JP2024042937A - Cooperation device and information storage control program - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a linking device and information storage control program that can easily reset predetermined data such as setting data without causing setting errors or data corruption in a linking device in which multiple processing units are linked. [Solution] A printing system in which a first printing device 20 and a second printing unit 40 are linked via a first reversing device 30, in which the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first reversing device 30 each have storage units 35, 45, 37 that store their own information as well as information on other devices other than themselves, and are equipped with control units 28, 44 that use data stored in the storage units 35, 45, 37 to re-store the predetermined data stored in the storage units 35, 45, 37 using data stored in the storage units of the other devices depending on the state of discrepancies between the information on the other devices other than themselves stored in the storage units 35, 45, 37 and the information on the other devices currently linked. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a cooperation device that connects a first processing section and a second processing section via a relay section, and an information storage control program executed in the cooperation device.

Conventionally, printing systems have been proposed that include a plurality of printing devices connected in series in the conveyance direction of a print medium.

This type of printing system allows for faster printing processing and improved productivity when printing on both sides of a print medium compared to conventional switchback-type printing devices.

JP 2003-140971 A

Here, the printing system as described above is configured by connecting a plurality of printing devices, but for example, if one of the printing devices breaks down and it cannot be replaced with another printing device. This may become necessary, or there may be cases where one of the plurality of printing devices is replaced with a different type of printing device.

In such a case, it is necessary to inherit setting data between the printing device before replacement and the printing device after replacement, or to reconfigure the setting data and the like in the printing device after replacement.

Conventionally, setting data was inherited by, for example, storing the setting data in a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory connected to the printing device before replacement, and then connecting the USB memory to the printing device after replacement. was. Alternatively, the setting data set in the printing device before replacement is printed as a list, and the setting data is reset in the printing device after replacement while looking at the printout.

However, methods such as inheriting configuration data using a USB memory and reconfiguring using a printed material with configuration data require manual handling, which can lead to configuration errors, data corruption, and increased configuration work. There's a problem.

Note that Patent Document 1 proposes a method of detecting falsification of data and resetting the original data. There are no suggestions as to how to properly reconfigure the original data.

In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a linked device and an information storage control program that can easily reconfigure specified data such as configuration data without causing configuration errors or data corruption in a linked device in which multiple processing units are connected, such as the printing system described above.

The cooperation device of the present invention is a cooperation device that connects a first processing section and a second processing section via a relay section, wherein the first processing section, the second processing section, and the relay section store their own information. At the same time, each has a storage section for storing information on other sections other than itself, and the information on other sections other than itself and the current information stored in the storage sections of the first processing section, second processing section and relay section. The predetermined data stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, or the relay unit is stored in accordance with the discrepancy state of the own information stored in the storage unit of the other connected unit. , a control unit that re-stores data using data stored in a storage unit of another unit.

The information storage control program of the present invention is an information storage control program executed in a control unit of a linked device that connects a first processing unit and a second processing unit via a relay unit, and causes the control unit to execute the steps of storing its own information and storing information of other units other than itself in the memory units provided in the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit, respectively, and re-storing predetermined data stored in the first processing unit, the second processing unit, or the memory unit of the relay unit using data of other units depending on the state of discrepancy between the information of other units other than itself stored in the memory units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit and its own information stored in the memory units of the other units currently connected.

According to the linkage device and information storage control program of the present invention, the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit each store their own information in a memory unit, as well as information about other units. Depending on the state of discrepancies between the information about other units stored in the memory units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit and the information about the device itself stored in the memory units of the other units to which it is currently connected, the specified data stored in the first processing unit, the second processing unit, or the relay unit's memory unit is re-stored using the data of the other units. This allows data such as setting information to be easily re-configured without causing setting errors or data corruption.

A diagram showing a schematic configuration of a printing system using an embodiment of a cooperation device of the present invention A block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the control system of the printing system shown in FIG. Flowchart showing the process of checking the consistency of setting data of upstream and downstream machines and re-storing setting data. A diagram showing an example of a setting data re-storage process based on the states of flag 1 and flag 2. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting data re-storage selection screen; Diagram showing an example of the re-memory data selection screen Flowchart showing the flow of counter tampering check processing A diagram showing an example of a counter value re-storing process based on the states of counter flag 1 and counter flag 2. Diagram showing an example of the counter re-memory selection screen

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a printing system using an embodiment of a cooperation device of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a printing system 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the printing system 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. The printing system 1 of this embodiment is characterized by a method of resetting setting data, but first, the overall configuration of the printing system 1 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 of this embodiment includes a paper feeder 10, a first printing device 20, a first inversion device 30, a second printing device 40, and a paper discharge device 60. In the printing system 1 of this embodiment, the paper feeder 10 and the first printing device 20 correspond to the first processing unit of the present invention, the first inversion device 30 corresponds to the relay unit of the present invention, and the second printing device 40 and the paper discharge device 60 correspond to the second processing unit of the present invention. In the following description, the paper feeder 10 and the first printing device 20, which correspond to the first processing unit of the present invention, are collectively referred to as the upstream machine, and the second printing device 40 and the paper discharge device 60 (including the second inversion device 50), which correspond to the second processing unit of the present invention, are collectively referred to as the downstream machine.

The printing system 1 receives first print data for the first printing device 20 and second printing data for the second printing device 40, which are transmitted from a printing control device 100 (see FIG. 2) such as a personal computer functioning as a RIP controller. Receive data. The first print data and the second print data are print jobs that include image data to be printed and printing conditions.

The first print data is stored in a storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20, which will be described later, and the second print data is stored in a storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40, which will be described later. The first print data and the second print data are stored together with the job name of the print job, the name of the user who sent the print job (owner name of the print job), etc. They are individually managed by the control unit 44 of the device 40.

The paper feeding device 10, the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, the second printing device 40, and the paper ejecting device 60 are arranged in series on the conveyance path of the printing medium S (for example, paper).

In FIG. 1, the straight conveyance paths R1, R4-1, R5, R6-1 and discharge path R7 of the printing medium S are shown as solid lines, the circular conveyance path R2 is shown as a dashed line, and the reverse conveyance paths R3, R4-2, R6-2 is indicated by a broken line.

The paper feeding device 10 has a paper feeding tray 11 on which print media S before printing are loaded. Although not shown in the drawings, the paper feed device 10 includes a paper feed roller that feeds out and conveys the uppermost print medium S among the plurality of print media S stacked on the paper feed table 11; A supply drive unit that drives and a paper feed table elevating unit that raises and lowers the paper feed table 11 are set. The supply drive unit and the paper feed table elevating unit are constructed from known actuators.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first printing device 20 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 21, a first print processing section 22, an adsorption conveyance section 23, a first conveyance path switching section 24, and a second conveyance path switching section. section 25 , a pair of switchback rollers 26 , a paper discharge table 27 , a first display section 33 , and a first scanner section 34 . Further, the first printing device 20 includes a control section 28, a storage section 35, and an interface section 36, as shown in FIG.

Multiple pairs of transport rollers 21 are arranged inside the first printing device 20 and transport the print medium S while nipping it.

The first print processing unit 22 performs single-sided or double-sided printing on the print medium S based on the first print data received from the print control device 100. The first print processing unit 22 performs a print process on the print medium S using ink of basic colors such as CMYK and gray. The first print processing unit 22 has, for example, a line-head type inkjet head that ejects ink of each color. Note that in this embodiment, the inkjet method is adopted as the printing method of the first print processing unit 22, but this is not limited thereto, and a laser method or a stencil printing method may also be adopted.

The suction conveyance section 23 is arranged to face the first print processing section 22 . The suction conveyance unit 23 conveys the print medium S using a belt while suctioning the print medium S.

The first conveyance path switching section 24 switches the conveyance path of the print medium S on which one-sided printing has been performed by the first print processing section 22 into a straight conveyance path R1 that continues to the first reversing device 30, a sheet discharge tray 27, and a reverse conveyance path. The route is switched to the circulation conveyance route R2 which continues to the route R3. When the first printing device 20 performs double-sided printing, the first conveyance path switching unit 24 switches the conveyance path of the print medium S to the circular conveyance path R2 after the single-sided printing of the print medium S is completed, and switches the conveyance path of the print medium S to the circular conveyance path R2. After double-sided printing of the print medium S is completed, the conveyance path of the print medium S is switched to the straight conveyance path R1 or switched again to the circular conveyance path R2 so as to be discharged onto the paper discharge table 27.

The second conveyance path switching unit 25 converts the circulation conveyance path R2 of the print medium S into a conveyance path that continues to the paper discharge table 27 and a reversal conveyance path R3 that reverses the front and back of the print medium S by a pair of switchback rollers 26. Switch to route. When the first print processing section 22 performs double-sided printing, the second conveyance path switching section 25 switches the circulation conveyance path R2 of the print medium S to a conveyance path that continues to the reverse conveyance path R3. Then, the print medium S whose front and back sides have been reversed in the reversal conveyance path R3 is conveyed to the first print processing section 22 again.

Print media S that are not ejected to the paper ejection device 60 are stacked on the paper ejection table 27 .

The first display section 33 is provided on the upper part of the first printing device 20 as shown in FIG. 1, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel having a liquid crystal display.

Under the control of the control unit 28, the first display unit 33 displays a setting input screen that accepts various setting inputs from the user.

The first scanner unit 34 is provided with an original, and photoelectrically reads the original to generate image data. The image data generated by the first scanner unit 34 is acquired by the control unit 28, and the control unit 28 generates first print data (print job) based on the acquired image data and stores it in the storage unit 35. management.

The control unit 28 includes a processor (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit, and controls the operations of each unit of the paper feeding device 10, the first printing device 20, and the first reversing device 30.

The storage unit 35 includes, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) in which a specific control program is pre-stored, a RAM (Random Access Memory) used as a working memory area, and a hard disk for storing the first print data (print job).

The storage unit 35 stores the serial number of the first printing device 20, the serial number of the first reversing device 30, and the serial number of the second printing device 40. In this embodiment, the serial number corresponds to identification information of the present invention, and is a number uniquely added to each device.

Further, the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 35 is stored in advance at the time of manufacturing or shipping the first printing device 20, but the serial number of the first reversing device stored in the storage unit 35 is 30 and the serial number of the second printing device 40 were stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 connected to the first printing device 20 at the time when the entire printing system 1 was powered on. The serial number of the first reversing device 30 and the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40 are stored.

Further, the storage unit 35 stores setting data of the upstream machine, and also stores setting data of the first reversing device 30 and the downstream machine. The setting data of the first reversing device 30 and the downstream machine is the setting data stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 connected to the first printing device 20 at the time when the power of the entire printing system 1 is turned on. , and the downstream machine setting data stored in the storage section 45, the storage section 53, and the storage section 65 of the downstream machine.

The upstream machine setting data is data used to control predetermined operations in the paper feeding device 10 and the first printing device 20. In this embodiment, the test mode data is used in a test mode operation performed when the printing system 1 is started.

Specifically, the upstream device setting data includes setting data indicating whether the first printing device 20 is used alone, as an upstream device, or as a downstream device, and a dedicated printer. There is setting data indicating driver connection and PS controller connection.

Furthermore, the setting data of the first printing device 20 includes setting data of the number of sheets to be printed in the cleaning cycle in the first print processing section 22, setting data regarding paper conveyance in the first printing device 20, setting data regarding paper jam, and the like.

Further, the setting data of the paper feeding device 10 includes setting data related to paper width detection in the paper feeding device 10, setting data related to paper jam, setting data related to errors in the paper feeding device 10, and setting data related to elevation control of the paper feeding tray 11. , setting data related to paper spacing in paper feed, setting data related to the conveying speed of the paper feeding device 10, setting data related to the paper feeding timing of the paper feeding device 10, etc.

The setting data of the first reversing device 30 includes setting data regarding the transport speed in the first reversing device 30, setting data regarding switching of the transport route, and the like.

The downstream machine setting data is setting data used to control predetermined operations in the second printing device 40 and the paper discharge device 60 (including the second reversing device 50). In this embodiment, the test mode data is used in a test mode operation performed when the printing system 1 is started.

Specifically, the setting data indicates whether the second printing device 40 is used alone, as an upstream device, or as a downstream device, and indicates a dedicated printer driver connection or a PS controller connection. Contains configuration data, etc.

Further, the setting data of the second printing device 40 includes setting data indicating the number of sheets to be printed in the cleaning cycle in the second print processing unit 42, setting data regarding paper conveyance in the second printing device 40, setting data regarding paper jam, etc. .

Furthermore, the setting data for the second reversing device 50 includes setting data indicating whether to perform face-up or face-down sheet ejection, and setting data regarding the conveyance speed of the second reversing device 50.

Further, the setting data of the paper ejecting device 60 includes setting data regarding the positions of the side fences and end fences, setting data regarding elevating and lowering control of the paper ejecting tray 61, and settings regarding restrictions on the height of stacking print media S on the paper ejecting tray 61. data, setting data regarding paper jams, setting data regarding errors in the paper ejecting device 60, etc.

Further, the storage unit 35 stores the count value of the number of printed sheets in the first printing device 20, and also stores the count values of the first reversing device 30 and the second printing device 40. The count value of the first printing device 20, the count value of the first reversing device 30, and the count value of the second printing device 40 are basically the same value, but for example, if the count value is falsified, , have different values.

The interface unit 36 exchanges various information with the print control device 100, each unit of the printing system 1, and the like.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the first reversing device 30 is disposed on the downstream side of the first printing device 20 in the conveyance direction of the print medium S. The first reversing device 30 includes a plurality of transport roller pairs 31 and a first reversing section 32 . The transport roller pair 31 transports the print medium S discharged from the first printing device 20 while nipping it.

The first reversing device 30 is equipped with a conveyance path switching mechanism (not shown), and the conveyance path switching mechanism is a straight conveyance path R4 that conveys the print medium S discharged from the first printing device 20 as it is to the second printing device 40. -1 and a reversal conveyance path R4-2 for reversing the front and back of the print medium S. A first reversing section 32 is provided on this reversing conveyance path R4-2. The first reversing section 32 includes a pair of switchback rollers and a reversing drive section that drives the pair of switchback rollers. The reversal drive unit is composed of a known actuator.

The first reversing device 30 is controlled by the control unit 28, and switches between the straight conveyance path R4-1 and the reverse conveyance path R4-2 as appropriate depending on whether or not printing is performed on the front and back sides of the print medium S.

Further, the first reversing device 30 includes a storage section 37. The storage unit 37 stores the serial number of the first reversing device 30, the serial number of the first printing device 20, and the serial number of the second printing device 40.

Furthermore, the serial number of the first reversing device 30 stored in the storage section 37 is stored in advance at the time of manufacturing or shipping the first reversing device 30; 20 and the serial number of the second printing device 40 were stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 connected to the first reversing device 30 at the time when the entire printing system 1 was powered on. The serial number of the first printing device 20 and the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40 are stored.

Furthermore, the storage unit 37 stores the setting data of the first reversing device 30 described above.

Further, the storage unit 37 stores the count value of the number of printed sheets in the first reversing device 30, and also stores the count values of the first printing device 20 and the second printing device 40. The count value of the first printing device 20, the count value of the first reversing device 30, and the count value of the second printing device 40 are basically the same value, but for example, if the count value is falsified, , have different values.

Next, as shown in FIG. 1, the second printing device 40 is disposed on the downstream side of the first reversing section 32 in the conveyance direction of the print medium S. The second printing device 40 includes a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 41 , a second print processing section 42 , a suction conveyance section 43 , a second display section 47 , and a second scanner section 48 . Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the second printing device 40 includes a control section 44, a storage section 45, and an interface section 46.

Multiple pairs of transport rollers 41 are arranged inside the second printing device 40 and transport the print medium S while nipping it.

The second print processing unit 42 performs single-sided printing on the back side of the print medium S that has been transported from the first printing device 20 and has been printed on the front side, based on the second print data received from the print control device 100, for example. The second print processing unit 42 performs printing on the print medium S using inks of basic colors such as CMYK and gray.

Note that the second print processing unit 42 may print on the print medium S using magnetic ink such as MICR ink. Further, the second print processing unit 42 may print on the print medium S using special color ink of a color other than the basic color such as transparent color ink, UV ink, or the like.

The second print processing section 42 has a line head type inkjet head. In addition, in this embodiment, the inkjet method is adopted as the printing method of the second print processing section 42, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a laser method or a stencil printing method may be adopted.

The suction conveyance section 43 is arranged to face the second print processing section 42 . The suction conveyance section 43 conveys the print medium S using a belt while suctioning the print medium S.

Note that, like the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40 also has a first conveyance path switching section 24, a second conveyance path switching section 25, a pair of switchback rollers 26, a paper discharge tray 27, etc. It may be possible to perform double-sided printing on the medium S.

The second display section 47 is provided on the upper part of the second printing device 40 as shown in FIG. 1, and is composed of, for example, a touch panel having a liquid crystal display.

The second display unit 47, under the control of the control unit 44, displays a setting input screen that accepts various setting inputs by the user.

The second scanner unit 48 is provided with an original, and photoelectrically reads the original to generate image data. The image data generated by the second scanner unit 48 is acquired by the control unit 44, and the control unit 44 generates second print data (print job) based on the acquired image data and stores it in the storage unit 45. management.

The control unit 44 has a processor (e.g., a CPU) that functions as an arithmetic processing device and controls the operation of each part of the second printing device 40.

The storage unit 45 includes a ROM in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, a RAM used as a working storage area, a hard disk that stores the second print data (print job) received by the second printing device 40, and the like. .

The storage unit 45 also stores the serial number of the second printing device 40, the serial number of the first printing device 20, and the serial number of the first reversing device 30.

Further, the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 45 is stored in advance at the time of manufacturing or shipping the second printing device 40, but the serial number of the first printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 45 is 20 and the serial number of the first reversing device 30 were stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 connected to the second printing device 40 at the time when the entire printing system 1 was powered on. The serial number of the first printing device 20 and the serial number of the first reversing device 30 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 are stored.

Further, the storage unit 45 stores the setting data of the downstream machine described above, and also stores the setting data of the upstream machine and the first reversing device 30. The setting data of the upstream machine and the first reversing device 30 is the setting data of the upstream machine stored in the storage unit 35 of the upstream machine connected to the second printing device 40 at the time when the power of the entire printing system 1 is turned on. And the setting data stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 is stored.

The memory unit 45 also stores the count value of the number of printed sheets in the second printing device 40, as well as the count values of the first printing device 20 and the first inverting device 30. The count values of the first printing device 20, the first inverting device 30, and the second printing device 40 are basically the same value, but will be different values if, for example, the count values are tampered with.

The interface section 46 exchanges various information with the print control device 100, each section of the printing system 1, and the like.

Next, the paper ejection device 60 includes a second reversing device 50, a paper ejection tray 61, a top surface detection sensor 62, and a paper ejection tray elevation drive section 63 (see FIG. 2).

The second reversing device 50 is disposed on the downstream side of the second printing device 40 in the conveyance direction of the print medium S. The second reversing device 50 includes a plurality of conveying roller pairs 51 and a second reversing section 52, as shown in FIG. The transport roller pair 51 transports the print medium S discharged from the second printing device 40 while nipping it.

The second reversing device 50 is equipped with a conveyance path switching mechanism (not shown), and the conveyance path switching mechanism is a straight conveyance path R6-- which conveys the print medium S discharged from the second printing device 40 as it is to the paper discharge device 60. 1 and a reversing conveyance path R6-2 for reversing the front and back of the print medium S. A second reversing section 52 is provided on the reversing conveyance path R6-2. The second reversing section 52 includes a pair of switchback rollers and a reversing drive section that drives the pair of switchback rollers. The reversal drive unit is composed of a known actuator.

The second reversing device 50 is controlled by the control unit 44, and the second reversing device 50 appropriately selects the straight conveyance path R6-1 and the reverse conveyance path depending on whether the print medium S that has been printed is discharged face-up or face-down. Switch route R6-2.

The second inversion device 50 also has a memory unit 53. The memory unit 53 stores the setting data of the second inversion device 50 described above.

Print media S discharged from the second reversing device 50, that is, print media S subjected to printing processing, are sequentially stacked on the paper discharge tray 61. The paper ejection table 61 is raised and lowered by driving of the paper ejection table elevating drive unit 63. Note that the paper ejection table 61 may be a paper ejection table having a conveyance unit such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor on which the print medium S is loaded.

The top surface detection sensor 62 detects the height of the stacking surface of the paper delivery tray 61, that is, the height of the topmost print medium S (the height of the top surface of the paper delivery tray 61 when no printing medium S is loaded). This is a sensor for detection. The upper surface detection sensor 62 includes, for example, a light emitting section that emits light (shown by a dotted line in FIG. 1) horizontally to a height that is a desired loading surface, and a light receiving section that receives this light. When the light emitted by the light emitting section of the top surface detection sensor 62 is blocked by the print medium S and the light receiving section of the top surface detection sensor 62 does not receive the light, the control section 64, which will be described later, controls the paper ejection table 61, for example, by adjusting the number of print media S. The paper ejection tray lift drive unit 63 is controlled to lower the paper ejection tray by the height corresponding to the number of sheets.

The paper ejection table elevation drive section 63 raises and lowers the paper ejection table 61. The paper ejection table lifting/lowering drive section 63 is, for example, an actuator such as a motor.

The control unit 64 includes a processor (for example, a CPU) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit, and controls the operation of each unit of the paper ejecting device 60 (including the second reversing device 50).

The storage unit 65 includes a ROM in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, a RAM used as a working storage area, and the like. Furthermore, the storage unit 65 stores setting data for the paper ejecting device 60 described above.

The interface unit 66 exchanges various information with the print control device 100, each unit of the printing system 1, and the like.

Next, the flow of processing of the printing system 1 of this embodiment will be explained. Here, the process of checking the consistency of the setting data of the upstream machine and the downstream machine and the process of re-storing the setting data will be mainly explained. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process of checking the consistency of the setting data of the upstream machine and the downstream machine and the process of re-storing the setting data.

First, the entire printing system 1 is powered on (S10). Then, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 executes serial number check 1 when the power is turned on (S12). Specifically, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 reads and acquires the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40, and also controls the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20. The serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 is read out, and the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40 and the serial number stored in the first printing device 20 are read out. 2. Compare the serial numbers of the printing devices 40. Note that the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is the serial number of the downstream machine connected to the upstream machine including the first printing device 20 when the power was last turned on. 2 is the serial number of the printing device 40.

Then, if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are different, the control unit 28 turns on flag 1 (S14). On the other hand, if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are the same, flag 1 remains OFF.

Subsequently, the control unit 28 executes serial number check 2 (S16). Specifically, the control unit 28 reads and acquires the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30, and also reads out the serial number stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20. The serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first reversing device 30 and the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 are read out. Compare numbers. Note that the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 indicates that the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 indicates whether the serial number of the second printing device 40 is connected to an upstream machine including the first printing device 20 when the power was last turned on. This is the serial number of the second printing device 40 of the downstream machine.

Then, if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are different, the control unit 28 turns on flag 2 (S18). On the other hand, if the serial numbers of these second printing devices 40 are the same, flag 2 remains OFF.

Then, the control unit 28 checks the states of flag 1 and flag 2, and changes the operation at startup depending on these states. Specifically, the control unit 28 determines which of patterns 1 to 5 shown in FIG. to change the startup behavior.

If both flag 1 and flag 2 are OFF, the control unit 28 determines that there is no change in the downstream equipment, and executes pattern 1. Specifically, the process proceeds to counter tampering check process, which will be described later, without performing the process of re-storing the setting data (S22).

In addition, when flag 1 = OFF and flag 2 = ON, that is, when the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is the same as the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40, but the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 is different from the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first reversing device 30, the control unit 28 executes pattern 2 (S24). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the first reversing device 30 has been replaced, and starts both the upstream machine and the downstream machine as normal. After that, the setting data of the upstream machine and the downstream machine stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is stored in the memory unit 37 of the first reversing device 30.

Further, when flag 1 = ON and flag 2 = OFF, the control unit 28 controls the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 and the serial number stored in the second printing device 40. Although the serial numbers of the second printing device 40 are different, the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 and the serial number of the second printing device 40 stored in the first reversing device 30 are the same. If so, pattern 3 is executed (S26). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the upstream machine starts up as usual, but the downstream machine has been replaced. Then, the control unit 28 reads out the setting data of the downstream machine stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and stores the data in the storage unit 45 of the newly installed second printing device 40 and the second reversing device 50. 53 and the storage section 65 of the paper ejecting device 60.

Further, the control unit 28 executes serial number check 3 when both flag 1 and flag 2 are ON, that is, when there is a possibility that either the upstream machine or the downstream machine has been changed. (S28). Specifically, the control unit 28 uses the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 and the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40. Compare with the serial number. Then, if the serial numbers of these first printing devices 20 are the same, pattern 4 is executed (S32). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the downstream device starts up as usual, but the upstream device has been replaced. Then, the control unit 28 reads out the setting data of the upstream machine stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40, and re-stores it in the storage unit 35 of the newly installed first printing device 20.

In the serial number check 3, the control unit 28 also checks the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 and the serial number of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40. If the serial number of the printing device 20 is different, pattern 5 is executed (S30). Specifically, the control unit 28 determines that there is a possibility that all of the upstream machine, the first reversing device 30, and the downstream machine have been changed. Then, the control unit 28 causes the first display unit 33 to display a setting data re-storage selection screen as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 5, the setting data re-storage selection screen displays a "Restore" button and a "Do not restore" button.

When the “Restore” button is selected by the user, the control unit 28 reads out the setting data of the downstream machine stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 and stores it in the storage unit of the second printing device 40. 45, the data is stored again in the storage unit 53 of the second reversing device 50 and the storage unit 65 of the paper discharge device 60. On the other hand, if the user selects the "Do not restore" button, the control unit 28 causes the first display unit 33 to display a message prompting the user to manually reset the setting data of the downstream device.

Note that if the "Restore" button is selected on the settings data re-storage selection screen shown in FIG. 5, a re-storage data selection screen as shown in FIG. It may be possible. For example, when re-storing the test mode data used in the test mode operation as described above, the "TM Data" button on the re-storing data selection screen shown in FIG. 6 is selected, and the "Execute" button is selected. By doing so, the above-mentioned setting data is re-stored. In addition, on the re-storage data selection screen shown in FIG. 6, in addition to the "TM data" button, "optional data" and "detailed counter" buttons are displayed. is re-memorized. For example, when the "option data" button is selected, optional data such as an HCF (high capacity feeder), inspection device attachment unit, etc. is stored. When the "Detailed Counter" button is selected, data on the number of printed sheets for each paper size is stored.

According to the printing system 1 of this embodiment, the own serial number and the own serial number stored in the storage units 35, 45, and 37 provided in the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first reversing device 30, respectively. Setting data stored in the storage units 35, 45, 37 of the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, or the first reversing device 30 is Since the setting data stored in another device is used for re-storing, the setting data can be easily reset without causing setting errors or data corruption.

In addition, the replacement status of the device is determined based on the states of flag 1 and flag 2, and the setting data is re-stored, so it is possible to determine the replacement status of the device with simpler arithmetic processing. .

Next, in S20 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 3, counter tampering check processing is performed when both flag 1 and flag 2 are OFF, that is, when the upstream machine, the first reversing device 30, and the downstream machine are not replaced. I will explain about it. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of counter tampering check processing.

First, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 executes counter check 1 (S34). Specifically, the control unit 28 of the first printing device 20 acquires the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 45 of the second printing device 40, reads the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and compares the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the second printing device 40 with the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20. Note that the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is the counter value of the second printing device 40, which is a downstream machine connected to the upstream machine including the first printing device 20, at the time of the previous power ON.

Then, if the counter values of these second printing devices 40 are different, the control unit 28 turns on the counter flag 1 (S36). On the other hand, if the counter values of these second printing devices 40 are the same, the counter flag 1 remains OFF.

Then, the control unit 28 executes counter check 2 (S38). Specifically, the control unit 28 acquires the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 37 of the first reversing device 30, reads out the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and compares the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first reversing device 30 with the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20. Note that the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20 is the counter value of the second printing device 40, which is a downstream machine connected to the upstream machine including the first printing device 20, at the time of the previous power ON as described above.

Then, if the counter values of these second printing devices 40 are different, the control unit 28 turns on the counter flag 2 (S40). On the other hand, if the counter values of these second printing devices 40 are the same, the counter flag 2 remains OFF.

Then, the control unit 28 checks the counter flag 1 and the counter flag 2, and determines the possibility of counter tampering based on these states. Specifically, the control unit 28 determines which of patterns 1 to 5 shown in FIG. 8 belongs to based on the states of counter flag 1 and counter flag 2, and based on the determined patterns 1 to 5. Then, the possibility of tampering with the counter is determined, and the counter value is re-stored.

Specifically, if both counter flag 1 and counter flag 2 are OFF, the control unit 28 determines that the counter value has not been tampered with, and executes pattern 1 (S44). Specifically, it starts up as usual without performing the process of re-storing the counter value.

Further, when counter flag 1 = OFF and counter flag 2 = ON, the control unit 28 controls the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 and the counter value stored in the second printing device 40. The counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 and the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first reversing device 30 are the same. If the values are different, pattern 2 is executed (S46). Specifically, the control unit 28 determines that there is a possibility that the first reversing device 30 has been tampered with, and the downstream device starts up as usual, but the upstream device starts up the second reversing device 30 stored in the first printing device 20. Assuming that the counter value of the printing device 40 is correct, this counter value is stored again in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30.

Further, when counter flag 1 = ON and counter flag 2 = OFF, the control unit 28 controls the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 and the counter value stored in the second printing device 40. The counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first printing device 20 and the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the first reversing device 30 are different. If they are the same, pattern 3 is executed (S4846). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the upstream machine starts up normally, but the counter value of the second printing device 40 has been tampered with. Then, the control unit 28 reads the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20 and re-stores it in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40 .

If both counter flags 1 and 2 are ON, the control unit 28 executes counter check 3 (S50). Specifically, the control unit 28 compares the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the memory unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 with the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the memory unit 45 of the second printing device 40. If the counter values of the first printing device 20 are the same, pattern 4 is executed (S54). Specifically, the control unit 28 recognizes that the downstream machine starts up normally, but that the counter of the first printing device 20 has been tampered with. The control unit 28 then reads out the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the memory unit 45 of the second printing device 40, and re-stores it in the memory unit 35 of the first printing device 20.

Further, in the serial number check 3, the control unit 28 checks the counter value of the first printing device 20 stored in the storage unit 37 of the first reversing device 30 and the counter value stored in the storage unit 45 of the second printing device 40. If the counter value of the first printing device 20 is different, pattern 5 is executed (S52). Specifically, the control unit 28 determines that the counter value data of the first printing device 20, first reversing device 30, and second printing device 40 is corrupted. Then, the control unit 28 causes the first display unit 33 to display a counter re-memory selection screen as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the counter re-storage selection screen displays a "Restore" button and a "Do not restore" button.

When the “Restore” button is selected by the user, the control unit 28 reads the counter value of the second printing device 40 stored in the storage unit 35 of the first printing device 20, and restores the second printing device 40. The data is stored again in the storage unit 45 of. On the other hand, if the user selects the "Do not restore" button, the control unit 28 displays a message on the first display unit 33 prompting the user to manually reset the counter value of the second printing device 40. let

According to the printing system 1 of this embodiment, the counter values stored in the memory units 35, 45, 37 of the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first inversion device 30 are re-stored using the counter values stored in the other devices based on the discrepancy between the counter values stored in the memory units 35, 45, 37 of the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40, and the first inversion device 30 and the counter values of the other devices. This allows the counter values to be easily re-set without causing setting errors or data corruption.

Furthermore, based on the states of counter flag 1 and counter flag 2, it is determined whether the counter value has been tampered with and the counter value is re-stored, so that it is possible to determine whether the counter value has been tampered with by simpler arithmetic processing. Can be done.

Note that the process of checking the consistency of the setting data of the upstream and downstream machines and the process of re-storing the setting data according to the flowchart in FIG. 3 in the above embodiment are just an example, and the present invention is not limited to this process. In short, the consistency check may be performed by any method as long as the serial number of the other device (the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, or the second printing device 40) is stored in the memory units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, and the second printing device 40, and the serial number is stored in the memory units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, and the second printing device 40 that are currently connected, and the consistency check is performed based on the discrepancy between the serial number and the own serial number stored in the memory units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, and the second printing device 40. In addition, the process of re-storing the setting data may be performed by any method as long as the setting data stored in the memory units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, and the second printing device 40 is re-stored using the setting data stored in the other device.

Further, the counter tampering check process according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 in the above embodiment is also an example, and the present invention is not limited to this process. Regarding counter tampering check, in short, the storage units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, the first reversing device 30, and the second printing device 40 are stored in other devices (the first printing device 20, the first The counter value of the reversing device 30 or the second printing device 40) is stored, and the counter value and each storage unit of the currently connected first printing device 20, first reversing device 30, and second printing device 40 are stored. Any method may be used to check for tampering as long as it is based on the state of discrepancy with the own counter values stored in 35, 37, and 45. Furthermore, regarding the counter value re-storing process, the counter values stored in the respective storage units 35, 37, and 45 of the first printing device 20, first reversing device 30, and second printing device 40 are transferred to other devices. Any process may be used as long as it is a method of re-storing using the counter value stored in .

Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented by modifying the constituent elements within the scope of the invention at the implementation stage. Moreover, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

Regarding the present invention, the following additional notes are further disclosed.
(Additional note)

In the cooperation device of the present invention, the information about itself and the information about other sections other than itself can be identification information unique to the first processing section, the second processing section, and the relay section.

In the cooperation device of the present invention, the control unit includes a second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the second processing unit that is currently connected to identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit. and the comparison result between the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the relay unit. Based on this, certain data can be re-stored.

In the cooperation device of the present invention, the first processing section and the second processing section can perform printing processing on a plurality of printing media that are sequentially fed, and the first processing section and the second processing section can perform printing processing on a plurality of print media that are sequentially fed, and can store their own information and information on other sections other than themselves. The information and predetermined data can be values of counters for the number of printed sheets of the first processing section, the second processing section, and the relay section.

In the cooperation device of the present invention, the control unit performs a second process stored in the storage unit of the second processing unit that is currently connected to a counter value of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit. The result of comparison with the counter value of the first processing section, the counter value of the second processing section stored in the storage section of the first processing section, and the counter value of the second processing section stored in the storage section of the relay section. Based on the comparison result, the value of the counter can be restored.

1 Printing System 10 Paper Feeding Device 11 Paper Feeding Platform 20 First Printing Device 21 Pair of Conveyance Rollers 23 Adsorption Conveyance Unit 24 First Conveyance Path Switching Unit 25 Second Conveyance Path Switching Unit 26 Switchback Roller Pair 27 Paper Discharge Table 28 Control Unit 31 Transport roller pair 35 Storage unit 36 Interface unit 37 Storage unit 40 Second printing device 41 Transport roller pair 43 Adsorption transport unit 44 Control unit 45 Storage unit 46 Interface unit 51 Transport roller pair 53 Storage unit 60 Paper discharge device 61 Paper discharge tray 62 Upper surface detection sensor 63 Paper ejection tray lift drive section 64 Control section 65 Storage section 66 Interface section 100 Printing control device R1, R4-1, R5, R6-1 Straight transport path R2 Circulating transport path R3, R4-2, R6- 2 Reversing conveyance path R7 Ejection path S Print medium

Claims (6)

A cooperation device that connects a first processing section and a second processing section via a relay section,
The first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit each have a storage unit that stores its own information and stores information of other units other than itself,
Information on other units other than the self stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit, and information on the unit itself stored in the storage units of the other units that are currently connected. Depending on the state of discrepancy in information, predetermined data stored in the storage section of the first processing section, the second processing section, or the relay section may be replaced with data stored in the storage section of another section. A cooperation device equipped with a control unit that re-stores data using 2. The cooperation device according to claim 1, wherein the information about itself and the information about other sections other than itself are identification information specific to the first processing section, the second processing section, and the relay section. The control unit identifies the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the second processing unit, which is currently linked to the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit. a comparison result between the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit and the identification information of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the relay unit; 3. The cooperation device according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined data is re-stored based on said data. The first processing unit and the second processing unit perform printing processing on a plurality of print media that are sequentially fed,
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the own information, the information of other units other than the own unit, and the predetermined data are values of counters for the number of printed sheets of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit. Cooperation device. The control unit controls the value of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the second processing unit that is currently connected to the counter value of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit. The comparison result with the counter value, the counter value of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the first processing unit, and the counter value of the second processing unit stored in the storage unit of the relay unit. 5. The cooperation device according to claim 4, wherein the counter value is re-stored based on the comparison result. An information storage control program executed in a control unit of a cooperation device that connects a first processing unit and a second processing unit via a relay unit,
storing information about the first processing section, the second processing section, and the relay section, and storing information about other sections other than the storage section;
Information on other units other than the self stored in the storage units of the first processing unit, the second processing unit, and the relay unit, and information on the unit itself stored in the storage units of the other units that are currently connected. re-storing the predetermined data stored in the storage section of the first processing section, the second processing section, or the relay section using data from another section, depending on the state of discrepancy in the information; An information storage control program that causes the control unit to execute steps.