JP2012244316A - Image forming apparatus and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and control program capable of reducing a load on the development of a system using an option controller.SOLUTION: An image forming apparatus includes: a print control part 32 for outputting to a print engine 11, the raster image data of a print request to be generated in the image forming apparatus and a control command corresponding to the raster image data; a relay control part 33 for controlling a relay device 15 thereby to allow the raster image data to be output from the relay device 15 to the print engine 11; and a print arbitration part 31b for performing exclusive control with respect to the print control part 32 and the relay control part 33 when the print request to be generated in the image forming apparatus competes with a print request to be generated in an option controller.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control program.

  An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral usually has a controller that controls a print engine. There is a technique in which an external controller is connected to such an image forming apparatus, an image signal is generated by the external controller, supplied to a print engine of the image forming apparatus, and printing is performed (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a signal conversion device is provided between the external controller and the print engine, and electrical signals are converted between the external controller and the print engine.

JP-A-9-321920

  However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1 described above, since the format of the electrical signal is simply converted, processing dependent on the print engine needs to be performed by an external controller. Since the specifications of the print engine vary depending on the model of the image forming apparatus, it is necessary to design an optional controller such as an external controller for each type of print engine, and the development burden of a system that can use the optional controller is large.

  In addition, there is a possibility that a print request from an external controller and a print request generated in the image forming apparatus may conflict, and in the technique described in Patent Document 1, exclusive control is performed on the print engine side. In such a case, it is necessary to give an exclusive control function to all print engines in which the option controller may be used, and the scale of the control circuit in the print engine increases. Further, when exclusive control is performed by the print engine, it is necessary to design one of the print engine and the option controller according to the other, which increases the burden of developing a system that can use the option controller.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object thereof is to obtain an image forming apparatus and a control program for reducing the development burden of a system that can use an option controller.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is configured as follows.

  The image forming apparatus according to the present invention can be connected to a print engine that performs printing based on raster image data and an option controller that generates raster image data, and optionally includes raster image data of a print request generated by the option controller. A relay device that receives from the controller and stores it in the memory, reads the raster image data from the memory and outputs it to the print engine, and the raster image data of the print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the optional controller and the raster image data A main controller for outputting a control command corresponding to the print engine to the print engine. The main controller controls the print control unit that outputs the raster image data of the print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller and a control command corresponding to the raster image data to the print engine, and the relay device. The relay control unit for outputting the raster image data from the relay device to the print engine, the print request generated within the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller, and the print request generated by the option controller, and the image forming apparatus And a print mediation unit that performs exclusive control on the print control unit and the relay control unit when a print request that occurs outside the option controller conflicts with a print request that occurs at the option controller.

  Thus, the relay controller and the above-described exclusive control are performed by the main controller of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the control of the relay device and the development of the above-described exclusive control can be performed together by the development of the main controller portion, so that the development burden of the system that can use the option controller is reduced.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In this case, the main controller incorporates a computer and executes a control program by the computer, thereby realizing a print control unit, a relay control unit, and a print arbitration unit.

  Thereby, the relay apparatus is controlled according to the control program for the image forming apparatus. Therefore, the control of the relay device and the development of the exclusive control described above can be performed together by software development, so the development burden is reduced.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In this case, the control program has a print control program for the print control unit and an optional print control program for the relay control unit, and the optional print control program calls a library common to the print control program.

  As a result, an optional print control program can be developed following the existing print control program, and the existing resources (such as a library) can be used, thereby reducing the development burden.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In this case, the option controller generates raster image data and control information, and the main controller receives the control information from the option controller as a print request via the network interface. Then, the relay control unit generates a control command from the control information corresponding to the raster image data supplied from the relay device to the print engine, and outputs the control command to the print engine.

  As a result, the control of the print engine and the handling of the image data based on the print control information are performed by the main controller, so the development burden of the relay device is reduced.

  In addition to the image forming apparatus described above, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention may be configured as follows. In this case, the main controller is connected to the relay device via an internal bus, and the relay control unit controls the relay device based on the control information via the internal bus.

  Accordingly, since the relay device is controlled by the main controller, the processing by the relay device can be made to correspond to the print engine by making the control of the relay device by the main controller correspond to the print engine. For this reason, the development burden of the relay device is reduced.

  The control program according to the present invention allows a computer in an image forming apparatus to print (a) raster image data of a print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than an optional controller and a control command corresponding to the raster image data. A print control unit for outputting to the engine; (b) a relay control unit for controlling the relay device to output raster image data to the print engine; and (c) a print request generated in the image forming apparatus other than the option controller. And a print request generated by the option controller, and if there is a conflict between a print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller and a print request generated by the option controller, the print controller and the relay controller A print mediation unit that performs exclusive control on the To function Te.

  Thus, the relay controller and the above-described exclusive control are performed by the main controller of the image forming apparatus. Therefore, since the control of the relay device and the development of the exclusive control described above can be performed together by the development of the control program, the development burden of the system that can use the option controller is reduced.

  According to the present invention, the development burden of a system that can use an optional controller is reduced.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming apparatus and a relay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating detailed configurations of the job management unit, the print control unit, and the relay control unit in FIG. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a printing process using an option controller in the image forming system shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the print arbitration unit in FIG.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus and a relay apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 1, a host apparatus 2, and an option controller 3. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus having a printing function such as a printer or a multifunction peripheral. The host device 2 is a terminal device such as a personal computer in which a driver for the image forming apparatus 1 and a driver for the option controller 3 are installed. The option controller 3 is a device that generates raster image data based on a print request addressed to the option controller 3. The network 4 is a computer network such as an in-house LAN (Local Area Network).

  The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to an option controller 3, and the option controller 3 is connected to a network 4. The host device 2 is connected to the network 4. The image forming apparatus 1 is connected to a network 4 via a network hub in the option controller 3, and the image forming apparatus 1, the host apparatus 2, and the option controller 3 exist on the same network.

  The image forming apparatus 1 in FIG. 1 includes a print engine 11, a scan engine 12, a panel unit 13, and a main controller 14. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a relay device 15.

  The print engine 11 performs printing based on the raster image data. The print engine 11 performs screen processing and the like on the raster image data, and performs printing by controlling the printing mechanism based on the processed data. For example, an electrophotographic printing mechanism forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum with an exposure device, develops the electrostatic latent image with a developing device, and applies the developed toner image directly or indirectly to printing paper. The transferred toner image is fixed on the printing paper by a fixing device. The print engine 11 performs printing by controlling the exposure apparatus and the like.

  The scan engine 12 controls the image reading mechanism to optically read a document image and generate image data.

  The panel unit 13 includes a display device and an input device, and functions as a user interface. As the display device, for example, a liquid crystal display is used, and as the input device, for example, a touch panel is used.

  The main controller 14 controls internal devices such as the print engine 11, the scan engine 12, and the panel unit 13, and performs various data processing. For example, the main controller 14 outputs raster image data and a control command corresponding to the raster image data to the print engine 11. Further, the main controller 14 is connected to the relay device 15 via an internal bus, and controls the relay device 15 based on the control information via the internal bus.

  The main controller 14 includes a network interface 21, a data processing unit 22, an arithmetic processing device 23, a control interface 24, and an image interface 25.

  The network interface 21 is a data communication device of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark). The network interface 21 is connected to the option controller 3.

  The data processing unit 22 acquires image data from the scan engine 12, outputs image data to the print engine 11, and executes various processes on the image data. The data processing unit 22 is realized as, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit).

  The arithmetic processing unit 23 is a computer having a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and loads a program from a storage device, a ROM (not shown) into the RAM. Execute and implement various processing units. In the arithmetic processing unit 23, a job management unit 31, a print control unit 32, and a relay control unit 33 are realized.

  The job management unit 31 receives job requests from the host device 2 and the option controller 3 and executes the received jobs in order.

  The print control unit 32 controls the data processing unit 22 to cause the print engine 11 to output a control command and raster image data. For example, in the case of a copy job, the print control unit 32 controls the data processing unit 22 to acquire raster image data from the scan engine 12 and performs necessary image processing on the raster image data. The raster image data is output to the print engine 11.

  The relay control unit 33 supplies a control command corresponding to control information received from the option controller 3 via the network interface 21 to the image data transfer unit 43 of the relay device 15 via the internal bus. 43 causes the raster image data to be output. Further, the relay control unit 33 generates a control command from the control information corresponding to the raster image data supplied from the relay device 15 to the print engine 11, and the print engine via the data processing unit 22 and the control interface 24. 11 to output.

  Further, when a printing error such as a jam, paper feed delay, or paper error occurs, the relay control unit 33 notifies the occurrence of a printing error (and error type) from the print engine 11 via the control interface 24 and the data processing unit 22. , And a control command (such as output stop of raster image data) for executing print error processing according to the occurrence of the print error is supplied to the image data transfer unit 43. When the return from the print error is completed, the relay control unit 33 receives a print error return notification from the print engine 11 via the control interface 24 and the data processing unit 22, and responds to the return of the print error. A print error process is executed, and a control command for restarting output of raster image data is supplied to the image data transfer unit 43.

  Further, the relay control unit 33 performs processing dependent on the print engine 11 and outputs a control command based on the processing result to the image data transfer unit 43. As processing dependent on the print engine 11, there are page handling at the time of duplex printing, page handling at the time of printing the number of copies, page handling at the time of using the finisher, printing error processing, and the like. For page handling during duplex printing, reverse output of raster image data (page inversion), insertion of a blank blank page, and the like are performed. Raster image data is repeatedly output as page handling when printing the number of copies. As the page handling when using the finisher, the page order is changed according to the mode such as stapling or automatic folding.

  In addition, the relay control unit 33 outputs raster image data in reverse order (page inversion), dummy blank page insertion, repeated output when printing multiple copies, page order according to duplex printing setting, number of copies setting, finisher setting, etc. Make changes.

  Further, the relay control unit 33 supplies a control command to the image data transfer unit 43 in response to the occurrence and recovery of the printing error, and stops and restarts the raster image data output.

  The control interface 24 in the main controller 14 is an interface for transmitting control commands to and from the print engine 11. The image interface 25 is an interface for transmitting image data to and from the print engine 11.

  The relay device 15 connected to the main controller 14 includes an interface 41 that can be connected to the option controller 3, a memory 42 that temporarily stores raster image data, an image data transfer unit 43, and an image interface 44. .

  The memory 42 stores raster image data received by the interface 41 from the option controller 3. The memory 42 has a capacity capable of storing raster image data for a predetermined number of pages.

  The image data transfer unit 43 reads the raster image data from the memory 42 according to the control command from the relay control unit 33 and outputs the read raster image data to the print engine 11. The image data transfer unit 43 is realized by, for example, an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

  The image interface 44 is an interface for transmitting image data to and from the print engine 11.

  1 has a network interface 51 and an arithmetic processing unit 52.

  The network interface 51 is connected to the network 4 and is a data communication device of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The arithmetic processing unit 52 is a computer having a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and loads and executes a program from a storage device, a ROM, etc. (not shown) to the RAM, and implements various processing units. In the arithmetic processing unit 52, a driver 61, an option driver 62, and the like are realized.

  The driver 61 is a driver for the image forming apparatus 1 and controls the image forming apparatus 1 from a remote location. The option driver 62 is a driver for the option controller 3 and transmits a print request to the option controller 3.

  1 includes a network hub 71, a network interface 72, a control unit 73, a RIP (Raster Image Processor) unit 74, and an interface 75.

  The network hub 71 is connected to the external network 4 and to the external image forming apparatus 1. The network interface 72 is connected to the network hub 71 and is a data communication device of a predetermined standard such as Ethernet (registered trademark).

  The control unit 73 receives a print request (PDL (Page Description Language) data) via the network interface 72, extracts control information from the print request, and causes the RIP unit 74 to generate raster image data from the print request. The control unit 73 transmits the extracted control information as a job request to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network interface 72. This control information includes double-sided printing settings (double-sided printing or single-sided printing), consolidated printing settings (setting of the number of original pages to be printed per page of printing paper), finisher settings, paper source and paper discharge Includes previous settings.

  The RIP unit 74 generates raster image data from the print request. The interface 75 outputs raster image data generated by the RIP unit 74.

  Here, the details of the job management unit 31, the print control unit 32, and the relay control unit 33 of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating detailed configurations of the job management unit 31, the print control unit 32, and the relay control unit 33 in FIG.

  The job management unit 31 includes a job output unit 31a and a print mediation unit 31b. The job output unit 31 a uses a print request generated by the image forming apparatus 1 (that is, other than the option controller 3) (print request for copying, printing of a document received by facsimile, box printing, etc.) and the option controller 3. The generated print request is received, and a job corresponding to the print request is output to the print arbitration unit 31b. At this time, the job information output from the job management unit 31 to the print arbitration unit 31 b includes whether the job is a job due to a print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1 or a job due to a print request generated by the option controller 3. Is included. In addition, the print arbitration unit 31b exclusively controls the print control unit 32 and the relay control unit 33 so as not to execute the job at the same time, and performs the job type (that is, the job based on the print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1). Or a job based on a print request generated by the option controller 3), the print control unit 32 or the relay control unit 33 executes the job.

  The print control unit 32 includes a pre-processing unit 32a and a post-processing unit 32b.

  Based on the control information, the pre-stage processing unit 32a causes the data processing unit 22 to specify the page configuration of the job and output a control command to the print engine 11 or to perform a print error process, and based on the control information. Then, raster image data is output to the print engine 11 corresponding to the page configuration and print error processing. The control command includes information on the page configuration and other commands (double-sided printing designation, finisher designation, etc.).

  For example, when the number of copies is specified in the control information, the page configuration of the job is specified so that the same page is printed a plurality of times. For example, when two copies of a two-page document are printed, the page configuration of the first page, the second page, the first page, and the second page, or the first page, the first page, the second page, and the second page. A page structure is specified. For example, when the use of the finisher is specified in the control information, the page configuration is specified in the page order corresponding to the mode such as stapling or automatic folding.

  The post-processing unit 32b causes the data processing unit 22 to control the output of raster image data based on the control information while monitoring the state of the print engine 11. For example, when double-sided printing is specified in the control information, reverse processing output (page inversion) of raster image data, insertion of a blank blank page, and the like are executed by the post-processing unit 32b. Note that the status information of the print engine 11 necessary for the processing of the post-processing unit 32 b is acquired via the data processing unit 22 and the control interface 24.

  The relay control unit 33 includes a pre-stage processing unit 33a and a post-stage processing unit 33b.

  Based on the control information, the pre-stage processing unit 33a causes the data processing unit 22 to specify the page configuration of the job to output a control command to the print engine 11 or to perform a print error process, and based on the control information. Then, the image data transfer unit 43 of the relay device 15 is caused to output raster image data to the print engine 11 corresponding to the page configuration and print error processing. The control command includes information on the page configuration and other commands (double-sided printing designation, finisher designation, etc.).

  The post-processing unit 33b causes the image data transfer unit 43 of the relay device 15 to perform output control of raster image data based on the control information while monitoring the state of the print engine 11. For example, when double-sided printing is specified in the control information, reverse processing output (page inversion) of raster image data, insertion of a blank blank page, and the like are executed by the post-processing unit 33b. Note that the status information of the print engine 11 necessary for the processing of the post-processing unit 33b is acquired via the data processing unit 22 and the control interface 24.

  The job management unit 31, the print control unit 32, and the relay control unit 33 are realized by the arithmetic processing device 23 executing a control program 111 stored in the storage device 101 such as a nonvolatile memory or a hard disk. The control program 111 includes a print control program 111a and an optional print control program 111b. The print control unit 32 is realized by executing the print control program 111a, and the relay control unit 33 is realized by executing the optional print control program 111b. The option print control program 111b calls the library 112 common to the print control program 111a in order to perform the above-described processing.

  Next, a printing process in the image forming system will be described.

  First, print processing based on a print request generated by the option controller 3 will be described. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating a printing process using an option controller in the image forming system shown in FIG.

  The option driver 62 of the host device 2 generates a print request that is PDL data, and transmits the print request to the option controller 3 through the network interface 51 (step S1). The print request is transmitted to the network interface 72 of the option controller 3 via the network hub 71. The control unit 73 receives the print request at the network interface 72.

  The control unit 73 of the option controller 3 extracts control information from the print request, and transmits the control information of the print request to the main controller 14 through the network interface 72 (step S2). That is, print request control information is transmitted from the option controller 3 to the image forming apparatus 1 via the network. This control information includes double-sided printing settings, aggregated printing settings, finisher settings, paper source and paper discharge destination settings, and the like.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the print request control information is received by the network interface 21, and the job management unit 31 receives the print request control information as a print request from the option controller 3. Then, the job management unit 31 manages a job corresponding to the control information (step S3).

  On the other hand, in the option controller 3, the control unit 73 causes the RIP unit 74 to generate raster image data from the print request (step S4). The raster image data generated by the RIP unit 74 is transmitted to the relay device 15 through the interface 75 and stored in the memory 42 of the relay device 15 (step S5).

  When the job management unit 31 starts job execution, the job management unit 31 transmits a job execution notification to the control unit 73 via the network. When the job execution notification is received, the control unit 73 receives a raster image from the RIP unit 74. Data generation and transmission of raster image data to the relay device 15 may be performed.

  In the image forming apparatus 1, the job management unit 31 causes the relay control unit 33 to execute a job related to a print request from the option controller 3. The relay control unit 33 transmits a control command based on the control information received by the job management unit 31 to the print engine 11 via the control interface 24 (step S6), performs processing based on the control information, and the processing result Is sent to the image data transfer unit 43 of the relay device 15 (step S7). When receiving the control command, the image data transfer unit 43 of the relay device 15 outputs the raster image data stored in the memory 42 to the print engine 11 through the image interface 44 in accordance with the control command (step S8).

  The print engine 11 performs predetermined processing such as screen processing on the raster image data (step S9), and executes printing by controlling the printing mechanism based on the control command from the main controller 14 and the processed data. (Step S10).

  In this way, the printing process when the option controller is used is executed.

  On the other hand, in print processing based on a print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1, the print control unit 32 of the main controller 14 controls the data processing unit 22 to output raster image data and a control command to the print engine 11. The print engine 11 performs printing based on the raster image data and control commands.

  Next, details of job management by the job management unit 31 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the print mediation unit 31b in FIG.

  The print arbitration unit 31 b has a job queue. When the job execution in the print control unit 32 or the relay control unit 33 is completed, the job at the head of the queue is output to the print control unit 32 or the relay control unit 33. And execute. At this time, when the processing unit that executes the job is switched from one of the print control unit 32 and the relay control unit 33 to the other, the print mediation unit 31b includes the downstream processing unit 32b of the print control unit 32 and the relay control unit 33, The state information of the print engine 11 included in the post-processing units 32b and 33b is reset by 33b, and the state information is acquired from the print engine 11 again as necessary.

  When a job is input from the job output unit 31a (step S21), the print arbitration unit 31b determines whether there is a staying job in the queue (step S22). If there is a staying job in the queue, the print mediation unit 31b adds the input job to the tail of the queue (step S23).

  On the other hand, if there is no staying job in the queue, the print arbitration unit 31b determines whether or not the input job is a job due to a print request from the option controller 3 (step S24).

  When the input job is a job according to a print request from the option controller 3, the print arbitration unit 31 b determines whether or not the print control unit 32 is executing a job according to the print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1. Determination is made (step S25).

  When the print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1 is not executed by the print control unit 32, the print arbitration unit 31b immediately outputs the input job to the relay control unit 33 without queuing. Then, the relay control unit 33 is sequentially executed (step S26). On the other hand, if a job according to a print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1 is being executed by the print control unit 32, the print arbitration unit 31b queues the input job (step S23).

  In step S24, when the input job is not a print request job from the option controller 3 (that is, the input job is a print request job generated in the image forming apparatus 1), The print arbitration unit 31b determines whether a job according to a print request from the option controller 3 is being executed by the relay control unit 33 (step S27).

  When the job according to the print request from the option controller 3 is not executed by the relay control unit 33, the print arbitration unit 31b immediately outputs the input job to the print control unit 32 without queuing, and print control is performed. The unit 32 is sequentially executed (step S28). On the other hand, when the job according to the print request from the option controller 3 is executed by the relay control unit 33, the print arbitration unit 31b queues the input job (step S23).

  In this way, exclusive control is performed by the print arbitration unit 31 b of the job management unit 31 so that only one of the print control unit 32 and the relay control unit 33 can use the print engine 11.

  As described above, according to the above-described embodiment, the main controller 14 outputs to the print engine 11 raster image data of a print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1 and a control command corresponding to the raster image data. A print control unit 32, a relay control unit 33 for controlling the relay device 15 to output raster image data to the print engine 11, a print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1 and a print request generated by the option controller 3. When the print request generated in the image forming apparatus 1 conflicts with the print request generated by the option controller 3, the print arbitration unit 31b performs exclusive control on the print control unit 32 and the relay control unit 33. And have.

  Thereby, the main controller 14 of the image forming apparatus 1 performs the control of the relay device 15 and the above-described exclusive control. Therefore, since the control of the relay device 15 and the development of the exclusive control described above can be performed together by the development of the main controller 14, the development burden of a system that can use the option controller 3 is reduced.

  Further, according to the above embodiment, the main controller 14 executes processing that depends on the print engine 11. The relay device 15 receives the raster image data from the option controller 3 and stores it in the memory 42, receives a control command based on the processing result depending on the print engine 11 from the main controller 14, and from the memory 42 according to the control command. Raster image data is read, and the read raster image data is supplied to the print engine 11.

  As a result, when printing is performed using the option controller 3, the main controller 14 executes processing dependent on the print engine 11, so there is no need to design an option controller for each type of the print engine 11, and the main controller 14 Therefore, the burden of developing a system that can use the option controller 3 is reduced. Further, when developing a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses, by changing the main controller 14, the same option controller 3 can be used for a plurality of types of image forming apparatuses.

  The above-described embodiments are preferred examples of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. is there.

  For example, in the above embodiment, when canceling a job, the job output unit 31a outputs a cancel request to the print mediation unit 31b. When the job specified by the cancel request is a stay job, the print arbitration unit 31b deletes the job from the queue and outputs a cancel completion notification to the job output unit 31a. In the case of canceling all jobs, the print arbitration unit 31b deletes all jobs in the queue and cancels jobs being executed by the print control unit 32 and the relay control unit 33.

  In the above embodiment, the option controller 3 is an external controller that is separate from the image forming apparatus 1, but the option controller 3 may be built in the image forming apparatus 1.

  Further, in the above embodiment, a web server is provided in the control unit 73 of the option controller 3 and a web browser is realized in the arithmetic processing unit 23 of the main controller 14, and the screen is displayed from the web server of the control unit 73 with the web browser. Data (web page data or the like) may be acquired, and an operation screen of the option controller 3 may be displayed on the panel unit 13 based on the screen data.

  In the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a document box function. In this case, at the time of box printing, the data processing unit 22 converts the image data stored in the document box into raster image data, and outputs the raster image data to the print engine 11. Similarly, in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 may be provided with a facsimile communication function. In this case, when printing a document received by facsimile, the data processing unit 22 converts the image data received and stored by facsimile into raster image data, and outputs the raster image data to the print engine 11.

  The present invention is applicable to, for example, an image forming system to which an optional controller can be added.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming device 3 Option controller 11 Print engine 14 Main controller 15 Relay device 23 Arithmetic processing device (an example of a computer)
31b Print Arbitration Unit 32 Print Control Unit 33 Relay Control Unit 111 Control Program 111a Print Control Program 111b Optional Print Control Program 112 Library

Claims (6)

A print engine that performs printing based on raster image data;
Connectable to an option controller that generates raster image data, receives the raster image data of the print request generated by the option controller from the option controller, stores it in the memory, and reads the raster image data from the memory A relay device for outputting to the print engine;
Raster image data of a print request generated within the image forming apparatus and other than the optional controller, and a main controller that outputs a control command corresponding to the raster image data to the print engine,
The main controller is
A print control unit for outputting raster image data of a print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller and a control command corresponding to the raster image data to the print engine;
A relay control unit that controls the relay device to output the raster image data from the relay device to the print engine;
Print arbitration in which exclusive control is performed on the print control unit and the relay control unit when a print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller conflicts with a print request generated by the option controller And an image forming apparatus.   The image according to claim 1, wherein the main controller includes a computer and executes the control program by the computer to realize the print control unit, the relay control unit, and the print mediation unit. Forming equipment. The control program includes a print control program for the print control unit, and an optional print control program for the relay control unit,
The optional print control program calls a common library with the print control program;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 2. The optional controller generates raster image data and control information,
The main controller receives the control information as the print request from the option controller via a network interface,
The relay control unit generates the control command from the control information corresponding to the raster image data supplied from the relay device to the print engine, and outputs the control command to the print engine;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The main controller is connected to the relay device via an internal bus,
The relay control unit controls the relay device based on the control information via the internal bus;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A print engine that performs printing based on raster image data and an option controller that generates raster image data can be connected, and the raster image data of a print request generated by the option controller is received from the option controller and stored in memory. Corresponding to the raster image data of the print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller, and the raster image data stored in the memory and read out the raster image data from the memory and output to the print engine A computer in the image forming apparatus including a main controller that outputs a control command to the print engine;
A print control unit for outputting raster image data of a print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller and a control command corresponding to the raster image data to the print engine;
A relay control unit that controls the relay device to output the raster image data from the relay device to the print engine;
A print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller and a print request generated in the option controller are received, and a print request generated in the image forming apparatus and other than the option controller is received by the option controller. A print arbitration unit that performs exclusive control on the print control unit and the relay control unit when there is a conflict with a generated print request;
Control program to function.

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