressed, a job setting command is determined according to the mode set in 1610-1616, and image data is sent from the driver to the controller together with this command. This will be described later with reference to FIG.

[Description of network utility software]
Returning to FIG. 1 again, consider utility software operating on the computer 102 (or 103).

  A standardized database called MIB (Management Information Base) is built in the network interface part (NIC part 204 + PDL part 205) in the MFPs 104 and 105, and the network is connected via a network management protocol called SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol). It can communicate with the above computers and manage scanners, printers, and fax machines connected to the network, including MFPs 104 and 105.

  On the other hand, a software program called a utility is running on the computer 102 (or 103), and necessary information can be exchanged using the MIB by using the SNMP via the network.

  For example, it is detected whether the finisher unit 209 is connected as equipment information of the MFP 104, 105, whether it is currently possible to print as status information, or the name and location of the MFP 104, 105, etc. By using the MIB, such as entering, changing, and confirming, it is possible for each user to read / write information or to restrict read / write by distinguishing between the server 102 and the client 103. is there.

  Therefore, by using this function, it is possible to obtain all kinds of static information such as equipment information of the MFPs 104 and 105, apparatus status, network settings, job history, usage status management, and control.

[Description of GUI]
Next, a screen of utility software operating on the computer 102 (or 103) called GUI (Graphic User Interface) will be described with reference to FIG.

  When the utility software is started on the computer 102 (or 103), a screen as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed. Here, 1701 is a window, 1720 is a cursor, and clicking with the mouse opens another window or transitions to the next state.

  1702 is called a title bar and is used to display the current window hierarchy and title. Each of 1703 to 1707 is called a tab, and is arranged for each classification, so that necessary information can be viewed and necessary information can be selected.

  Here, 1703 is called a device tab, and the existence and outline of the device can be known. In the device tab, there are bitmap images showing MFPs 104 and 105 such as 1708 and 1709, and the state of these MFPs is displayed by messages 1710 and 1711. Details of the device status can be understood by looking at the status tab 1704. Next, 1705 is a queue tab, which allows you to know the status of jobs queued in each device and the degree of congestion of devices.

  Next, the configuration tab 1706 can know the equipment information such as what kind of finisher is installed. For example, the MFP 105 has a finisher, and the functions of the finisher include a stapler, saddle stitcher, folding machine, punching machine, inserter, and a letter-size paper deck that can hold up to 5000 sheets. The remaining amount of paper, or a unit for performing double-sided processing.

  Finally, the setup tab of 1707 can obtain or change the network setting information of the device.

  FIG. 19 is an example of a PCD file of the sorter. In FIG. 19, the description from START SELECT OUTPUT-BIN to END is the function name OUTPUT-BIN, that is, information related to the output bin selection. In the figure, BIN1, BIN2, and BIN3 are enclosed between START SELECT and END. , BIN4, or BIN5 indicates the names of selectors that can be selected by the user, and the following description indicates a command that needs to be issued as a PDL command when the user selects the selector. The command that needs to be issued as a PDL command when BIN1 is selected is JB% SORTER% SELECT-BIN1, which is described after BIN1. PDL commands are shown as examples that start with JB.

  The descriptions from START SELECT FINISHING to END indicate the functions that can be selected with the function name FINISING, the NON SINGLE DPUBLE selector, and indicate NON STAPLE and SINGLE-STAPLE DOUBLE-STAPLE, respectively. If the user selects NON, the command JB% SORTER% NON-STAPLE that does not staple is issued. Similarly, when DOUBLE SINGLE is selected, a command included in the PDL and issued when the user selects is shown.

  The descriptions from START SELECT SORT-MODE to END are related to the function name SORT-MODE. Here, there are three types of selectors: NON-SORT, SORT, and GROUP, one of which is selected by the user. When this happens, any of the commands corresponding to JB% SORTER% NON-SORT, JB% SORTER% SORT, or JB% SORTER% GROUP will be included in the actual PDL data and sent.

  The description from START SELECT PAPER-SIZE to END is a paper size selector used in the print job. FIG. 19 shows that A3, A4, A5, B4, B5, LTR, and 11 × 17 can be selected.

  The description from CONSTRAINTS to CONSTRAINTS END is a description of the functions that cannot be selected at the same time. In FIG. 19, the JB% SORTER% PAPERSIZE-A5 command and the JB% SORTER% SINGLE-STAPLE command cannot be selected at the same time. “A5 size could not staiple” is defined as an error message when selecting them.

  Also, JB% SORTER% PAPERSIZE-A5 and JB% SORTER% DOUBLE-STAPLE commands cannot be selected at the same time. If they are selected at the same time, an error message “A5 size could not staiple” is displayed. It has been shown that.

  FIG. 20 illustrates the finisher PCD file, but the description format is the same as the sorter PCD and is omitted. The finisher PCD also contains error messages and error notification audio information when there are other error messages specific to the finisher, such as no staples, stapling jam, paper ejection device jam, paper ejection device communication error, etc. Stored as data. DISP Data “Staple Jam Error”, “MESSAGE” and “Staple jam Error happened” shown in FIG. 20 are examples of display data and audio data at the time of staple jam, respectively.

  FIG. 21 shows an example of the PCD file of the color controller.

  FIG. 22 is an example of a PCD file of the color engine.

  In the PCD file shown in FIG. 22, there is a description of image data surrounded by PICTURE to PICTURE END. This description is a bitmap screen of an external view of the engine displayed on the user IF. In addition, an external view of the engine is displayed on the user IF of the driver.

  FIG. 23 shows an example in which the PCD file of the color engine of FIG. 22 and the finisher PCD file of FIG. 20 are merged. The manner in which the PCD data in FIG. 22 and the PCD data in FIG. 20 are merged will be described by taking as an example the part surrounded by START SELECT PAPER-SIZE to END in FIG. Taking A3 as an example, there is a description of JB% ENGINE% PAPERSIZE-A3 and JB% FINISHER% PAPERSIZE-A3 commands. This means that when A3 is selected as the paper size selector in the printer driver of the client PC, these two commands are described in the PDL data, and the print data is sent from the client to the controller. Show.

  In this way, commands that need to be issued with the same selection item and selector are merged, and independent selection items in FIGS. 22 and 20 are simply merged.

  FIG. 24 shows an example of the result of merging the finisher, color engine, and color controller PCD files in the controller.

  FIGS. 19 to 24 mainly show a command and a sample of error message information when the command is combined. However, not only error message information when the command is combined but also a job is generated in each device during execution. Error audio information, such as paper out error information due to paper breakage, stapling device no paper, paper jam and jam position information, etc. can also be described as information. , Managed by the device, and when a problem occurs, it is sent to the PDL device in Fig. 6 and displayed on the screen. It is possible to generate sound.

  General error information can be handled in multiple languages, and error messages and audio information in multiple languages can be described in the PCD file of each device. It is possible to select error information in a single language based on preset destination information, and to display and speak at the time of error.

  28 and 29 are diagrams schematically illustrating a data flow when the user selects a mode for data output on the client PC. In FIG. 28, 2701 is a command issued by the driver according to the item selected by the user with the printer driver. The driver reads the PCD file shown in FIG. 24, and the driver displays the screen shown in FIG. 16 shows commands issued by the driver together with image data when the selection items shown in 1610, 1611, 1612, 1613, 1614, 1615 and 1616 in FIG. 16 are selected. Reference numeral 2702 denotes image data sent from the client PC to the controller. 2701 and 2702 are transmitted through the network as indicated by arrows 2703 and 2713 and input to the controller 221 as data 2711 and 2712. 2701 and 2711, 2702 and 2712 are the same data. Next, within the controller, the image data 2712 is raster-converted to become raster data 2722, and at this time, the image data 2712 is converted into image data in accordance with the mode designated by the controller designated by 2711. Then, the command used by the controller is removed from 2711, converted into a command shown in 2721, and transmitted to the engine 220 via 2723 together with the image. Here, the commands used by the controller are commands beginning with JB% CONTROLER%.

  Next, referring to FIG. 29, a description will be given of how a command 2801 and image data 2802 sent from the controller are processed in the 220 engine, an image is formed on a sheet, and sent to the finisher 210. In FIG. 29, 2801 is a command sent from the controller 221 to the engine 220, and is a command corresponding to the output mode originally selected by the user. This data is converted into 2811 by removing commands used by the engine. The engine converts image data in accordance with a command used by the engine and forms an image on a sheet. Then, the formed paper 2812 and a command 2811 for outputting the paper are sent to the finisher 210. Here, the command specified for the engine is COLOR, paper is fed from CASSETTE1, and the mode setting is COLOR-MODE1, and PAPERSIZE is A4, and an image is formed on the paper. The finisher processes the received paper according to a command indicated by 2831 and discharges the paper. Here, an example is given in which output is performed with an instruction that there is no stapling and A4 size.

  FIGS. 30 to 32 show the operation flow of the CPU that controls the paper discharge option, the engine, and the controller, respectively.

  FIG. 30 shows the operation flow of the finisher, starting from 3001, and at 3002, it is determined whether a new connection with the engine has been made. Here, also when the power of the finisher or the power of the engine is newly turned on, it is considered that a new connection has been made at that time, and the flow proceeds to the flow 3003. In 3003, PCD information of the finisher, for example, information shown in FIG. 20 is sent to the engine. Next, in a flow 3004, it is determined whether a request for paper output is received from the engine. If there is no request, the process returns to 3002. If there is a request for paper output, at 3005, an output mode designation command from the engine, for example, the command shown in FIG. 27 is received, and after receiving the paper according to the command, the paper is discharged in the designated output mode. . At this time, if an error occurs in the finisher, for example, if a staple jam occurs and stapling cannot be performed, the error message and error notification audio information described in the PCD file in FIG. The notification is sent to the CLU 603 and the display device 608 and the speech device 607 notify the user of an error. The state of the exchange of the data 3204 and 3205 and the paper on which the image is formed is as described with reference to FIG.

  In addition, the command command to the finisher is that the printer driver interprets the PCD information diagram 24 of the entire system created from the PCD information 20 originally owned by the finisher, and edits and issues a control command corresponding to the function selected by the user Of these, commands for the finisher are commands that the finisher can interpret.

  FIG. 31 is a flowchart of the CPU that controls the engine. Starting from 3101, it is determined in 3102 whether a new controller or paper discharge option is connected. 3103, otherwise it jumps to 3104. In 3103, PCD information such as the information shown in FIG. 20 is received from the paper discharge option, combined with the CPD information of the engine, such as the information shown in FIG. 22, and combined with the CPD information as in the example shown in FIG. Send to. Here, the command corresponding to each mode is the description that the command for the engine starts with JB% ENGINE%, and the command that is processed by the finisher is the description that starts with JB% FINISHER%. Is easy to distinguish. If there are commands for the finisher and commands for the engine with respect to the same selection item, they are converted into a group.

  Next, when the processing is moved to 3104, it is determined whether or not an image output request is received from the controller. If not, the control is transferred to 3102. Receives the control command and image data, converts the image data and forms an image on the paper according to the control command for the engine, and forms an image on the finisher with commands other than instructions for the engine, that is, commands for the finisher. Send it with the paper and return to 3102. The control command from the controller is data as shown in FIG. 26, for example. The state of data exchange received at 3104 and 3105 is as described with reference to FIG. Here, the instruction command to the engine is a command starting with JB% ENGINE%, and only these commands are interpreted by the engine, and an image is formed on the paper from the image data according to the command instruction. The instruction command to the engine is originally the PCD information 22 held by the engine itself, which is interpreted by the printer driver, and the control command corresponding to the function selected by the user is edited and issued. It is a command.

  In addition, the instruction command to the engine originally edits the control command corresponding to the function selected by the user by interpreting the PCD information diagram 24 of the entire system created from the PCD information 22 owned by the engine itself. Of the issued commands, these are commands for the engine, and the commands can be interpreted by the engine.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart of the CPU that controls the controller. Starting from 3201, it is monitored whether or not PCD information is newly sent from the engine at 3202, and the client devices 102, 103a, 103b, etc. To determine whether or not the printer driver has been newly washed. If either one is yes, then go to 3203, and if no, go to 3204. In 3203, the PCD information illustrated in FIG. 23 from the engine is received and combined with the PCD information of the controller illustrated in FIG. 21 to create the PCD information of the entire system illustrated in FIG. Send PCD information. Next, the process moves to 3204, where it is determined whether an image output request job is received from the printer driver. If it is, the process returns to 3205, and if not, the process returns to 3202. In 3205, a control command from the driver and drawing data are received. This received control command is illustrated in FIG. Next, in accordance with an instruction to the controller itself in the received control data, the drawing data is converted into raster data, the instruction data to the controller is removed, and the raster data is sent to the engine together with the instruction data to other than the controller. Return.

  The state of data transmission in 3204 and 3205 is as described in FIG.

  Here, the instruction command to the controller is a command starting with JB% CONTROLER%, and only these commands are interpreted by the controller, and raster data is formed from the drawing data according to the command instruction. In addition, the instruction command to the controller is based on the PCD information shown in FIG. 24 created from the PCD information 21 of the controller itself. The printer driver interprets the control command corresponding to the function selected by the user. Of the issued commands, commands are directed to the controller, and are commands that can be interpreted by the controller.

It is a figure which shows the whole system of a present Example. 1 is a block diagram of an entire image forming apparatus. 2 is a schematic diagram of a scanner unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an RGB-IP unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a FAX unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a NIC / PDL unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a core unit / CMYK-IP unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a PWM unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a printer unit of a color image forming apparatus. 2 is a schematic diagram of a printer unit of a black and white image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a display unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a finisher unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of a network environment. It is a schematic diagram of the data transfer via a network. It is an example of a screen of a scanner driver. 4 is a screen example of a printer driver. It is an example of a screen of utility software. It is a figure which shows the sorter part. It is an example of a sorter PCD file. It is a figure regarding the PCD file of the finisher. It is an example of a PCD file of a color controller. It is an example of a color engine PCD file. This is an example in which the PCD file of the color engine of FIG. 22 and the PCD file of the finisher of FIG. 20 are merged. It is an example of the result of merging the finisher, color engine, and color controller PCD files in the controller. It is a figure which shows the example of control data. It is a figure which shows the example of control data. It is a figure which shows the example of control data. It is the figure which demonstrated the flow of data typically. It is the figure which demonstrated the flow of data typically. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of CPU. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of CPU. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement flow of CPU.

Claims (6)

  In an image forming apparatus that forms an image from electronic data and forms an image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus has a configuration in which at least two physical or logical units are combined and used. It has information on the controllable modes at the time of image formation output, and it is possible to configure one system by combining physical or logical units. Information on controllable modes stored in each unit is An image forming apparatus that can be handled as selection mode information that can be set in the entire image forming apparatus by transferring approximate information to any unit and combining them.   As the first-term selection mode information, information relating to a command that can be set and display information at the time of an error that can be encountered during command execution are used as selection mode information for each unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display information can be displayed on the operation panel of the device when it cannot be executed for some reason despite being transferred.   When the command is set from the host, transferred to the image forming apparatus and executed, the error information defined in the setting mode information of multiple units can be displayed on the operation panel of a single device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.   Information on commands that can be set as early-stage selection mode information and voice message information at the time of error that can be encountered during command execution are used as selection mode information for each unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the message is transferred to the apparatus and cannot be executed for some reason despite being executed, the message information can be uttered to the utterance apparatus of the device.   When a command is set from the host, transferred to the image forming apparatus, and an error defined in the setting mode information of multiple units occurs, multiple pieces of error information are displayed on a single device. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is capable of speaking.   The error information according to any one of claims 1 to 4 is capable of handling a plurality of languages, and can select and display error information in a preselected language. Image forming apparatus.

Images